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Saying Good-bye to My Microsoft Surface Pro Ultrabook

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart

UPDATE:  I returned the Surface Pro.  It would have been OK for a travel laptop/tablet (even though it's kind of heavy).  I ended up purchasing a regular laptop (Lenovo ideapad P400 Touch) and after much studying I got the Samsung Ativ Windows 8 tablet with a detachable keyboard.

Surface Pro tablet/laptop combo

I was like a little kid waiting for my contract to end on my prior cell phone so I could purchase the Samsung Note.  It's the best phone I've used and is also the largest.  I'd like it if it was even bigger and my husband makes fun of me by holding my iPad to his ear like it's me talking on my iPad sized phone.  

I purchased an iPad last year so I could always be mobile and I wanted to be able to have contracts signed on it.   I actually have a great pdf/signing app on my phone, but it's just too small to be navigating and signing contracts.  I was glued to that iPad, but realized that the limitations on it would not make it my full-time computer device.

I went out and purchased the Lenovo Thinkpad Yoga hoping it would take the place of both my aging laptop and my iPad.  It was too big! I couldn't imagine lugging that around with me everywhere.  Plus, the apps available were not very good for getting signatures so I returned it.

The hinge is breaking on my laptop and it's so slow I need to replace it.  I read raving reviews of the Microsoft Surface Pro.  I was ready to list my iPad on eBay (although my granddaughter feels she should be next in line for it).  It was sold out everywhere, even at Microsoft. But I found it online through Staples and excitedly waited for its arrival.  I purchased the bluetooth mouse and keyboard for it from my closest Staples.

I had been introduced to Windows 8 through the Yoga and although there's a learning curve, I'm getting the hang of it - somewhat. The Surface Pro is small but it's heavy for its size, even without the keyboard.  I tried using it for my one laptop - for home and on the road. It would have been OK for the road, but it was too small for everyday use.  

I tried changing the size of the font and then the resolution.  If I could read it then it wasn't set-up on the screen correctly and I'd have to scroll sideways.  My eyes were burning and I was getting headaches (which I rarely get).  I wanted it to work so badly.

Thank goodness for return policies because unless we use these products we don't know if they will really work the way we want them to. The Surface Pro didn't work as a main machine for me and IMO was too expensive for a secondary travel tablet/laptop. 

 

Posted by
Judy Orr
HomeSmart Realty Group
18305 Distinctive Dr.
Orland Park, IL, 60467
US
Work: 708-536-8200
Fax: 708-249-0074
 
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Mark Loewenberg
KW of the Palm Beaches - Palm Beach Gardens, FL
KW 561-214-0370

laptop at home for paperwork and the bulk of my work, then ipad for my mobile world.. works for me..

Aug 16, 2013 12:20 PM
Susan Jacobsen
The Alliance Group Realty - Hilton Head Island, SC
20 Years Providing WOW Real Estate Service

Judy - these are such great tips and a wonderful review of just how those tools work. Sometimes when you do research, then go into the store, then listen to the computer IT geek, it just doesn't work! Then just like you did, you get it home and then tear your hair out!

Aug 16, 2013 01:33 PM
Tim Lorenz
TIM LORENZ - Elite Home Sales Team - Mission Viejo, CA
949 874-2247

Thank you for your report.  Thanks for the info.  Have a great day.

Aug 16, 2013 01:56 PM
Kathy Sheehan
Bay Equity, LLC 770-634-4021 - Atlanta, GA
Senior Loan Officer

Good Morning Judy, I always appreciate input on equipment... there is almost too much of a seclection.  I like to hear what works and doesn't work.

Aug 16, 2013 11:06 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

Judy:  I'm going to be in need of something new soon too ... so very glad to get your input on the technology you have seen and utilized.  Interested to see how you like your detachable screen ... I've been considered something like that for my next purchase too.

I agree with Kathy above ... TOO many selections to be aware and educated about!  That gives ME headaches ...  talk soon,

Gene

PS:  Enjoying your clients immensely .. they really have their act together!

Aug 17, 2013 01:00 AM
Judy Orr
HomeSmart - Scottsdale, AZ
Scottsdale AZ and surrounding towns

Mark, the iPad's apps for signing pdf's were too clunky for me (I settled on PDFExpert as it was the best of what I found available - and I paid for the upgraded app).  I gave my granddaughter the iPad for her birthday.  The Samsung Ativ uses the "S-pen" and signing on it is just like signing on paper - it's so much better than the iPad signature apps.

Susan, it was between the Samsung Ativ and the Note and I was tempted to purchase both and return the one I liked least.  I'll write another post about the Ativ but wonder if the Note would have been better. I would have needed to purchase them both at the same time - too late to exchange my Ativ.

Tim, thanks for stopping by.

Kathy, I wish I hadn't purchased the iPad - it was an expensive mistake, but there wasn't anything else to choose from at the time for getting signatures and that was one reason I wanted it.  There's still room for improvement with signature apps and tablets but we get what works best at the time.

Gene, the detachable keyboard on the Surface Pro was the best thing about it - it was magnetized and there were no issues.  I'll write a post about my Ativ - I've tried 2 different keyboards and my current one is OK but it disconnects too easily.  Problem is, no one has them in stock and I'm not sure I could exchange it now. 

 

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