Microsoft Surface Pro

With faster performance, better battery life, and other welcome improvements over its predecessor, the Microsoft Surface Pro is still the standard bearer for 2-in-1 Windows tablets.

Front and Back

The Microsoft Surface Pro has the quality and speed to lure an artist or media professional to the tablet camp.

Tilt

The kickstand reclines to an almost-flat 165-degree angle. As a result, you can easily doodle on the display using a fingertip or the Surface Pen while resting your palm on the screen.

Ports

On the right side are the Surface connector (power and docking), a mini DisplayPort, and a USB 3.0 port.

Surface Pen

Pressure sensitivity on the Surface Pen is improved from 1,024 to 4,096 levels from the 2015 iteration of the stylus, giving artists a better experience while creating and modifying images.

Signature Type Cover

The Signature Type Cover is covered in Alcantara, a synthetic suede sometimes seen on luxury sports car seats and steering wheel covers.

Desktop

The Surface Pro is compatible with the Surface Dial controller.

Outside

I had no trouble using the Signature Type Cover and the Surface Pro for hours at my desk or in a coffee shop.

Screen

The 12.3-inch screen has a 2,736-by-1,824 resolution, and is just as brilliant as the one on the Surface Pro 4.

Aspect Ratio

The screen has a 3:2 aspect ratio, which is closer to the size of a sheet of paper, following the trend started by the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 and continued by most of the competition.

Magnets

The new Surface Pen has stronger magnets to hold it to the tablet compared with the previous version of the Pen that came with the Surface Pro 4, which also lets Microsoft omit the pocket clip.

Color Coordination

Color-coordinated accessories are available, including a mouse, the Surface Pen, and the Signature Type Cover.