Surface Pro 8 or $600 Slate: Which is the Better Investment?

Surface Pro 8 or $600 Slate: Which is the Better Investment?

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Surface Pro 8: A Brief Overview
3. Pricing and Value Comparison
4. Display Quality: OLED vs IPS Panel
5. Keyboard Comparison: Design and Functionality
6. Kickstand Differences: Built-in vs Removable
7. Speaker and Webcam Quality
8. Performance: Surface Pro 8 vs Asus Slate
9. Gaming Experience on Surface Devices
10. Pen Experience and Compatibility
11. Battery Life Comparison
12. Conclusion

Surface Pro 8: A Superb Device for Productivity and Media Consumption

The Surface Pro 8 is the latest addition to the highly acclaimed Surface Pro lineup by Microsoft. With its attractive features and upgraded design, it has garnered a lot of Attention from tech enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore the key aspects of the Surface Pro 8, compare it with a more affordable alternative, and analyze its performance, display quality, keyboard functionality, and more.

Before we Delve into the specifics, let's take a closer look at the pricing and overall value provided by the Surface Pro 8. Priced at $1100 for the base model, the Surface Pro 8 is undeniably an expensive investment. However, when considering its overall performance, design, and advanced features, the price can be justified. It's essential to keep in mind that the Surface Pro 8 has additional costs for essential accessories like the pen and keyboard, adding up to approximately $280. Thus, the total cost of ownership for the base model accounts for $1400, signifying the premium nature of the device.

One of the standout features of the Surface Pro 8 is its striking display quality. Equipped with a 13-inch OLED panel, the Surface Pro 8 offers an unrivaled visual experience. The vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast ratio make it a treat for media consumption. Comparatively, the more affordable alternative, such as the Asus Slate, utilizes a 13-inch IPS panel. While the IPS panel on the Slate delivers a higher refresh rate of 120Hz and a 3x2 aspect ratio, it falls short in terms of vibrancy and contrast. When it comes to media consumption, the Surface Pro 8 clearly outshines its counterpart.

Moving on to the keyboard comparison, the Surface Pro 8 introduces a newly designed keyboard exclusively for this year's model. While this keyboard offers a comfortable typing experience with its well-spaced layout, it lacks backlighting, which might disappoint users who frequently work in low-light conditions. The Asus Slate, on the other HAND, features a soft-touch Rubber keyboard that provides a pleasant typing experience, but also misses out on backlighting. It's worth noting that the Surface Pro 8's keyboard is not backward compatible with previous models, adding an extra consideration for potential buyers.

In terms of kickstand functionality, the Surface Pro 8's integrated kickstand allows for flexible tilting angles, catering to users' preferences. On the contrary, the Asus Slate employs a removable kickstand segment that can tilt to a reasonable extent. Although the removable kickstand helps in reducing the device's overall cost, it may inconvenience users who prefer a built-in kickstand. Additionally, the magnetic attachment of the kickstand on the Slate requires some manual support while adjusting it, unlike the Surface Pro 8's seamless built-in kickstand.

The quality of speakers and webcams plays a significant role in the overall multimedia experience. While the Surface Pro 8's speakers offer a cleaner sound output with noticeable presence in lower frequencies, they are not louder than its counterpart on the Asus Slate. However, both devices provide decent speaker performance for casual media consumption. Moving on to webcams, the Surface Pro 8 continues the tradition of excellent webcam quality, providing clear and detailed video calls. Surprisingly, the Asus Slate delivers a satisfactory webcam performance, surpassing expectations and proving to be better than several devices in the same price range.

When it comes to performance, a noticeable difference arises between the Surface Pro 8 and Asus Slate. While both devices handle light tasks and content consumption with ease, the Surface Pro 8 exhibits better overall performance. However, if subjected to CPU-intensive tasks like Photoshop, the Slate lags behind due to its weaker processor. Gaming performance is another area where the Surface Pro 8 excels, offering an upgraded experience compared to the Asus Slate. Although surface devices are not primarily designed for gaming, the integrated graphics provide satisfactory gameplay for less demanding titles.

The pen experience on the Surface Pro 8 and Asus Slate exhibits their respective strengths and limitations. The Surface Pro 8's new flat-Shaped pen fits seamlessly into the device and ensures a consistent and comfortable writing experience. Additionally, it charges conveniently when attached to the keyboard, adding to its overall usability. On the other hand, the Asus Slate utilizes a more traditional barrel-shaped pen, which, despite its slightly Chunky design, offers a surprisingly good pen experience. However, the Surface Pro 8's digitizer and pen combination provide a more responsive and precise performance for digital illustration and artwork.

Battery life is a crucial aspect to consider while choosing a portable device. The Surface Pro 8 offers approximately eight hours of usage on a single charge during regular testing. However, enabling the 120Hz refresh rate significantly reduces the battery life to around five hours, becoming a trade-off between smooth visuals and extended usage time. On the Asus Slate, due to the power-hungry OLED panel, the battery life is noticeably lower, lasting around seven hours.

In conclusion, both the Surface Pro 8 and Asus Slate offer distinct advantages and cater to different user requirements. The Surface Pro 8 impresses with its top-notch display quality, enhanced performance, and versatility. However, its premium pricing might deter less budget-conscious buyers. On the other hand, the Asus Slate presents compelling value with its affordability and decent performance, making it an attractive choice for those seeking a more cost-effective alternative. Depending on individual preferences and priorities, users can make an informed decision, considering their specific needs and budgetary constraints.