I wanted to take digital notes using the stylus in my classes. I chose this surface because it can run desktop applications for my computer science courses (I'm a comp sci major, so there happen to be quite a few of these). The main factor that led me to purchase this was extended returns, as I was skeptical of whether it would be worth the price. Now, this is one of the best purchases I ever made. It entirely replaced my (high-end) laptop for daily tasks and doesn't have trouble running everyday programs. The battery can make it through my entire day (including my Mondays with 10 hours of classes).
As far as problems, the 128 GB of storage won't go far if you have to install a lot, so consider upgrading that. It can get rather toasty when running, as cooling is entirely passive. Not sure if running at full performance while charging would lead to issues. Although an average-to-small-sized laptop, the Surface is rather large for a tablet. It can be awkward to hold as a tablet, and I'm a pretty big person with large hands.
If you are looking for a highly portable and versatile device that handles both notetaking and desktop applications, the surface is probably for you. I know some people who aren't big on touchscreens and carry backpacks everywhere, so they don't need a device like this. Reflect on the way you like to work and travel if you are stuck deciding, as this device isn't for everyone, even though I love it.
| Standing screen display size | 12.3 Inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Resolution | 2560 x 1600 pixels |
| Max Screen Resolution | 2736 x 1824 Pixels |
| Processor | 8032 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| Memory Speed | 1600 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 256 GB |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | 802.11b, 802.11a, 802.11g |
| Average Battery Life (in hours) | 13.5 Hours |
