Review Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Pros and Cons

Review of Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Pros and Cons - The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 has been one of the most anticipated 2-in-1 devices since its launch.

With its elegant design and powerful specifications, the Surface Pro 4 promises a versatile computing experience.

However, like all products, the Surface Pro 4 also has its pros and cons that need to be considered before making a purchasing decision.

Pros of Microsoft Surface Pro 4

  • Elegant and Portable Design: The thin and lightweight design of the Surface Pro 4 makes it easy to carry anywhere. With a sharp 12.3-inch touchscreen and thin bezels, the device offers a stunning display.
  • High Performance: Powered by the latest generation Intel Core processors, the Surface Pro 4 delivers robust performance. It is ideal for heavy tasks such as video editing or gaming.
  • Exceptional Screen Quality: High resolution and accurate color reproduction make the Surface Pro 4 screen one of the best in its class. This ensures a satisfying viewing and working experience.
  • Responsive Surface Pen: For artists or creative professionals, the Surface Pen is a perfect companion. High responsiveness and good pen precision make it perfect for drawing and writing.
  • Efficient Cooling System: Despite its high performance, the Surface Pro 4 can maintain a good temperature. The efficient cooling system ensures the device stays cool even during intensive use.

Cons of Microsoft Surface Pro 4

  • High Price: The advantages of the Surface Pro 4 come with a relatively high price. For specific configurations, additional costs may be required, which could be a consideration for some consumers.
  • Type Cover Keyboard Not Included: For a complete user experience, you need to purchase the Type Cover Keyboard separately. This can add to the total cost of the purchase and should be considered in budget planning.
  • Standard Battery Life: Although the Surface Pro 4 has decent battery life, some competitors may offer longer usage times. This could be a significant factor for users who frequently travel.
  • Limited Ports: The number of ports on the Surface Pro 4 is limited, and some users may feel the lack of USB Type-A ports. Additional adapters are required to overcome this limitation.

10 Must-Have Apps for Microsoft Surface Pro 4

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a versatile device that offers users an outstanding computing experience. However, to maximize its potential, users need to install some key apps specifically designed to enhance productivity and convenience. In this article, we will discuss ten essential apps that can help you make the most of your Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

  • Microsoft Office 365: Undoubtedly, this productivity suite is a must-have for every Microsoft Surface Pro 4 owner. Microsoft Office 365 includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, allowing you to create, edit, and share documents easily.
  • OneNote: OneNote is the perfect companion for the Surface Pro 4 with a stylus pen. With the ability to create handwritten notes, draw, and store ideas, OneNote helps you keep your creativity and productivity flowing.
  • Adobe Creative Cloud: For designers or artists, Adobe Creative Cloud provides access to various creative applications like Photoshop and Illustrator. With Surface Pro 4's touchscreen support, you can easily create stunning artworks.
  • Microsoft Edge: The built-in Microsoft browser, Edge, is optimized for use on the Surface Pro 4. This not only ensures a smooth browsing experience but also allows you to use unique features like Reading View mode to enhance focus.
  • Spotify: For entertainment, Spotify is the perfect music streaming app. With the high-quality PixelSense display of the Surface Pro 4, enjoy a clear and deep music listening experience.
  • Drawboard PDF: For those working frequently with PDF documents, Drawboard PDF is the best choice. This app allows you to edit and annotate PDF documents directly from the Surface Pro 4 touchscreen.
  • Microsoft To-Do: To maintain productivity and organize tasks, Microsoft To-Do is a highly useful app. Create task lists, set priorities, and track your progress easily.
  • Netflix: For further entertainment, the Netflix app provides access to a variety of high-quality movies and TV shows. The PixelSense display of the Surface Pro 4 ensures an outstanding streaming experience.
  • 7-Zip: With limited storage, compression apps like 7-Zip can help you manage and compress files efficiently, saving valuable storage space on the Surface Pro 4.
  • Skype: Last but not least, Skype allows you to stay connected with business colleagues, friends, and family. Utilize the Surface Pro 4's camera and microphone for high-quality video calls.

Tips and Tricks to Optimize Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Performance

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is an outstanding device, but like all electronic devices, performance may degrade over time. If you feel that your Surface Pro 4 is not running as fast as usual, here are some tips and tricks that can help you optimize its performance.

  • Update Operating System and Drivers: Ensure that your Surface Pro 4 is running the latest version of the Windows operating system and all hardware drivers. These updates not only enhance security but can also fix bugs that may affect performance.
  • Optimize Startup Apps: Turn off unnecessary apps from running at startup. Open Task Manager and disable unnecessary apps to allow the Surface Pro 4 to focus on essential tasks.
  • Clean Up Disk: Delete unnecessary files and use the built-in Windows "Disk Cleanup" feature to clean temporary files, cache, and other junk files that can burden storage.
  • Choose Lightweight Apps: Select apps that require low resources. Lighter apps will help the Surface Pro 4 run smoother without overloading the system.
  • Adjust Power Options: Customize the power options on your Surface Pro 4. Choose a power mode that suits your needs, such as "Balanced" for everyday use or "High Performance" for heavy tasks.
  • Check Battery Health: Ensure the Surface Pro 4 battery is in good condition. Use Windows' built-in tools, like "Battery Report," to monitor battery health and identify any issues.
  • Disable Unnecessary Visual Effects: Reduce visual effects like animations and transparency to help reduce the load on the graphics card, thus improving system responsiveness.
  • Check Internet Connection: If using apps that require an internet connection, ensure your connection is stable. Network issues can slow down app and system performance.
  • Check Hardware Condition: Ensure there are no hardware issues affecting performance. Check the device's temperature, battery condition, and make sure all components are functioning correctly.
  • Run Malware Scan: Run antivirus software to ensure that your Surface Pro 4 is free from malware or harmful programs that can impact performance negatively.

By following these tips and tricks, you can optimize your Microsoft Surface Pro 4's performance and ensure a smooth user experience. Remember to regularly perform maintenance to keep your device in optimal condition.

How to Care for and Clean Microsoft Surface Pro 4: Practical Guide

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is a sophisticated and highly useful device. To keep it performing optimally and lasting longer, regular maintenance and cleaning are essential. In this article, we will discuss practical steps to care for and clean your Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

  • Turn Off the Device Before Cleaning: Before starting the cleaning process, make sure to turn offyour Microsoft Surface Pro 4. This prevents potential damage from moisture or liquids that may enter the device during cleaning.
  • Use a Soft Microfiber Cloth: To clean the screen and surface, use a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid using rough fabrics or paper-based tissues, as they may cause scratches on the screen.
  • Avoid Alcohol-Based Cleaning Fluids: Keep the device away from cleaning fluids containing alcohol. Instead, use a screen-specific cleaning solution or one recommended by the manufacturer. Spray the cleaner onto the cloth, not directly onto the device.
  • Clean Keyboard and Touchpad Gently: Use a small brush or low-pressure air spray to clean dust and debris between the keyboard keys and touchpad. Be careful not to press too hard to avoid damaging the key mechanisms.
  • Maintain Ventilation and Air Circulation: Ensure that the device's ventilation remains clean. Avoid covering the vents during Surface Pro 4 use, as this can lead to unwanted temperature increases.
  • Avoid Dusty and Extreme Temperature Environments: Store your device in a clean, dust-free environment. Avoid placing it in locations that are too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can damage internal components.
  • Update and Backup Regularly: Always keep your software up to date and create regular backups. This not only improves device performance but also protects your data from unexpected loss.

By following these maintenance and cleaning steps regularly, you can ensure that your Microsoft Surface Pro 4 stays in prime condition and is ready for use at any time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 is an exceptional device with powerful performance and a captivating design. Despite having some drawbacks, the offered advantages make it an appealing choice, especially for creative professionals and business users. With careful consideration of your needs and budget, the Surface Pro 4 can be a worthwhile investment for your everyday productivity.