Microsoft has finally updated their flagship detachable 2-in-1 and it’s called the Surface Pro 6 — I guess they’re done with dropping the number. Maybe it got too confusing even for them. Nevertheless I’m glad it’s back, but the rest of the device leaves some to be desired. Let’s just say that if you were expecting a big redesign, be prepared to be disappointed.
UPDATE: Official price and models have been revealed!
UPDATE 2: Lazada has revealed more details for the Surface Laptop pre-order!
After a 2-in-1 tablet, a 2-in-1 convertible, and an all-in-one desktop, Microsoft finally stepped into the realm of bog-standard laptops with the aptly named Surface Laptop. It is a curious device with beautiful but frustrating design choices that was ultimately rather well received.
The most frustrating for us Malaysians though, was the fact that you couldn’t buy one even if you wanted to. Well, that looks like it’s about to change really soon.
Not impressed with the new Microsoft Surface Pro? Neither was I. Thankfully, Microsoft just launched a brand new update to their interesting take on the 2-in-1 detachable laptop, the Surface Book. This is the Surface Book 2.
Microsoft just unveiled its latest laptop — aptly named the Surface Laptop — and it sits somewhere between the tablet-like Surface Pro and the 2-in-1 convertible Surface Book. And that’s a sweet spot most will be very happy with because that means it’s just a laptop without the complications of any detachable bits.
In fact, being “without complications” seems to be a recurring theme with this new Windows device.
Alongside Microsoft‘s big announcement of the Windows 10 Update and their brand new Surface Studio all-in-one PC, the company has also released an entire line of brand new Surface accessories including two keyboards and a mouse.
Ah, tablets. If a tablet was one of the characters in my sappy rom-com, it’d be the ‘one that got away’. To me, it was a novel idea where you could have your smartphone with you for the serious business stuff while your tablet showed you a good time between working hours — literally, with videos and movies or a good book — but when you actually think about it, the tablet simply isn’t practical.
If you take a look at the International Data Corporation’s (IDC) latest report on their preliminary data from the IDC Worldwide Quarterly Tablet Tracker, you’ll find the truth in my words as tablet sales are on a downward trajectory. That’s not to say it’s all doom and gloom though as their report also says that detachable tablet sales have reached an all-time high — lead by the sales of none other than the Apple iPad Pro.
We’re now playing with the idea that Redmond is working on a smartphone and it’ll be a “Surface” brand device. Or at least, that’s what Microsoft registering the domain name would imply. Give it a go, head to the URL here and see where you end up.
Working around the clock to make up for their mistake, Microsoft has already put up the web page that allows users globally (Malaysia included) who currently use a Microsoft Surface Pro, Pro 2 and Pro 3 (sold before 15th of July 2015) to replace their faulty AC power cords. This follows concerns that units have been reported to cause fire hazards.
Users using the Surface Pro 4 will be not be involved as their cords are fine to begin with.
It’s a bad week for manufacturers, especially Microsoft. After reports of child labourers used in their acquisition of cobalt minerals for lithium batteries, it seems that Redmond will be issuing a global voluntary replacement/recall for Surface Pro charging bricks and cables.
Alas, 365 days of 2015 is close to meeting its end but before we celebrate New Year’s, there’s much gift giving to be done. No matter what holiday you’re celebrating, there’s bound to be some presents heading your way and we’d like to help narrow down the tech gifts that you should be giving to your loved ones.
If you currently own a Surface Pro 4 or a Surface Book, you’ve probably felt all the gripes that owners worldwide are experiencing, ranging from power and battery issues, flickering screens and impromptu Windows reboots.
These issues cropping up are a follow-up to the shambles that was Microsoft’s style of dealing with its angry OneDrive customers, that showed that their customer service approach has a lot of refining to be done and this time, it seems like deja vu all over again.
Marking the fourth generation Microsoft’s brainchild has come a long way, from their original Surface Pro that ran Windows 8 upon its revealing. A leap forward for all laptops/tablets for sure, the ultra-productivity machine is back again and it’ll hit Malaysia just in the time for the year-end shopping season.
