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Microsoft’s Black Friday deals include discounts on Surface devices
Microsoft already announced its Xbox Black Friday deals -- which include $100 off an Xbox One X -- and now it's previewing the discounts you can expect on its Surface line. You'll be able to save $300 on the Surface Laptop 2 in black and up to $50 on the Surface Go. There are also multiple discounts available for Surface Pro devices. Microsoft is knocking off $260 from its Surface Pro 6 (Intel Core i5/128GB SSD) and platinum Signature Type Cover bundle, as well as $330 from either the i5/256GB SSD or i7/512GB SSD configurations when bundled with a Type Cover keyboard. You can also save $310 on a Surface Pro (5th Gen) Intel Core M and Platinum Type Cover bundle.
The new iPad Pro vs. the competition: Working hard
Earlier this year students and other cost-conscious consumers got their hands on the latest low-cost iPad, but now it's time for professionals to get their hands on an upgrade. This year's iPad Pro switches the line to USB-C and boasts an improved Pencil. But the field it's facing is a lot different from last year's, especially now that Google's reentered the fray with its Pixel Slate. We've taken a look at some of the top productivity tablets to see how they measure up to the 12.9-inch iPad in numbers. For the real scoop on the new iPad, though, you'll have to wait for our full review, coming in the next few weeks.
Surface Pro 6 review: Still the best 2-in-1 PC
Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 is the ideal hybrid tablet. It's a slate that can run all of the Windows apps you need, and together with its keyboard cover, it can also serve as a solid ultraportable laptop. But honestly, the same was true for last year's Surface Pro, a machine that was mostly a spec bump from 2015's Pro 5. This latest Surface isn't the major redesign we've been waiting for, but it's still a great option for anyone looking for a unique ultraportable PC. And at least it finally comes in black again. There is one wrinkle for Microsoft though: the Surface Go, its great new tablet PC. Now that there's a cheaper way to get most of the Surface experience, in a much smaller package, there may be less of a reason to spend extra for the Pro model.
Pixel Slate vs. the competition: Get some work done
We weren't too thrilled with the first attempt at putting Chrome OS on a tablet, with Acer's Chromebook Tab 10 getting slammed for its bad cameras and poor performance — and the fact that Chrome OS hadn't really been optimized for the form factor. Maybe things will be a bit better when Google takes the helm with its Pixel Slate. We have fond memories of tablets like the Nexus 9 from 2014, as well as last year's Pixelbook laptop (less so for the Pixel C, though). We won't know how this device will fare until we formally review it, but we certainly know what it's competing against and can compare specs in this handy chart.
Microsoft's Surface event by the numbers
Microsoft had a slew of new Surfaces to show off during Tuesday's press event held in New York. The company debuted its quad-core Surface Pro 6 and a significantly speedier Surface Laptop 2, not to mention a pair of Cortana-connected Surface Headphones.
Surface Pro 6 vs. the competition: More than just portability
Last year's Surface Pro was a satisfying, if unambitious entry to Microsoft's brand of hybrid laptops. With its sixth iteration, the line is offering a load of refinements like a higher contrast ratio for the screen. However, in a crowded marketplace full of lightweight hybrids and convertibles, what helps the Surface Pro stand apart? We've taken leading machines from Dell, HP and even last year's MacBook Air and laid their key specs out to see exactly what each offers under the hood.
Surface Pro 6 hands-on: Same looks, but a huge speed bump
Microsoft isn't revolutionizing anything with the Surface Pro 6 -- it has the same basic design as last year's Surface Pro, except there's a black case option. But the hardware upgrades make it even more compelling, especially for demanding users. Microsoft claims it's 67 percent faster than the previous model, mostly thanks to Intel's 8th generation Core CPUs. You can also stuff in up to 16GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD -- not the sort of specs you'd expect to see in a tablet.
Microsoft's Surface device subscriptions start at $25 per month
Microsoft's Surface devices tend to be costly, but the company might have a way of making them more palatable. It's launching a Surface All Access subscription model that finances your PC while throwing in some of the services you need. On top of the computer itself, you're also getting "accessories," Office 365, dedicated help and Microsoft Store perks. Think of it as Xbox All Access for the productivity crowd.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 puts quad-core CPU power in a thin tablet
While the Surface line has been a leader in the convertible device market, competition is coming from all angles, including Lenovo's Yoga line, Apple's iPad Pro and even the leather HP Spectre Folio that was just unveiled. Last year's Surface Pro brought refinement to Microsoft's top-of-the-line convertible device, while staying incredibly light with great battery life. Now it's time for a refresh and the Surface Pro 6 comes with updated 8th generation Intel Core CPUs combined with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1 TB SSD all wrapped in black, blue, red or "platinum" grey. As shown by the leak earlier, it's sticking with same charging connector and USB 3.0 ports (no USB-C here). The design hasn't changed much, keeping that ubiquitous hinge and Surface Pen close by, and it's sticking to a 3:2 aspect ratio that helps maintain usefulness as a tablet. The 2,736 x 1,824 12.3-inch display is improved, at 267ppi and -- according to Panos Panay -- the best contrast ratio they've ever achieved. There's also an 8.0MP HD rear-facing camera to go with its 5MP / 1080p front-facing camera used for Windows Hello and video calls.
Surface Pro and Surface Laptop may only receive simple spec bumps
We hope you weren't expecting major overhauls of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop at Microsoft's October 2nd event -- you might be disappointed. Sources for WinFuture have claimed that both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 (not necessarily their actual names) will largely represent spec bumps. They'll be available in black in higher-end configurations, but the design would otherwise be unchanged -- and that would leave you without USB-C for yet another year. That could be particularly frustrating if you have a USB-C smartphone or other modern peripherals, especially when the Surface Go and Surface Book 2 do have the newer connector.
