Shane
It was over ten years ago that Microsoft released its innovative Surface Windows based tablet.
Since 2012, each yearly released model has remained consistent and even had a few ‘Surface’ variations thrown in to the mix such as the Surface Studio and Surface Laptop.
But, this years offering is something different.
Gone is the Intel processor and in is AI via Windows CoPilot.
A 13 inch OLED screen with a bezel that is just right. You’re not going to accidentally touch the screen by picking it up via its edge, but its not too thick to lessen the screen real estate.
The Surface Gen 11 is not 4K, clocking in at a mere 2880 x 1920 (267 PPI). But it does have Dolby Vision.
There’s two cameras, front being ‘Windows Hello’ compatible with a 1440p Quad HD and the rear at 10MP.
Under the hood the model reviewed is a 512GB storage with 16GB RAM.
As mentioned the Intel processor we have become used to and rely upon in almost every Windows based device has been replaced with an ARM chip, the Snapdragon X Elite.
The reasoning for this is more slated to battery life, and wow what a battery duration this Gen 11 Surface has.
You’ll get around 14 hours of total media streaming. So if you’re out and about or just snuggled up in bed you can marathon a series without worrying about the Surface giving up on you.
On standby you’re going to have weeks upon weeks of battery and for mid to light use (you know, boring work stuff) easily up to 3 – 4 days.
Gaming on the other hand is something a bit different.
Clearly if you’re a hardened PC gamer, a Surface tablet may not be on your radar.
If a Surface is to be an all-rounder for you, expect this new model to be selective in what it can run.
With the Intel processors now gone, not every Steam game will work.
If you like the old days of gaming, emulators do not seem to run either.
While your PC games library maybe the envy of all, you’ll find a very small percentage of those are going to load up.
This was surprising, as Steam released their Steam Deck a while back, purportedly allowing games to run on ARM devices, but for this new gen of Surface, not so much.
Xbox Cloud gaming, yep you’re good. But for this you do need to have an Xbox subscription and you only get what is available on Xbox Game Pass. Plus you can’t play locally, you’ll need WiFi.
To use Windows effectively on a tablet you’ll need a stylus… and a keyboard.
While the Surface has always been touch screen, but since Windows 8, there has not been a tablet friendly Windows to use via touch.
The Windows based on-screen keyboard is clunky and really needs an overhaul – plus it takes up half the screen.
There is a Surface Gen 11 keyboard and stylus combo, but this is sold separately.
The Surface Gen 11 comes with differing storage options. Whichever storage option you go for, you’re stuck with. The review model had 512GB which is likely to be enough for most. You also have cloud based services, which of course require a subscription and you’ll need an internet connection to access.
This is where Microsoft have made it a bit confusing. Behind the back kickstand you’ll find your SSD.
It’s also user removable too and just flicks out. But don’t think you can go to a store and buy a larger SSD. Nope. The ease of removal is simply for repairs – not for us the consumer.
Throughout all past models there was a microSD slot just behind the kick stand. This is no more.
What you buy is what you get.
The Surface Gen 11 is minimal on it’s ports. There’s two USB-C ports and the universal Surface magnetic charger socket.
If you’re still using USB-A accessories on your existing PC, you’ll need adaptors.
Windows CoPilot is built-in. A handy tool that can assist you in writing and imagery generation.
Very similar to the other AI services out there on the web, but this now a part of your operating system.
If you use it and how you use it, whether it be creating unique artwork, reports or web search it is entirely up to you. But bear in mind that this too will require an active internet connection.
This year’s Surface is a mixed bag with a super long-life battery which makes the Surface Gen 11 optimal for portability, but it takes away some functionality that we as PC users have become accustomed to (with the exclusion of Intel).
We know Windows can run on ARM, just look at the varied array of handheld gaming PCs that are available.
The Surface Gen 11 is ideal if you’re likely to use it to stream media, for work stuff or school / University and maybe some light content creation, but anything above and beyond that you’ll need something a bit more gruntier.
The Surface Gen 11 is reliable, great for pick up and go, but I feel this years Surface maybe trying to implement innovation that its target market isn’t ready for.
