After testing and reviewing consumer electronics for over a decade across top tech publications, few devices spark as much debate as Microsoft‘s Surface Pro. On one hand, the Surface Pro as a tablet-laptop hybrid boasts premium build quality and sharp design. But even after multiple generations, users and reviewers – including myself – still take issue with some compromises baked into the Surface Pro formula.
As a tech expert and analyst, I‘ve used my industry connections and own extensive testing to compile the seven most common complaints surrounding the Surface Pro line. My goal is to provide impartial, data-driven evaluation on the Surface Pro‘s shortcomings to help you determine if the device best aligns with your needs and priorities before buying.
Overview
First, let‘s quickly recap what the Surface Pro platform represents. Microsoft essentially pioneered the 2-in-1 tablet-meets-laptop concept with the original Surface Pro back in 2013. The design pairs a high-resolution touch display with powerful laptop innards to allow both tablet and laptop functionality in one device.
The Surface Pro 9 launched in 2022 as the current generation, building on the Surface Pro 8. Available models feature either Intel 12th Gen Core processors or Microsoft‘s own SQ3 ARM-based chip. Prices start at $999 before adding essential accessories like the Signature Keyboard and Surface Pen.
Overall, the Surface Pro earns strong reviews for its premium construction and vivid touchscreens. But even after multiple iterations, reviewers – myself included – note a handful of consistent compromises each generation that keep it from reaching its full potential.
Now, let‘s explore the seven most commonly cited complaints about the Surface Pro line based on extensive testing and research. Understanding these drawbacks allows you to set realistic expectations before making a purchase.
1. High Cost
The Surface Pro commands premium pricing even for base configurations. Then factoring in add-ons considered necessary accessories quickly escalates costs over $1,500.
| Configuration | Price |
|---|---|
| Surface Pro 9 tablet (Core i5/8GB RAM/128GB) | $999 |
| Surface Pro Signature keyboard | $179 |
| Surface Pen | $99 |
| Total | $1,277 |
Once you upgrade to higher storage capacities or increase RAM, you can easily spend over $1,700 or more on a well-equipped model with accessories.
For comparison, you can buy capable laptops like the Dell XPS 13 with similar or better specs as a fully decked-out Surface Pro and still have money leftover. The premium pricing puts off buyers that can find cheaper 2-in-1 or tablet alternatives elsewhere.
2. Disappointing Battery Life
While Microsoft markets up to 15 hours of typical use from the Surface Pro 9, independent testing reveals battery life rarely hits that number.
| Device/Model | Battery test (Video playback) | Battery test (Web browsing) |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Pro 9 (Intel) | 11 hours 19 minutes (PCMag) | 7 hours 39 minutes (The Verge) |
| Surface Pro 9 (SQ3) | 16 hours 17 minutes (PCMag) | 13.5 hours (The Verge) |
The biggest drain comes from the Intel processor variants – unsurprising given Intel CPUs notoriously sap more battery than ARM-based chips. Still, the anemic longevity even on the ARM configuration leaves much to be desired.
If all-day endurance proves important for your mobile needs, avoid the Intel-powered Surface Pro models. Even the SQ3 variant trails the staying power of numerous tablets and convertible laptops nowadays boasting over 15+ hours of mixed usage.
3. Confusing Product Lineup
Microsoft designed the Surface Pro as a flagship 2-in-1 primed for customizability. But the sheer options overwhelm average buyers just wanting capable hybrid devices.
- 5 Configurations: Core i5, Core i7, 8GB RAM, 16GB RAM, up to 1 TB storage
- 2 Processor types: Intel or Microsoft SQ3 (ARM)
- Multiple colors: Graphite, Sapphire, Forest, Silver
- Lots of accessories like keyboards, mice, and chargers
With so much flexibility comes complexity – just navigating basic specs like processors requires deeper research understanding chip architectures. And inconsistent naming schemes between product generations causes additional consumer confusion.
While customization appeals to niche power users, the excess variety certainly intimidates less tech-savvy buyers simply wanting reliable 2-in-1 machines. Streamlining options would broaden the Surface Pro‘s appeal.
4. Lack of Ports
The thin chassis of the Surface Pro clearly prioritizes aesthetics over function regarding ports. You only get:
- 2x USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4 (one each side)
- 1x Surface Connect
That pales in comparison to even ultraportable notebooks like the XPS 13 packing four total USB-C ports plus microSD and headphone jacks. Need to connect many accessories? Be prepared to grab a USB-C hub adding even more bulk.
| Device | Ports |
|---|---|
| Surface Pro 9 | 2x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect |
| Dell XPS 13 | 3x USB-C, microSD, Headphone jack |
| MacBook Air M2 | 2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, MagSafe 3 |
The limited I/O forces compromises around versatility that premium alternatives largely avoid. Port expansion requires added dongles rather than everything connecting directly.
5. Tiny Trackpad on Signature Keyboard
The Surface Signature Keyboard delivers responsive keys but a disappointingly small trackpad:
- Surface Pro Signature Keyboard trackpad: 4.5 x 2.5 inches
- Dell XPS 13 trackpad: 5.5 x 3.5 inches
- MacBook Pro 14 trackpad: 7.3 x 4.3 inches
The diminutive size hinders precisely selecting text and moving the cursor compared to wider trackpads offering more surface area. You constantly need to reposition your hand during lengthy scrolling or document editing sessions.
Smartphones and tablets may train some users to be comfortable with smaller touch targets. But lacking ample touchpad space to leverage precise multi-finger gestures frustrates buyers wanting proper laptop ergonomics.
Using the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard for prolonged periods ultimately works better with an external mouse. But needing multiple input devices counters portability and proves overkill.
6. No Thunderbolt Support
The Surface Pro 9 utilizes USB 4.0 Type-C ports instead of Thunderbolt 3 or 4. While USB 4 offers blazing 40 Gbps transfer speeds to external drives, it lacks advantages exclusive to Thunderbolt:
- Support for two external 4K displays
- External GPU support
- Thunderbolt docks with more I/O
Bypassing Thunderbolt cuts off functionality tech professionals rely on for media creation and storage expansion. You can‘t leverage external graphics cards for gaming or easily drive multiple monitors.
AMD and Intel now bake Thunderbolt 4 into most processors. But Microsoft denying customers Thunderbolt‘s advanced capabilities disappoints power users wanting the 2-in-1 as a true desktop replacement.
7. No 5G on Intel Models
The Surface Pro 9 configuration using Microsoft‘s SQ3 ARM processor uniquely features integrated 5G connectivity. Going with one of the Intel chip options limits you to Wi-Fi 6 however.
For users mostly working at home or the office, Wi-Fi provides perfectly suitable bandwidth. But offering 5G opens more versatility supporting internet access from anywhere if you don‘t have a Wi-Fi network available.
Since Intel 12th Gen platforms lack cellular capabilities, Microsoft couldn‘t grant 5G powers to the Intel Surface Pro variants. Still, some buyers focused on remote work felt misled expecting mobile connectivity.
The limitation also counters Microsoft‘s own marketing highlighting on-the-go functionality. Thankfully the SQ3 model fills that mobile gap for users wanting untethered support.
The Surface Pro 9 stands out as a sharp, clearly polished 2-in-1 device fitting both tablet and laptop use cases. But even veteran iterations see familiar complaints around battery life longevity, limited I/O, and accessibility for average consumers arise generation over generation.
Carefully evaluating the compromises detailed above allows you to assess if the Surface Pro makes sense for your needs before buying. There exist capable alternatives like tablets or traditional notebooks avoiding some downsides if the Surface Pro‘s flaws prove dealbreakers.
But for shoppers wanting a beautifully-designed, jack of all trades 2-in-1 with unique form factor flexibility, the Surface Pro also warrants consideration. Just enter aware of the requisite accessories adding up costs, finnickier keyboard ergonomics, and more limited ports compared to clamshell laptop rivals.
Hopefully arming yourself with the information above helps set realistic expectations before committing! Let me know in the comments if you have any other Surface Pro questions.
