Surface Pro 4: A 2024 Retrospective

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4, released in 2015, represented a significant leap forward in the 2-in-1 tablet market. It boasted impressive specifications for its time, a refined design, and a compelling blend of tablet portability and laptop functionality. This review delves into the intricacies of the Surface Pro 4, examining its strengths and weaknesses to determine its lasting relevance in today’s tech landscape. We’ll explore its performance, battery life, design, and overall user experience to provide a comprehensive assessment. Ultimately, we aim to answer the question: is the Surface Pro 4 still a worthwhile purchase in 2024?

Performance and Specifications

The Surface Pro 4 offered a range of processor options, from Intel Core m3 to Core i7, catering to various user needs. The higher-end models provided exceptional processing power, capable of handling demanding tasks such as video editing and 3D rendering with relative ease. Even the lower-end models offered smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and document creation. The RAM options ranged from 4GB to 16GB, further influencing performance capabilities. Users could customize their device to perfectly suit their workflow and budget.

The integrated Intel HD Graphics 515 or Intel Iris Graphics 540 (depending on the processor chosen) provided decent graphics capabilities. While not designed for high-end gaming, it managed everyday graphical needs without significant lag. Storage options included a range of SSD sizes, offering ample space for applications, files, and media. The fast SSD ensured quick boot times and snappy application loading, contributing significantly to the overall user experience. The combination of powerful processors, ample RAM, and fast storage resulted in a highly responsive and efficient device.

Design and Build Quality

The Surface Pro 4 showcased a sleek and sophisticated design. Its magnesium alloy chassis felt robust and premium, exuding a sense of quality that many competing tablets lacked. The device’s thin profile and relatively light weight made it easily portable, allowing users to comfortably carry it throughout their day. The kickstand, a hallmark feature of the Surface line, offered multiple angles, providing optimal viewing comfort for various usage scenarios. The overall build quality was exceptional, contributing to its durable and long-lasting nature. The device felt incredibly well-made, resisting daily wear and tear exceptionally well.

Display and Touchscreen

The 12.3-inch PixelSense display was a standout feature. Its high resolution delivered crisp and vibrant visuals, making it ideal for consuming multimedia content and working on visually demanding tasks. The touchscreen was responsive and accurate, making navigation intuitive and enjoyable. The display’s excellent color accuracy and wide viewing angles further enhanced the viewing experience. However, the screen’s glossy finish could be prone to reflections in bright environments, potentially impacting usability in certain settings.

User Experience and Software

The Surface Pro 4 ran on Windows 10, offering full access to the vast library of Windows applications. This provided users with a familiar and versatile computing environment, allowing them to seamlessly transition from other Windows-based devices. The combination of hardware and software resulted in a powerful and flexible platform capable of handling a wide array of tasks. The stylus support, with the Surface Pen, further expanded the device’s capabilities, allowing for natural and intuitive handwriting and drawing. The integration of the pen was remarkably smooth and seamless, enhancing productivity considerably.

The device’s versatility shone through its ability to seamlessly switch between tablet and laptop modes. The detachable keyboard (sold separately) transformed the device into a full-fledged laptop, enhancing productivity for tasks requiring extensive typing. The overall user experience was polished and intuitive, making the Surface Pro 4 accessible to both novice and experienced users. The device felt well-integrated and easy to navigate, fostering a positive user experience.

Battery Life and Connectivity

Battery life was a considerable aspect of the Surface Pro 4. While not exceptional by today’s standards, it provided sufficient power for a full workday, especially when used for less demanding tasks. Heavier usage, such as video editing or gaming, would naturally reduce battery life. However, for everyday tasks, the battery life proved adequate for most users. The device included a range of connectivity options, including USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, and a microSD card reader, providing versatile options for connecting peripherals and expanding storage.

The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth ensured seamless connectivity to networks and peripherals. The speed and reliability of the Wi-Fi connection were generally excellent, allowing for swift downloads and online streaming. The Bluetooth functionality also worked flawlessly, connecting to various devices without any significant issues. The Surface Pro 4 offered a solid and dependable connectivity experience, enabling efficient and seamless communication.

Accessories and Expandability

The Surface Pro 4 benefited from a range of accessories designed to enhance its functionality and versatility. The Type Cover keyboard, while sold separately, was an essential accessory for users requiring extended typing sessions. The Surface Pen provided a natural and intuitive way to interact with the device, further improving productivity. The wide availability of these accessories and the ease of use enhanced the overall user experience considerably.

While the device’s expandability was limited compared to traditional laptops, the inclusion of a microSD card reader allowed for additional storage expansion. This offered a convenient way to increase storage capacity without needing to purchase a higher-capacity model. The limited expandability, however, was a minor drawback compared to the advantages of its portability and design.

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Powerful processor options, sleek and durable design, excellent display, versatile 2-in-1 functionality, responsive touchscreen, stylus support, good connectivity.
• Weaknesses: Battery life could be better by today’s standards, limited expandability, accessories sold separately (adding to the overall cost).

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 remains a compelling device, even years after its release. Its powerful performance, elegant design, and versatile functionality continue to hold significant appeal. While newer models offer improved battery life and more advanced features, the Surface Pro 4 provides excellent value for its price point, especially in the used market. It’s a testament to Microsoft’s engineering that this device continues to perform admirably. Consider your needs carefully before purchasing, and you may find the Surface Pro 4 to be a remarkably capable and enduring device.