Archive 2020 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

technic
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

Sorry if wrong forum, but I have a question about the different versions of the Microsoft Surface tablet and the relevance of those differences for photographers. Probably some forum members have experience with this product and maybe even used different generations already.

My impression is that the first pretty good Surface Pro tablet is the Surface Pro 4 and we are now at version 7. Most of the gear sites in my country make it difficult to compare the different models, often it isn't even clear which version they are talking about (advertisements in retail same story ...). I don't do heavy PP and currently use a very modest mini-PC (dual-core Atom cpu, NVidia Ion gpu, 4 GB memory, 1 TB 2.5" HDD and Win10. Even a Surface with i5 cpu, 8 GB memory and 256 GB SDD would probably provide a very significant performance boost. I use an external Eizo CS240 monitor with HDMI that I plan to continu using for now, so the new tablet/laptop should be able to connect to that; I assume I can use the Eizo as a second screen. I use mainly Photoshop CS5, Canon DPP4 and plan to use Lightroom or some recent alternative (Lightroom proved too slow on my current system). Questions:

1. is there a significant difference in performance between the Surface 4-7 versions? My impression is that performance gains with photography software in newer models are VERY modest. I also read that especially in the older versions the i7 models tend to run hot, which could be an issue when doing batch processing.
2. are there important differences in connectivity etc.? I use (micro)SD cards and have external USB3 HDD's for storage/backup (not the most advanced USB version).
3. are there relevant changes in screen quality/calibration? I noticed some claims that the recent models have slightly worse screens but maybe expectations have changed over the years.
4. Maybe someone knows a good online article comparing the different Surface versions for photography use? Any alternatives I should look at instead in this price range, up to $1500 or so? Weight/size is not the most important, but it looks like a very nice package for photographers.

One of the reasons I'm asking is that older versions (like Surface 4 Pro with i7, 16GB, 512 MB SDD) are now available refurbished at strong discounts, cheaper than the entry configurations for the latest version. Because the improvements in the series seem relatively modest, maybe an older model at reduced price is a better option?

Feb 12, 2020 at 03:45 PM

jeraldcook
Offline
• • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

I can't answer all your questions but as a former owner of an Surface Pro 4, i7, 8gb ram, 256 SSD, I can give my thoughts. My SP4 was given to a family member when I upgraded to a Dell XPS.

1) There is an improvement, but it's a modest improvement. If I recall correctly, the i7 in my SP4 was essentially equivalent to the i5 in the SP6 (EDIT: originally said SP7).

2) I'm pretty sure the connectivity the connectivity is the same on the SP4-SP6, which is very limited. You get the micro SD slot, a USB 3.0, a video out port (can't recall the specs) and the multi-use port for the charger or hub. Except when traveling, I always used a Microsoft hub that had a ton of ports. When I was at work, my SP4 (with the Microsoft hub) ran 2 external monitors plus I used the SP4 screen for a total of 3.
IIRC, the SP7 gains a USB-C port which would be a very nice addition. When traveling, with a single USB port on the SP4, I always had to take a USB hub so I could connect an external 2.5" drive for backups and a card reader.

3) No idea, but I thought the screen on my SP4 was fine.

4) If you're really wanting a form factor like the Surface, it's sorta the only game in town. I ended up swapping my SP4 for a refurbished 15" Dell XPS 9570, 6-core i7, 32gb ram, 1 tb ssd, that was only $1200. I also looked at the 13" Dell XPS as it was more portable, but after using the small SP4 screen in Lightroom, I decided the 15" better fit my needs.

If you can find an SP4 for a good price, I think you'd be happy with it. Hope that helps.

Feb 12, 2020 at 04:42 PM

graycat
Offline
• •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

You mention heat with with i7. I have a SP3 and have processed at least 400k or 500k of photos through it to date. I used it as recently as today with the most current version of LR and PS 2020 as well as Premiere 2020. I will probably replace it with a another Surface soon. Back to heat, that chip seems to get really hot when batching large numbers of photos. So hot in fact that when I am batching, say 100 or more files from LR, I either run a fan to keep it cool or lay it on a cold pack from the freezer.

Feb 13, 2020 at 01:19 AM

technic
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

graycat wrote:
You mention heat with with i7. I have a SP3 and have processed at least 400k or 500k of photos through it to date. I used it as recently as today with the most current version of LR and PS 2020 as well as Premiere 2020. I will probably replace it with a another Surface soon. Back to heat, that chip seems to get really hot when batching large numbers of photos. So hot in fact that when I am batching, say 100 or more files from LR, I either run a fan to keep it cool or lay it...Show more →

That sounds a bit scary, especially as sometimes there are no easy cooling options available. For me this means that with the older versions I should probably chose i5 instead, have to check which versions run relatively cool while batch processing with the i7 (probably only v6/7?).

Feb 13, 2020 at 05:16 AM

technic
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

jeraldcook wrote:
I can't answer all your questions but as a former owner of an Surface Pro 4, i7, 8gb ram, 256 SSD, I can give my thoughts. My SP4 was given to a family member when I upgraded to a Dell XPS.

1) There is an improvement, but it's a modest improvement. If I recall correctly, the i7 in my SP4 was essentially equivalent to the i5 in the SP6 (EDIT: originally said SP7).

2) I'm pretty sure the connectivity the connectivity is the same on the SP4-SP6, which is very limited. You get the micro SD slot, a USB 3.0, a...Show more →

Thanks, very helpful. I have considered the XPS13/15 too or even a recent mini-pc to replace my outdated one, but I have read far fewer reports about the XPS series from photographers. With desktop PC's the problem is that many of them are more geared towards gamers nowadays (plus I prefer low-power and silent systems when possible) and recent mini-pc's with sufficient performance often have weird specs (external connections etc.) for my kind of use.

Feb 13, 2020 at 05:22 AM

tntcorp
Offline
• • • •
Upload & Sell: Off

p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Microsoft Surface Pro versions

well, i can comment on the surface 3, i5 cpu with 8 gb of ram, 256 gb hdd running the latest win 10 ver 1909

i used it for lr 5.7.1 and it is fine for my editing need. i do not perform batch processing so cannot comment on its performance or excessive heat under load.

but i just recently found out that the usb port does not have sufficient power to operate an external usb drive. should you decide to go with a surface tablet, be sure to include the cost of a dedicated docking station.

good luck.

Feb 13, 2020 at 05:34 PM


FM Forums \| General Gear-talk \| Join Upload & Sell

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.