Surface Pro 3 - Versatility

The SP3 is the most useful laptop I ever had and the reason is not performance it is versatility.

One: Notes

The Surface replaces a legal pad in this case. The battery is strong enough to last even a long meeting (>8h). The stylus is precise.  Sensitivity was an issue at first, but the configuration app fixed it.

Two: Media Tablet

Movies, web browsing, reading - I do that mostly in tablet mode using the kickstand to prop it up. If you want better sound, connect a Bluetooth speaker/headphones.

Three: Presentations

PDF works as well as any Windows presentation program. MDP adapters allow to connect to VGA or HDMI. If you forgot your own, just ask another speaker with a Macbook.

You want to control the presentation wireless? The Kensington Presentair is a nice Bluetooth presenter with a Micro USB loading port.

Also, the stylus allows flip chart like presentations.

Four: Mobile Work

It is light enough to carry around and the display has a high resolution - large enough to use an IDE comfortably. The battery last long enough that I do not carry the power supply. It stays at home or in the hotel room. If I expect to need more time, I take a battery pack with me.

The Logitech T630 mouse does not take much space in the bag, has an Micro USB loading port ans support gestures.

A small UMTS stick provides connectivity at the moment, but I hope for LTE in the Surface Pro 4.

Five: Portable Workstation

Working in a customers office for some days allows for a larger setup. The USB port on the SP3 is not powerful enough for an external monitor, but the one in the power supply is. I use a MS168B+ connected to a small USB hub with a Micro USB port for power. The hub provides LAN and an SD-Card reader, too. Typically I set it up with the SP3 power supply, but it works with the battery pack. The wireless adapter converts the type cover into an Bluetooth keyboard.

Maybe Microsoft will fix the USB port power issue in the next Surface Pro.

Six: Desktop Workstation

I have two of the docking stations - at work and at home. At home it is connected to an LG ultra widescreen monitor (3440x1440px). At work it is connected to two monitors with the EVGA DisplayPort MST Hub. I could connect the monitors directly to the two MDP ports (docking station and SP3). But the whole point of a docking station is to not have to connect separate cables.

Surface Pro - USB Hub

The Surface Pro is a cool device but USB connectivity is one of its weak point. It has a single USB 3 port that is not fully powered. Devices that need the more power like an USB monitor will not work.

Up until now I used a hub with 3 USB ports and LAN (RJ45). An Y cable connected the USB port on the power supply to provide additional power to the hub.

I found something better. 

• Really small form factor
• 2 USB 3 ports, 
• 1 RJ45 LAN port
• Card reader (SD and Micro SD)
• Micro USB power connector

So I loose 1 USB port, but get the SD card reader. The form factor is really nice. The killer feature is the Micro USB port. Finally a powered USB hub that does not need a special power supply.

Take a look:

I tested it connected to the Surface Pro power supply and the Asus MB168B+ USB monitor. Works fine.  

X10 Mini Pro Cardboard Stand

X10 Mini Pro Cardboard Stand

I found a iPhone cardboard stand and liked the idea, so I created a version for the X10 mini pro. It's a passive stand, but you can use it with the usb cable connected.


Download the pdf template here.

I did a video of the first build, too:

Solar Power

The Vaio P has a very low power consumption. About 6 Watt without the wireless stuff (8 Watt with it). So I though I give it a try to power my P with the sun. It works, but I think I need a little larger solar panel. The current one has only 6 Watt.

New Gadget: Vaio P

I'm in love with my little new toy: the Vaio P19. It is small, light and perfectly quiet. The high resolution display is sharp and easy to read.

The Atom Z530 is fast enough. I don't notice a real difference to the TX1 I had before. Video could be faster, I hope for a driver update.

The pictures in this post were taken in RAW with a Canon EOS 350D (some using a remote software on the Vaio P) and edited in Photoshop Elements on it. The P performed well.

Large applications like Open Office start really fast, maybe the SSD is the reason.

The ac adapter is small, not much longer then an AA battery. SonyStyle Japan includes an additional piece with the plug, like the ac adapter for the macbooks. Anybody knows how I can get one of the plug adapters? (Except from ordering a complete ac adapter from Japan.) :-)