MICROSOFT'S Surface Pro 8 professional 2-in-1 tablet is not a regular device for everyone.
With a high price of RM9,399, it is among the most expensive laptop tablets on the market, but at such a price, its "specialised" users will definitely get a lot of features needed to carry out their tasks.
It comes with a quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, 256GB and above storage, a bright 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display and Intel Iris Xe Graphics — all embedded into an Intel Evo platform.
I got the chance to review it and found it was suitable for my everyday computing tasks. But somehow, I feel this machine would slightly underperform when used for heavy gaming.
DESIGN
The Surface Pro 8 is no different in design and looks from previous models.
At 891g, it is light and makes the term "portable" apt for the tablet.
While Microsoft is known for its lighter colour palette, this tablet has an aluminium casing that pairs well with the Alcantara-covered Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Surface Slim Pen 2, which makes the set look like a sturdy, business laptop workstation.
The keyboard is responsive and it can be magnetically attached to the tablet. Unfortunately, the key travel is slightly deep and the trackpad is a bit too small for my liking — but it works well.
The screen has rounded edges with smaller bezels that give users a larger display. You'll also spot two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port on the right side, whereas a 3.5mm headphone jack is placed on the left.
The speakers are at the top of the display and there is a 5MP front-facing camera that takes my selfie shots up a notch.
When attending virtual meetings, it could capture a good video stream even when the lighting is low.
The 10MP rear-facing camera takes clear shots too, either way, you won't be disappointed with both cameras.
DISPLAY
The Text 13-inch PixelSense Flow Display screen sports a 1880 x 1920 resolution, with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz (the default setting is 60Hz).
The view is at a comforting 3:2 aspect ratio, and these features are what I look for in achieving a seamless working experience.
With a display that features 267 ppi and 467 nits brightness, content creators will get a lot more detailed images, with accurate colours, smoother lines and better all-round quality.
It also uses Dolby Vision and Adaptive Colour high-dynamic range (HDR) technology.
PERFORMANCE
With the quad-core 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor and Iris Xe integrated graphics on board, the tablet/laptop can toggle between applications for both work and leisure pretty smoothly.
I had no issues in performing everyday tasks simultaneously like web browsing, replying emails, streaming YouTube videos, typing articles and some light gaming to boot.
I didn't experience any conspicuous lags or jitters that could compromise the device's performance. But the tablet generates a lot of heat quite fast and even then, the powerful cooling fan would kick in and dissipate the heat.
AUDIO AND PEN
To be frank, the Surface Pro 8 sound quality isn't mind-blowing, but it is good enough for work and leisure.
I listened to various songs and played movies at 80 per cent volume, and the sound was clear and vibrant.
But when I cranked it up to 100 per cent, it began to sound like fuzzy jazz music — like having all the sounds colliding at once.
So, keep the volume between 70 and 80 per cent if you want a comfortable audio experience.
What I like about the Surface Slim Pen 2 is that whenever I draw or write, I feel a slight vibration from the haptic motor that makes it feel like a real pencil/pen.
BATTERY LIFE
The battery in the Surface Pro 8 lasts a very long time.
Microsoft claims that the tablet can run for up to 16 hours on light usage in one charge.
But based on my test on a day's worth of continuous YouTube playlist, web browsing and a movie marathon, I got a good 12 hours at 60Hz screen refresh rate.
Of course, it wouldn't last that long if you add heavy gaming to the test.
CONCLUSION
If you're an artist or a student who prefers to work on a 2-in-1 laptop, the Surface Pro 8 is the device for you.
Unfortunately, it may burn a hole in your pocket to afford all the accessories (pen, keyboard and arc mouse). So, if you decide to get one, plan your usage well and prepare for a new experience in laptop-tablet computing.
Verdict: 4/5