IIll
IIll's Stats
- Review Count3
- Helpfulness Votes46
- First ReviewOctober 29, 2013
- Last ReviewJuly 2, 2014
- Featured Reviews0
- Average Rating5
Reviews Comments
- Review Comment Count16
- Helpfulness Votes210
- First Review CommentOctober 30, 2013
- Last Review CommentJuly 4, 2014
- Featured Review Comments0
Questions
- Question Count0
- Helpfulness Votes0
- First QuestionNone
- Last QuestionNone
- Featured Questions0
- Answer Count18
- Helpfulness Votes7
- First AnswerOctober 29, 2013
- Last AnswerDecember 10, 2013
- Featured Answers0
- Best Answers2
IIll's Reviews
Microsoft - Surface Pro 3 - 12" - Intel Core i5 - 256GB - Silver
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet: The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12" display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
Simply The Best
Customer Rating
5.0
Posted by: IIll
from New Hampshire
on July 2, 2014
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
The device that does everything, and does it well - need I say more?
I'm a bit speechless, but after taking a couple weeks to get used to the form factor it is essentially without flaw. My only complaint is the price, but it's really a case of getting what you pay for.
This product is... responsive touch screen, Good sound quality, easy to set up, lightning fast, Perfect for Business, Variety of apps available, A nice compact size, Sharp graphics, Easy to navigate, Great screen size, Comfortable to hold
I would recommend this to a friend!
+6points
6out of 6found this review helpful.
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Microsoft - Surface Pro 3 - 12" - Intel Core i5 - 128GB - Silver
Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Tablet: The new Surface Pro 3 is in a category of its own. With a stunning 12" display in a sleek magnesium frame, Surface Pro 3 has all the power and performance of a laptop in an incredibly lightweight, versatile form. It may just be the ultimate device.
Touches Perfection
Customer Rating
5.0
Ease of Use
5.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Overall User Experience and Quality
What's not so great: Expensive Solution, has a few quirks
This is what Microsoft was aiming for with the original surface, when the realities of available technology (fan and processor in particular) held them back. Out with the black bricks that merely stood in the same room as perfection; say hello to the sleek, premium hybrid that finally realizes Microsoft's difficult vision.
The Best Buy demo software didn't do it justice; when free from those shackles it leaps to life in an instant from deep, power-saving sleep. It travels effortlessly, lighter than any other ultrabook on the market, and handles even moderately demanding tasks flawlessly. Setup is, as with most windows 8.1 machines, quick and easy, and workmanship is top notch.
The pen is a definite strength, but currently also a weakness in my eyes - it very rarely seems to forget what it's doing in OneNote, and must be lifted an inch or two from the screen before it will sort itself out. But even so, I have been using the note-taking feature to great effect.
The kickstand and keyboard combination grants it versatility unlike anything I've seen in a tablet, and the full windows OS complements this with software flexibility. I only wish Microsoft would bite the bullet and include keyboard in the price, and perhaps offer a more traditional, solid keyboard attachment as an option to turn this into a do-everything device without flaw. But for now, the keyboard is more enjoyable than even many laptops.
And of course, it works with the netgear push2tv even better than the pro 2, so any display serves double duty as a wireless monitor on demand.
Battery life for continuous use is merely great rather than truly outstanding, but suffice to say it sees me through my occasional 11+ hour extended shifts without a problem. This is largely due to the well-implemented connected standby feature, which is also responsible for the unparalleled wake-from-sleep performance and generally reserved for tablets rather than full laptops.
And of course, while I don't personally use it for business, it's fully equipped for such with enhanced security and windows 8 pro. No doubt business users can read into the details on their own.
Assuming current trends continue (as they often don't in technology, admittedly) you either own one of these now, of will own it or its offshoots or successors within the next two to three years.
Beware, chrome-faithful, that Google chrome doesn't quite know how to handle this type of device; to put it as politely as possible, it looks like garbage on such a high-resolution screen, eats up more RAM than the current version of Internet Explorer, requires an adblock extension to block ads that IE removes automatically, and completely breaks down if switched from desktop mode to 'windows 8 mode' Chrome. I've uninstalled and begun using IE until Google issues fixes.
That should just about cover it. Happy shopping!
This product is... responsive touch screen, Good sound quality, easy to set up, lightning fast, Perfect for Business, Variety of apps available, A nice compact size, Sharp graphics, Easy to navigate, Great screen size, Comfortable to hold, utterly unique, premium build and feel
About me... Budget Conscious, Gamer, traveler, Comfortable with technology
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Microsoft - Type Cover for Surface Pro 3 - Black
(1,343)
Microsoft - Arc Touch Surface Edition Mouse - Dark Titanium
(1,536)
Microsoft 365 Family, 1-year subscription, 5 PCs/Macs (Product Key Card)
(4,953)My Best Buy number: 0571611513
+10points
12out of 14found this review helpful.
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Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 - 256GB - Dark Titanium
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Tablet: More capable than your average tablet but lighter and smaller than a laptop, the Surface Pro 2 features hands-on productivity with the ability to fully support Microsoft Office (sold separately). Multitask with side-by-side apps, prop up your tablet with the built-in kickstand, or connect accessories via the USB and display ports for a work-efficient desktop setup.
Nothing Less Than The Best
Customer Rating
5.0
Ease of Use
4.0
Features
5.0
What's great about it: Capability, flexibility, battery life, durability, premium feel, user friendliness
What's not so great: App market, availability
The title says it all. If you're considering a tablet, the Surface Pro 2 is the best place to start, if only because its speed and capabilities put all other competitors to shame.
I have the 256gb version, but everything here applies to the other three models; pick the one that fits your storage needs, and factor in the extra 4gb of ram on the top-tier versions and the 200gb of SkyDrive storage for all four, along with the standard microSD card slot on all models.
This has replaced my Galaxy Note 10.1. It has replaced my Lenovo Yoga 11s. It has nearly replaced the desktop that I built just a few months ago, which is now used strictly for the ultra high-end games that this device can't handle. With the Pro 2, you will find yourself with the best of both worlds and no need for the separate devices other companies would love to force you into buying.
If you really only need the basic functionality of a tablet, you should be looking at the Surface 2 (note the lack of Pro#, but either device is fully capable of replacing both laptop and tablet for the vast majority of people. And with new apps and hints at a potentially revolutionary software upgrade on the horizon, this is an incredible time for PCs in general, and the Surface line in particular.
And I haven't even touched on #pun intended) the high-end touchscreen or accompanying pen, which you really have to use to understand. I also HIGHLY recommend the backlit type cover to complete the package, and a screen shield to protect the investment. If you're buying from Best Buy, Geek Squad coverage is expensive but entirely worth it on a mobile product like this.
All day battery, stellar performance, a lightweight and rugged body - make no mistake, nothing else comes close.
This product is... responsive touch screen, Good sound quality, easy to set up, lightning fast, Perfect for Business, A nice compact size, Easy to navigate, Comfortable to hold
About me... Budget Conscious, Basic web surfing & emails, Social media enthusiast, Gamer, Comfortable with technology
I would recommend this to a friend!
Other Best Buy Products I Recommend
Microsoft - Type Cover 2 - Black
(1,111)
ZAGG - InvisibleSHIELD for Surface
My Best Buy number: 571611513
+28points
28out of 28found this review helpful.
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IIll's Questions
IIll has not submitted any questions.
Gift needed for husband. What product would be best for reading books but also playing games and surfing the internet?
Kindle if you're looking for a low-cost product.
Surface or Surface 2 if you're looking for an easier-to-use and higher-end item.
Surface or Surface 2 if you're looking for an easier-to-use and higher-end item.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 - 10.6" - 128GB
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 - 10.6" - 128GB: More capable than your average tablet but lighter and smaller than a laptop, the Surface Pro 2 features hands-on productivity with the ability to fully support Microsoft Office (sold separately). Multitask with side-by-side apps, prop up your tablet with the built-in kickstand, or connect accessories via the USB and display ports for a work-efficient desktop setup.
What programs DO come on the Surface Pro 2?
The same basic programs you get on any other Windows 8 computer, minus the useless clutter thrown in by most third party manufacturers.
Office is not included, unfortunately, but Office 365 works great on mine and you can get by with older versions (2007 or later) if you have them lying around.
Office is not included, unfortunately, but Office 365 works great on mine and you can get by with older versions (2007 or later) if you have them lying around.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 - 10.6" - 128GB
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 - 10.6" - 128GB: More capable than your average tablet but lighter and smaller than a laptop, the Surface Pro 2 features hands-on productivity with the ability to fully support Microsoft Office (sold separately). Multitask with side-by-side apps, prop up your tablet with the built-in kickstand, or connect accessories via the USB and display ports for a work-efficient desktop setup.
Is this tablet capable of running a program like GoToMyPC?
I have Windows 7 Pro on my work computer for my business which I want to be able to access remotely. If I purchase this table for my home that has Windows 8.1, will I be able to access my desktop using GoToMyPC?
As long as GoToMyPC is compatible with Windows 8, it should run on the SP2 exactly as it would on any other high-powered Windows 8 machine.
10 years, 4 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
what is retna display
Apple's fancy name for high definition in an attempt to justify further price increases.
It is literally a display that Apple has judged (by their sole discretion) to have so many pixels that you can't see them from 'a reasonable distance'. What that number is varies based on device and screen size, and from customer to customer, so in the end it's mostly meaningless.
It is literally a display that Apple has judged (by their sole discretion) to have so many pixels that you can't see them from 'a reasonable distance'. What that number is varies based on device and screen size, and from customer to customer, so in the end it's mostly meaningless.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Are the new Surface 2 Keyboards compatible with Surface RT?
100%
Click in and do more ;)
Click in and do more ;)
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Can the original Surface (not Surface 2) be updated to run Windows RT 8.1?
The next generation Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 come with 8.1. The first gen tablets don't. But it there an upgrade capability, a la "Windows Update"? Or no? This may be what makes up my mind on whether I get the cheaper original Surface, or the new "2" generation.
Yes, you would go into the windows app store and hit a big purple button to start the upgrade. They made it pretty easy and painless.
However, keep in mind that the S2 is a massive upgrade to the original surface RT, with 3-5 times faster speeds, far better cameras, better battery life, a full 1080p screen, a much improved kickstand, and 200gb of SkyDrive storage.
I work with the things all day, and the upgrade is well worth it if you can swing it. Only problem with the S2 is supply - it's sold out just about everywhere.
However, keep in mind that the S2 is a massive upgrade to the original surface RT, with 3-5 times faster speeds, far better cameras, better battery life, a full 1080p screen, a much improved kickstand, and 200gb of SkyDrive storage.
I work with the things all day, and the upgrade is well worth it if you can swing it. Only problem with the S2 is supply - it's sold out just about everywhere.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
would this be good for a photography and to edit photos on?
Nope.
You will want to look into the surface 2 or surface pro 2.
Both have hugely upgraded cameras and screens compared to the original RT, and the surface 2 will handle photo editing functions about 3-5 times faster. The pro will be faster still, and give you full access to anything that would run on a regular PC, but requires a significant extra investment.
Unfortunately when it comes to photo taking/editing there isn't really anything below $400 that will do the job very well.
You will want to look into the surface 2 or surface pro 2.
Both have hugely upgraded cameras and screens compared to the original RT, and the surface 2 will handle photo editing functions about 3-5 times faster. The pro will be faster still, and give you full access to anything that would run on a regular PC, but requires a significant extra investment.
Unfortunately when it comes to photo taking/editing there isn't really anything below $400 that will do the job very well.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Can you play facebook games on this device?
Yep.
It's one of the only tablets that supports flash, which is required for many (most?) Facebook games.
It's one of the only tablets that supports flash, which is required for many (most?) Facebook games.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Missing an important app
I have a lot of financial information in Quicken. It used to be in Microsoft Money, but when Microsoft stopped supporting it, they worked out a transfer deal with Quicken. Quicken in their 2013 release added an app (android) version to the PC software package. Is there a chance that Microsoft and Intuit (Quicken) could prove an app for the Surface RT?
I would buy it in a second so I could use the RT tablet when I am traveling. You already support Office and with the financial package, I would be able to work from wherever I am and go home and the financial information would all automatically sync with out me having to retype all the information back into my home computer.
Please help me solve this problem.
I would buy it in a second so I could use the RT tablet when I am traveling. You already support Office and with the financial package, I would be able to work from wherever I am and go home and the financial information would all automatically sync with out me having to retype all the information back into my home computer.
Please help me solve this problem.
There is definitely a chance, but as I understand things the ball will be in Intuit's court for bringing that functionality to the RT operating system in an appealing way.
In the meantime you can always look into the Surface Pro 2, which has the full functionality (and speed) of cutting edge ultrabook laptops in a 2lb tablet body. It's pricier, but has definitely been worth it for me.
In the meantime you can always look into the Surface Pro 2, which has the full functionality (and speed) of cutting edge ultrabook laptops in a 2lb tablet body. It's pricier, but has definitely been worth it for me.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire
Microsoft - Surface - 32GB - Black
Microsoft Surface Tablet: Do more on the go with the productivity of a laptop in the compact size of a tablet. Create documents with Microsoft Office RT, sync files between Windows devices and video chat with friends and family. The built-in kickstand props up your tablet at just the right angle for easy viewing.
Installing a CD-Rom
I have an Bible encyclopedia- type CdRom that I would like to install on this Tablet. It only requires 48 Mb of RAM and 500 MB of free hard disc space. Would this be compatible with this unit ? I was thinking I could just transfer it via USB to the Tablet. Would it work ? Also, when installing an SD card, would I be able to see and/or listen to the files in that SD card on the Tablet itself, or would I have to connect the Tablet to a PC or laptop to be able to access the files on that SD card ? I've noticed that with a lot of mobile devices, even though they say you can "add up to 32 GB of storage capacity" with an SD card, you can't access what you've stored on there unless you're connected to a PC or laptop. So whats the point of having all that storage space if you can't access it when your on the go ?
You can absolutely access files stored on an SD card plugged into the Surface tablets, provided you have the correct program installed to read those files (word for word documents, for example). Most of these programs will be pre-installed.
The bible CD is probably a program designed to run on the full Windows operating system, and therefore would not work on the majority of tablets; however there is almost certainly a free download in the windows app store that will perform the same function.
The bible CD is probably a program designed to run on the full Windows operating system, and therefore would not work on the majority of tablets; however there is almost certainly a free download in the windows app store that will perform the same function.
10 years, 5 months ago
by
Posted by:
IIll
from
New Hampshire