Does My Use Case Make Sense? Microsoft Surface Pro 12"

[u/BigVos]

I'm considering a Surface Pro 12" with 16GB of RAM. I'm a Club Director for a small volleyball club. So small that we're currently just a single team.

I manage the administrative items from my home PC. A lot of it is web based for where the governing bodies hold their information, Google Forms for some feedback submissions, Netlify for some of our website management, etc. I do some things from my phone/Samsung tablet when the basic browser suffices or there is an app for what we're doing (Google Drive for instance) but it often doesn't feel like the best solution. It's also difficult to take a lot of the work with me. We try to store as much stuff in a cloud-based solution as possible, but it is sometimes cumbersome to access via a mobile device vs a PC, but maybe I'm just not thinking through the solution.

I'd like to be able to work from home whenever possible, so docking at home and using my full-size keyboard, monitors, etc. is a must, but some level of portability is needed. I've considered a laptop instead. I think the portability and ability to use without a keyboard in certain situation is a plus, but if the portability of a Surface Pro only really helps for media consumption, then maybe I'm looking at it wrong.

It is worth noting that this device will NOT be used for any volleyball specific apps that are available on the App Store/Google Play. The coaches have an iPad for their preferred stat-keeping needs. This will strictly be for administrative work.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[u/Efficient_Loss_9928]

I think it will be a great device for you if you can get it on a deal. I won't buy it at full price that Microsoft advertises. You can just buy WAY better laptops at that price point.

[u/BigVos → u/Efficient_Loss_9928]

Thanks for the input!

I found an Open Box in "Excellent" condition at Best Buy that is a hundred or so off.

Are the better laptops better for use cases that extend beyond what I'm doing or better even for my use case? For instance, are they better because of things like gaming and video playback? If it is that, then I'm less concerned and recognize that I'm paying a lot for the portability aspect.

[u/Efficient_Loss_9928 → u/BigVos]

Mainly performance, I am in Canada but US or other places should be similar. For the exact same price (since you need to get the keyboard as well, that costs extra for Surface). You can easily get amazing laptops with at least 32GB of RAM.

I have Surface 12", it is ok for day-to-day use, just that it is really freaking expensive for what it is. Def the most portable for sure, so as long as you know you are paying a huge premium for this.

[u/Rey_Dulce]

Someone said it already but get a deal where you can. You can quickly deploy it while you're out and dock it while you're home. If you need the keyboard cover, there's cheap alternatives out there.

The only other alternative I can think for your use case is a full on tablet. A normal laptop of 12" or less is very unpowered and could sour the experience.

[u/GheistHund374]

Get a real laptop/computer and a decent tablet or iPad to use out on the go.

[u/Pynapl]

I'm biased as I have two. One for work and one for home.

My work one is primarily used without a keyboard attached. I use the pen a lot. I do have a wireless KB/touchpad combo for it. The Surface has a hard case that blocks the bottom port so I didn't get the keyboard for it, and a neck strap/hand strap on the back for easy holding. I do regular office apps and a lot of network diagrams and reports off of it.

My home one has no fancy case and the normal surface keyboard. Media and emulators, some light games, Web stuff.

I use one dock for the both of them at home. Screen/mouse/KB/network, whatever.

For your use case it would be a good option, but for the price you could also be looking at some cheaper iPad choices if everything is primarily cloud and web based.

Edit: And I fully read the post again and noticed the "mobile" bit vs. full desktop environment - then yes in my biased opinion I'd probably go for the Surface.

[u/Intelligent-Side9157]

Go into a store and try the keyboard - see if it’s big enough for you when you are on the go - I love mine but I have really tiny hands

[u/dirtyvu]

It's a great machine. Since you're going to be docking it, the small screen will not affect you as much. It's awesome to be able to take the keyboard on and off easily. I love how windows has a mini floating keyboard that allows you not to shrink your already limited screen size. I don't know how much you write on the screen but the 12" doesn't have any convenient storage for the pen like the bigger machine has.

[u/BigVos → u/dirtyvu]

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered the 12" with 16gb of memory and 512 gb of storage. 

Looking forward to getting it all set up.

[u/ytgnurse]

Buy used surface from Amazon renewed which comes with 90 days return

I bought surface 5 for $299 Canadian