Recently I found myself needing a new tablet as I would be loosing my Android tablet. It had been very good to me, but it just never seemed to have completely filled all my requirements. So I sat down and tried to really examine what I needed and what direction I should go in. Having used an iPad before I knew that was not the answer I was seeking. So I came up with the following list of what I needed:
- Lightweight and Portable
- Network Connectivity from anywhere
- HDMI / DVI / VGA output
- Be able to substitute for my desktop
- Capable of most presentation and video formats
- Shell access
My answer came in the form of the Microsoft Surface 3 from AT&T. It provided me with 4G access, extremely lightweight, portable, run Windows Desktop Apps, Open Office / Microsoft Office supported, and with the Microsoft Windows 10 Anniversary Addition it would provide a Linux Shell. I knew I would need to look at few other accessories to really make it the device I wanted.
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For starters the Surface didn’t have the video outputs I wanted on it’s own. So I choose the Avotch Mini Display Adapter with provided HDMI, DVI and VGA outputs form the Mini Display port of the Microsoft Surface. This solved one problem, and it was a bonus that one accessory solved all thee output formats, instead of needing to buy 3 different accessories.
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Having used a stylus for years with my android tablet, I was really feeling the need to get one for the surface. It provides me with the handwriting, and more importantly the drawing capability that I desired. In addition one click and it opens up Microsoft Onenote on a new document. This is great to create diagrams or plans on quickly and easily. With the different tips that come with it, you can pick which works best for you.
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Now one thing is still missing and that is a keyboard. Yes I could have used a Bluetooth keyboard, ones in the past never felt right when I used them. While at the AT&T store I had a chance to try out a Microsoft Surface Type Cover and it felt like I was using a regular keyboard. It didn’t take long for me to make the decision to get a Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover. I have found it extremely comfortable and the fact it attaches/detaches so easily makes it so nice.
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Last thing, was to protect my investment. I have a 4 year old, and have been known to drop things. So I always look for a good case to protect my tablets. I had to do some hunting but that is when I found the UAG Microsoft Surface 3 Case. Now after having it a week, I find it extremely comfortable to hold my tablet, the fact it integrates with the Microsoft Surface 3 Type Cover, causing not additional work to attach or detach it. In fact the Type Cover is used as part of the protection with the case.
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Overall I would highly recommend these tools. I have all of them and use them with my surface all the time. On these items I give them 5 out of 5 Yoda’s!
