Microsoft Surface Pro 8 Review

Does it live up to Bill Gates’ name?

E. O. Milne

From the beginning, the Microsoft Surface Pro was different to the other products in the market. While acting like a computer (due to having Microsoft’s computer software) it’s technically a tablet. Nowadays the iPad Pro and the Galaxy Tablet have become very popular and have begun to compete with this half tablet, half computer, but still, this was where the idea came from and with its latest design, I think that Microsoft has made itself known once more. 

With its compact design, the Microsoft Surface Pro 8 makes itself known on the market and this all starts with the attachment keyboard and pen. Now instead of having a big chunky pen like the prior add-ons that sat on the side of the computer, Microsoft has come up with a more portable and minimalist look for their slim pen 2 and, in my opinion, it makes the computer overall easier to use. The pen is slim, like the name suggests, and clips into the keyboard and is folded away so that it does not fall out, this is one of the many beauties of the tablet. 

Then, on the other hand, the keyboard’s thin design and the large range of colours almost make it a must-have when it comes to buying extras for the Surface Pro 8. However, I do have one problem with this keyboard, especially when it came to my first few days of using it, because it is so slim when you tap the keys it almost bobs up and down. In my opinion, after having used a MacBook for a long time it felt weird, but now as I write this article it seems natural and a lot easier to use so I think it’s just something the user has to adjust to. 

The tablet itself has a large screen being 287 x 208 x 9.3 mm which makes it a very large screen. Yet without the keyboard to come with it, it is quite unnatural to hold. For example, if you are lying down and want to watch something on it you can either hold it above your head (which makes it quite heavy) or you can pull out the flap from the back and try to rest it on your knee.  It is made to sit on desks so when it balances on an uneven surface it is a little awkward. This is an aspect of the device in which the ipad Pro surpasses. 

But all in all, it is an amazing tablet and that is why I use it in everyday life. I like this product due to its lightweight portability and adaptability. It’s made for every scenario, if that is watching something on Netflix, or drawing, or even writing, and though it is not for everyone it may just be for you (especially if you’re a university student).