Cowboybillybob1
Senior Member
I just recently purchased Microsoft's Surface Pro. It is about the same size as an iPad but much more versatile since it is running a full blown version of Windows 8. You must get the Pro version as the others run a stripped down version of Windows 8.
It has an easily detachable keyboard. In fact there are two types of keyboards you can purchase. The one I have is like an actual keyboard in that the keys are the regular push button type but extremely thin. There are on screen touch keyboards as well. The whole PC screen is a touch type.
The other keyboard you can purchase is just a piece of cloth. No real tactile response.
Since I had a problem with IE 10 and it's compatibility with some web sites (Nikonites Forum as well) I switched to Firefox and all is good. In fact I think I may like it better than IE.
I then needed to install Office but what a pain. I have Office 2010 on my other laptop but just did not want to jump through hoops to get it on the Surface. I opted for Thunderbird,which is an email reader associated with Firefox (Mozilla). This works just as well as Outlook with all the same features and maybe more. Not bad for free!!
I then went with OpenOffice.org for a word processor, spreadsheet, Data Base, Powerpoint type of thing and other MS Office type of apps. Again full featured and free. Not ad ware in that advertisements keep popping up to sell stuff. Compatible with Office files and just about no downside that I can see. I just saved myself a bunch of cash with no comprises.
I strongly recommend these changes and am happy as a puppy. If you have any questions I will be happy to tell you what I know.
It has an easily detachable keyboard. In fact there are two types of keyboards you can purchase. The one I have is like an actual keyboard in that the keys are the regular push button type but extremely thin. There are on screen touch keyboards as well. The whole PC screen is a touch type.
The other keyboard you can purchase is just a piece of cloth. No real tactile response.
Since I had a problem with IE 10 and it's compatibility with some web sites (Nikonites Forum as well) I switched to Firefox and all is good. In fact I think I may like it better than IE.
I then needed to install Office but what a pain. I have Office 2010 on my other laptop but just did not want to jump through hoops to get it on the Surface. I opted for Thunderbird,which is an email reader associated with Firefox (Mozilla). This works just as well as Outlook with all the same features and maybe more. Not bad for free!!
I then went with OpenOffice.org for a word processor, spreadsheet, Data Base, Powerpoint type of thing and other MS Office type of apps. Again full featured and free. Not ad ware in that advertisements keep popping up to sell stuff. Compatible with Office files and just about no downside that I can see. I just saved myself a bunch of cash with no comprises.
I strongly recommend these changes and am happy as a puppy. If you have any questions I will be happy to tell you what I know.
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