One month with the Surface Pro

Hard core Mac user explores the world of Windows on Arm

It's hard to believe that it's already been over 6 weeks since the Surface Pro became a part of my multi-platform ecosystem. After considering it for quite some time, I finally introduced a non-Apple desktop computer into my life.

My search for a tablet with a desktop class operating system led me to the Surface Pro. Ideally, my preference is for the iPad Pro to be a more desktop like experience. However, this is where my path defers from Apple's iPad strategy.

Coming to the Surface Pro.

The specs:

it is pretty impressive to have so much power in such a portable device.

During the past six weeks, I have primarily focused on familiarizing myself with Windows and discovering various applications and tricks to adjust my workflow to a different operating system. To be honest, I didn't realize how much time it would take to incorporate a Windows device into my daily routine. It caught me off guard because in the past couple of years; I had transitioned from using solely Apple products to embrace multi-platform alternatives.

However, there are tools I use every day that I took for granted. Some of those are:

Raycast (previously Alfred): so many plugins (PowerToys on Windows is a decent but very basic alternative. Although Raycast has announced plans to release on Windows)
Arc browser (Windows version lacks many of the features that make Arc great on the Mac and most importantly, it lacks the polish that I have grown accustomed to)
Cleanshot (although the Windows built in option is decent)
PDF Expert: sure, there are PDF apps on Windows but I like PDF Expert
Al-dente: nothing like this on Windows
Clop: optimises any image on the clipboard

And the list goes on...

😅

There may be Windows alternatives for some of the above and my search is still ongoing.

The key realisation for me was that I have grown used to macOS over the last ten years and, as such, switching over to Windows is a drastic swift. Despite both operating systems largely do the same thing, there are many nuances in its execution. Additionally, muscle memory is hard to break. I am learning this the hard way and it's frustrating because my fingers are keying in macOS shortcuts on Windows and something completely different is happening 😠.

Six weeks later, I am still struggling with muscle memory and this issue will continue to exist as long as I continue to using both macOS and Windows. There is FACT.

Windows isn't new to me. Hell, I have used (and still do) Windows for my day job for over ten years. The difference being is that my work Windows environment is severely locked down. I have no choice in making any modifications to my work PC.

💭

I have always preferred macOS over Windows and sadly, despite my affection towards the Surface, this view has not changed. Perhaps, it is what I am used to. OLD HABITS DIE HARD.

Therefore, the Surface Pro is my first attempt to set up Windows the way I would prefer it. Not having a foundation, I naturally gravitated towards setting it up as I set up macOS. Perhaps this was my first mistake.

Having accepted the reality of my situation, it is also 100% fact that I have really enjoyed using the Surface Pro. It's a wonderfully designed and well-made computer.

Some thoughts:

OLED display is one of the best I have used on a 13inch device 🤟
Windows Hello (if FaceID was a thing on MAC) 💙
Desktop applications at my fingertips 😽
The built in stand is incredibly handy and versatile but not great if using it on a pillow, which is my default when I am on my Lazyboy ☘️
Regret not getting the 5G model 😥
the keyboard with keys that are backlit are exceptional ⌨️
Windows 11: it is actually nice 😺
Annoying bug, where the time reverts to GMT every time I wake up the device 😩
Works well with my Apple Studio Display (see here for details)

Surface Pen storage is pretty neat and much better implementation compared to Apple's

Some Windows GEM 💎 discovered along the way:

Windows PowerToys: collection of incredibly handy utilities for Windows built by Microsoft.
Bulk Crap Uninstaller: the name says it all

NetTime: a bandaid solution to my annoying time issue bug, but it is a very reliable app.
Auto Dark Mode
Bluebubbles: iMessage on Windows.
iCloud for Windows: this one surprised me and works well enough.
ShareX: best cleanshot alternative

PhoneLink: another impressive app to keep your phone in sync with your Windows device. Works well with iPhone but even better with an Android phone.

The form factor

One of the main reasons to choose a Surface Pro is its unique form factor, combining the features of a tablet and a laptop into one device. Unlike the Apple ecosystem, the Surface Pro offers a desktop operating system with a touch screen, providing a versatile user experience that is not found within Apple's ecosystem.

The form factor of this device is truly powerful as it provides me with everything I need. While using an iPad, I always felt restricted, and the MacBook lacked a touch screen and portability. I longed for a device that could be held like an iPad but also had the utility of a laptop.

Admittedly, I have not used it as a tablet all that much (perhaps 25% of the time). My Pixel Fold has essentially taken over as my default tablet.

I have become accustomed to using the touch screen so much that sometimes I accidentally touch my MacBook Pro display.

It isn't the absolute best tablet or laptop, but it still performs adequately in both roles. The combination of its capabilities is powerful and practical, eliminating the need to carry two separate devices.

What's next?

Six weeks is not enough time to form a concrete view, especially for me. I am looking forward to this Windows journey that I have embarked on and everything I have discovered thus far only leads me to believe that I should continue exploring the Surface Pro.

I'm considering using the Surface Pro as my only device for 30 days. This means I'll put away my MacBook and iPad Pro and see how it goes. It could be my next 30 Day Challenge 💪.