Category: Geeks r Us
So, I purchased a Microsoft Surface Pro, the first generation, and would like to evaluate and review this product for other users, in case you decide to buy one of these.
First Impressions:
Weighing only 2 pounds, the Microsoft Surface is a very small form factor with a lot of processing power. It is powered by an Intel Core I5 (1.7 GHZ), but the newer generation uses a faster CPU. The Surface uses Intel graphics 4,000, and the architecture of the processor uses the IVYBridge configuration. The newer processor is equipped with the Boswell configuration, and is a 4th, where the first has a 3rd gen CPU. There are different storage capacities that a user can buy. For the lowest possible price, you can get a Microsoft Surface Pro from Amazon for around $625. This configuration comes with 4 GB of memory and a 128 GB SSD.
Packaging:
The Microsoft Surface comes in a sleek box, but it still doesn't have a magnetic clasp like the Apple MacBook boxes do. However, the charger is quite similar to that of Apple's, as it uses a magnetic connection. It seems that you have to be more exact with the Surface's positioning of the charger for it to click into place than with the Apple MacBooks. You have to put it closer to the computer. Also, the charger features a USB port, for charging additional accessories such as a cell phone. For an additional $50.00, you can buy a car charger from Microsoft, so that you can charge your Surface on a car trip via the cigarette lighter.
Battery:
One of the most interesting challenges for this generation of tablets, at least the first generation anyway, is the battery life. Expect only about 5 hours, instead of the 6 hour rating by Microsoft; this fails in comparison with an IPad, which lasts a lot longer. For a tablet, you would think the battery would last longer. There is an accessory, which is supposed to be released later in the year, which features a keyboard, touchpad, and mouse, plus an extended battery, which is supposed to boost battery life by at least 60%, but these things aren't cheap and cost a pretty penny. The Power Cover, as Microsoft is calling it, will run you $200.00, but is worth getting if you need some extra power.
Performance:
I haven't had much time to test very many things, as I just received the tablet today. However, narrator works well, but installing Jaws took a very long time (longer than installing it on a traditional desktop or laptop for some reason.) However, Jaws does run on the device, and please check this post later for my notes regarding how Jaws functions on a tablet.
A Note About Touch Screen Support:
Jaws does support the touch screen, and has way many gestures than NVDA; therefore, if you find yourself heavily reliant on touch, I would recommend Jaws.
Keyboards and Type Covers, versus Touch Covers
I have to say I was more than disappointed when I received my touch cover. First, I was expecting it to have real keys, but instead, it is very flat, and works via a magnetic connection to the tablet. It is hard to use at first, because it isn't very tactile and doesn't have very much distinction. If you are willing to get used to it, it can work though. For $130.00 (I purchased it for $58.00 from Amazon), I think it is quite flimsy. Although it's flimsy, you can clean it easily, and apparently if you spill something on it, it isn't supposed to affect or ruin it. I don't plan on testing this, unless I upgrade to a power cover later.
That's about all I can say so far, but will be back with the full review later.
Hi all,
Jaws runs very fluidly, and works great with the touch screen. I wish Jaws would add support for typing and full control using only the touchscreen. For some reason, Jaws doesn't start up as fast as the laptop hard drive that I have in my other computer. I think this may have something to do with the slower processor, but it doesn't affect performance very much.
As far as the touch cover is concerned, I can type pretty fast without making mistakes. Actually, there are little indentations on the f and j keys for markers. For blind users, though, I would recommend a type cover 2, as it has real keyboard keys.
I believe I will be returning this via Best Buy, so that I can purchase the newer generation, as the processor should be faster, allowing Jaws to start quicker, and for improved battery life. I've been using the Surface for a couple of hours on battery, and so far, so good. Currently, I have about 3 hours and some minutes left on it. It's at seventy five percent, but the newer generation has way more battery life, aproximtely 9 hours, and with the addition of the power cover, you can expect 20 hours! I like it so much, that I'm upgrading to the newer version!!! It can easily replace a laptop or desktop. If you are hearing impaired, if the tablet is positioned on your lap via the kick stand, it isn't very easy to hear the audio. However, if you position the tablet so that it is flat on your lap, the audio is much clearer.