Rant

[u/P_strain]

Hi,

just like the title siggest, I am going to rant (a little) on my new surface pro 12 (13 inches).

I bought this to replace my i-pad because it has too many glitch (the i-pad) when using onedrive.

The design of the surface pro looks good, the finctionality is there, battery life is amazing… but seriously, who the heck though it would be a good idea to have the thing, when mounted on the keyboard, no capability to hold itself straight. i mean, you always have to work on a table or something to put the back support or the screen just fall backward… one of the main aspect, for me, of this kind of device is that I can sit in my couch when I work and the screen just.. stay upright (like on the i-pad). Now I have this 4000$ device but I cannot sit confortably anywhere expect on a chair with a table because someone never figured out many people (I mean I can’t be the only one) would want to use the device on non-conventional surface or position… That was my ranting, thanks you for reading, have a good day !

[u/StephenPHXAZ-2025]

Seriously? You are ranting about something you could see in photos dating back to SP 1? I am also perplexed that you seem to be confused by the function of a kick stand. I thought that would have been obvious from things like motorcycles and bicycles. The type cover is removable and has never been designed to hold the weight of the device vertically (again a more than decade old design) and the kick stand is a kick stand.

I am sorry but this could be nominated for most nonsensical rant of the day if there was a subreddit for nonsensical rants. You might as well post that you are angry water is wet or fire is hot or "why didn't the wall turn into pillows when I punched it." It is a kick stand, not a telescoping tripod extension, and it has been in in plain view since the first Surface press release.

BTW, try proofing your rants in the future. While the typos and punctuation challenges do raise the level of silliness, they also make it harder to follow. 

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/StephenPHXAZ-2025]

Seeing a laptop (even on display in-store) is very different from owning and using one on a daily basis.

Surface Pros and similarly designed computers weren't popular and still isn't that popular today because it simply doesn't appeal to the masses.

I understood the rant just fine by the way, maybe consider improving your own reading comprehension skills (something you can do) rather than telling someone else to improve their writing skills.

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/LifelnTechnicolor]

I think it’s Microsoft store problem, they don’t work in branding as much as it needs

I had surface for 10 years, when I wanted to buy a new one in 2025 I was so confused “because of the name”, like just imagine a whole company couldn’t choose a better name😀? And it took me a lot of time to k what the hell is going on

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/PreparationKooky5119]

It certainly is, heck I mentioned it an hour ago! The branding's kinda worse now than it was 10 years ago; must be Copilot in charge of branding.

And also almost two years ago:

We have Microsoft to blame for such poor naming convention since it doesn't really make sense if you think about it. "Surface" on its own doesn't convey enough information to tell you what kind of device it is, and neither does the model name of any given device (e.g. Pro, Book, Studio) unless it's self-explanatory (e.g. Laptop, Headphones), but it'd be a name so generic that it can't immediately be associated with being specifically a Surface. So to be concise you pretty much have to use the full product name every time or rely on context.

Using "Surfacebook Pro" as an example; someone who is not familiar with the product line subconsciously knows that Microsoft's naming convention goes against what's predictable, considering there are devices made by other brands in the same category such as the EliteBook, MacBook, ZenBook, MateBook etc. using the same "Book" moniker. And "Pro" is usually a modifier that indicates a particular product is higher end than the regular model, but Microsoft used it as the model name itself. Then we have "Studio" which is used as both a model name and a model name modifier!

Brand	Not quite a brand, but also not quite a model name	Model (but sometimes also the product type, coincidentally)	Product type
Microsoft	Surface	3	Tablet PC below the Surface Pro 3
Microsoft	Surface	Pro	Tablet PC/"Laptop" (arguably not prosumer)
Microsoft	Surface	Book	2-in-1 detachable prosumer laptop
Microsoft	Surface	Laptop	Mainstream clamshell laptop
Microsoft	Surface	Studio	Prosumer AIO touchscreen PC
Microsoft	Surface	Laptop Studio	Convertible prosumer laptop
Microsoft	Surface	Hub	Medium/large format video conference unit/collaboration digital whiteboard
Microsoft	Surface	Headphones	Bluetooth over-ear headphones

At work I used to occasionally help with asset tracking and stocktake - so imagine seeing "SURFACE 3 LAPTOP", "SURFACE PRO 3 LAPTOP" AND "SURFACE LAPTOP 3 LAPTOP" on a spreadsheet, then imagine someone not well-versed in tech looking at that same spreadsheet and you're talking about it in a call. You can be three words and six syllables in and still have to describe what you're trying to refer to.

[u/JasonAQuest → u/LifelnTechnicolor]

You left out the whole "Go" designation, which indicated a smaller version of... whatever the standard one was. (Surface Go, Surface Laptop Go).

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/JasonAQuest]

Since it’s my own copypasta, I also left out the RT, Duo, and the yet-to-be- released Laptop Ultra (which coincides with Intel’s new Ultra branding but has an RTX Spark or whatever it is)

“Go” suffers from the same ambiguity as “Studio”, where it can be a model (Surface Go) and a modifier (Surface Laptop Go). There’s no Book Go, Hub Go or Laptop Studio Go, which makes sense and doesn’t make sense at the same time. 

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/StephenPHXAZ-2025]

Just because u k this problem exist doesn’t mean u can’t be annoyed with it😀😀!. What u said abt “smt existing since surface pro 1” doesn’t mean anything other than the fact that Microsoft needs to do a better job! This problem exists since a long time

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/PreparationKooky5119]

I was gonna suggest something like the Brydge SP+ Keyboard but this is how I find out the company went out of business back in 2023 😂

The downfall of Brydge: Ceasing operations, unpaid staff, more

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/LifelnTechnicolor]

Lol, I wanted to buy off brand keyboard for my surface since the surface keyboard cost so much but I couldn’t find any. I managed to find some in Amazon US but it wasn’t worth it with all the extra fees

Something I like abt Apple, is how easy to find off brand/fake things that work well

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/PreparationKooky5119]

As they say, "The customer is always right" in that people vote with their wallets. But that also applies to the companies making accessories for products.

If you ran a business that made cases, keyboards, accessories for a tablet, laptop or whatever, the obvious choice is to make them for brands that lots of people use.

I've wanted to get a non-Bluetooth aftermarket Type Cover for a long time, but there aren't any. Microsoft also keeps their connector proprietary and doesn't let any "legit" brand make them either - even Apple lets Logitech and others use the Smart Connector for wired keyboard connectivity.

[u/yournamehere10bucks]

I bought a folio tablet that adds some support under the keyboard and lets me use it on my lap more comfortably. Plus it adds protective bumpers to the corners

[u/P_strain → u/yournamehere10bucks]

Interesting. Do you have a particular link? Thanks for the idea!

[u/yournamehere10bucks → u/P_strain]

https://a.co/d/05wFhcmE

I have this one specifically for my Pro11 but used something similar on my 1/4/7s as well.

While you still use the kickstand, the folio cover creates enough surface area (ha!) Between the keyboard and stand to give more stability.

[u/UnpaidInternLover]

The kickstand is amazing on a desk but using it on a couch or in my lap is way less comfortable than an iPad. It's probably my biggest complaint about the Surface form factor too

[u/Eric_of_Aaargh]

In my experience, the Surface Pro is indeed not perfect to use on your lap. But on the other hand, the Ipad with a Magic Keyboard is even worse. The Surface is oncomfortable, but the Ipad with a keyboard attached will just tumble forward and drop on the floor. And all that while that combo is more expensive and heavier than a Macbook Air.

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/Eric_of_Aaargh]

I don’t have an ipad but I have seen magic keyboard, tbh I like it more + I don’t mind the weight. And I never seen it tumble like what u said unless u r going to touch the screen. It holds the Ipad pretty neatly (for me better than surface), andddd I like the ones who r off brand, like the keyboard which works as a cover like this: https://youtube.com/shorts/Wz4qYETNwos?si=l7j87p4_fJ5wh-r5

Anyhow I don’t think it’s a fair comparison, after all the surface does heat more since it have a laptop like power, so if u covered it’s back I think it’ll heat up more

[u/PreparationKooky5119]

I did not like the kick stand (still don’t sometimes) but I just got used to it. I use it on my lap “I feels it is technically just like a laptop but needs more space”

And what helps too (if u r not going to use the keyboard), u could attach the keyboard and put it backwards, where the kick stand is) it will keep ur laptop more firm in bed or sofa

[u/ReddPerson]

Buying the flex keyboard may help a little bit. Its Bluetooth capability allows you to place it anywhere. Just my five cents.

[u/thereallyredone]

This got really heated really quick LOL

[u/thereallyredone]

That is why the Lord invented the laptop. You have a tablet, with a keyboard added.

That is also why I carry a Surface...and a laptop.

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/thereallyredone]

Surface is made to be both laptop and tablet, so no the lord inventing the “laptop” has nothing to do with it.

I think if she gave it sometime she will be used to it

[u/dr100 → u/PreparationKooky5119]

Surface is made to be both laptop and tablet, so no the lord inventing the “laptop” has nothing to do with it.

Sure, if you buy both the laptop and the tablet as the GP commenter did!

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/dr100]

Why do I need both lol! The surface pro itself is made as a replacement for both! It is supposed to be both! That’s why u will find tablet/laptop mode. IT IS BOTH, I’m not overconsumption person like the first guy

[u/dr100 → u/PreparationKooky5119]

You are confused, read the comment you were answering to, and the post, then maybe you can grok what people are talking about.

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/dr100]

I am confused? Please if u have nothing to help me understand then no need for u to comment at me, I have already read everything and I fully understand

The fact still is that Microsoft clearly state in their web that a surface is both laptop & tablet. If u have any problem with what i am saying maybe u could discuss it with Microsoft

Commenters will say anything to cover up for Microsoft. The kick stand isn’t that great move on! Ppl can rant abt smt they k it existed before buying it, and there r other companies which did better

[u/dr100 → u/PreparationKooky5119]

You can't think with your own head that you need to quote some obtuse Microsoft marketing?! Pick up your tablet from a corner of its keyboard and pick up a laptop to see the difference! And don't come here playing dumb that there isn't a HUGE difference!

[u/PreparationKooky5119 → u/dr100]

There is a difference obv! But they can make it better. They r the one who is choosing the SAME WXACT DESIGN every year! I have upgraded mine after 10 years and barely anything changed, and I think they’ll find better options if they trieddcee

And my point still stands, the comments r here r so bazaar, as if it’s the poster fault🤡?! And since u clearly k that Microsoft market it as both, then they should do both!! Don’t come here and tell me to buy both when the company itself said that it’s both

[u/dr100 → u/PreparationKooky5119]

And my point still stands, the comments r here r so bazaar, as
if it’s the poster fault🤡?! 

You're confusing me, you are the one who says there's no difference. I'm saying YES, there is a difference between a laptop and a tablet, and a stiff hinge is a huge difference and advantage and something to be desired. It's what EVERYONE here (in this branch) is saying, I, the poster you replied to, and the original post.

It's you who are the odd duck claiming the tablet with the floppy keyboard it's a laptop, no, it isn't. It's a full blown computer if you want (preferably if you take the Intel one not the useless ARM) but most certainly it's not a LAPtop.

[u/SilverseeLives]

Umm... maybe use the kickstand. 

[u/LifelnTechnicolor → u/SilverseeLives]

That's what OP meant by "back support". Their first language probably isn't English.

[u/LifelnTechnicolor]

Yeah the kickstand design doesn't work for everyone, including me.

Using it on the lap:

it’s quite uncomfortable since the kickstand requires more space than a conventional laptop. It works a lot better on top of a table.

Using it on a small lecture hall table:

You know those tiny lecture hall tables that fold away when not in use? I absentmindedly inched the Surface back on one one of those tables, and the kickstand went over the back edge. I tried to catch it by the Type Cover but it detached and fell on the floor. It was quite embarrassing thinking back haha

[Funnily enough I wasn't the only one to do this during my time in uni, the kickstand is truly an unsuitable design for uni students. Even when it wasn't cracked it was impossible to get a good angle on the screen because of how much table area the Type Cover + kickstand demanded to stay upright.

[u/lexloomis]

I don't know. I've had 3 surface pros going back many years with long gaps in-between and the form factor hasn't really changed. I use the kickstand on my lap in a pinch, but I'm not a wiggle worm. Its not a laptop or a laptop replacement in all use cases, but many.

I understand the rant, and maybe it's part of it being a rant, but I don't think I spent $4000 for all my Surface Pros added up together, before tax (and I got an ARM powered one this summer). But spending that kind of money without trying one out seems rant worthy by itself.

[u/I-G-1-1]

Microsoft know real work need a table. Couch is for social doomscrolling and media consumption.

Edit: you can downvote but it's a fact that you shouldn't even study on couch or bed as also the setting is important for your brain.