The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 with the 8th Gen Core i5 processor is a versatile 2-in-1 device that combines the power of a laptop with the portability of a tablet. It’s designed for both productivity and entertainment, making it a suitable choice for professionals, students, and creatives.
Specifications:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Processor | 8th Generation Intel Core i5-8250U |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Display | Size: 12.3 inches Resolution: 2736 x 1824 (267 PPI) Aspect Ratio: 3:2 Touchscreen: 10-point multitouch |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB LPDDR3 RAM |
| Storage Options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD |
| Operating System | Windows 10 Home or Windows 10 Pro |
| Battery Life | Up to 13.5 hours of local video playback |
| Connectivity | 1 x USB 3.0 3.5mm headphone jack 1 x Mini DisplayPort 1 x Surface Connect port MicroSDXC card reader Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction |
| Cameras, Video, and Audio | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD video 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p HD video Dual microphones 1.6W stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope |
| Build and Design | Dimensions: 11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches (292 x 201 x 8.5 mm) Weight: Starting at 1.70 lbs (770 g) without the Type Cover Colors: Platinum or Black |
| Accessories (sold separately) | Type Cover (keyboard) Surface Pen Surface Arc Mouse Surface Dial |
This device is designed to cater to various computing needs, offering flexibility, powerful performance, and portability in one sleek package.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is a powerful and versatile device that combines the functionality of a laptop and the convenience of a tablet. With its sleek design, lightweight build, and impressive performance powered by the 8th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, it’s perfect for professionals, students, and anyone in need of a portable device that can handle a wide range of tasks.
Overview of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6
The Surface Pro 6 is part of Microsoft’s Surface line, known for its versatility and premium design. The 8th Gen Core i5 version offers a great balance of power and portability, making it an ideal device for users who need performance on the go.
Key Specifications:
- Processor: 8th Gen Intel Core i5
- Display: 12.3-inch PixelSense Display (2736 x 1824 resolution)
- Memory: 8GB or 16GB RAM
- Storage: 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Home
- Battery Life: Up to 13.5 hours
- Weight: 1.7 pounds (without Type Cover)
These specifications show that the Surface Pro 6 can handle a variety of tasks, from simple web browsing and word processing to more demanding applications like photo editing and light video work.
Design and Build Quality
One of the standout features of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is its design. It’s sleek, elegant, and highly portable. At just 1.7 pounds, the device is easy to carry around, making it great for people who travel often or need to move between different work environments.
Materials and Build:
The Surface Pro 6 is built with premium materials, including a magnesium alloy body that feels sturdy yet lightweight. The build quality is excellent, and the device feels solid and durable in hand.
Kickstand:
A notable feature of the Surface Pro 6 is its built-in kickstand. The kickstand allows you to adjust the device to different angles, making it easy to use whether you’re working on a desk, in your lap, or even holding it in your hand. This feature adds to the versatility of the device, as it can function as both a tablet and a laptop with ease.
Detachable Type Cover (Sold Separately):
The Surface Pro 6 doesn’t come with a keyboard by default, but you can purchase the detachable Type Cover, which attaches magnetically to the device. The Type Cover is lightweight and comfortable to type on, with a full keyboard layout and a touchpad. It transforms the Surface Pro 6 into a full-fledged laptop, perfect for long typing sessions or working on documents.
Display Quality
The 12.3-inch PixelSense display is another highlight of the Surface Pro 6. The display offers a resolution of 2736 x 1824, which translates to bright, sharp images with excellent detail. Whether you’re watching movies, editing photos, or simply browsing the web, the display quality is top-notch.
Brightness and Colors:
The screen is bright enough for both indoor and outdoor use. The color reproduction is vibrant, with accurate and rich tones. This makes the Surface Pro 6 suitable for creative professionals who need a reliable device for design work, as well as for casual users who want a great experience for watching videos or viewing photos.
Touchscreen Capabilities:
The display is fully touch-sensitive, and it responds quickly to touch inputs. You can navigate through the device by tapping, swiping, and pinching to zoom, just like on a smartphone or tablet. This makes it easy to use in tablet mode, especially when you’re reading or watching videos. The Surface Pen (sold separately) adds more functionality, allowing you to draw, take notes, and interact with the screen in more creative ways.
Performance and Speed
The 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor inside the Surface Pro 6 delivers excellent performance for a variety of tasks. With this processor, the device is fast and responsive, making it great for multitasking. You can have multiple apps open at once without noticeable slowdowns.
Everyday Performance:
For general everyday tasks like web browsing, email, document editing, and video streaming, the Surface Pro 6 handles everything with ease. Switching between apps is smooth, and the device stays responsive even with many tabs open in your browser.
Productivity and Multitasking:
The Surface Pro 6 is built to handle productivity tasks efficiently. Whether you’re working with large Excel spreadsheets, running presentations in PowerPoint, or using Microsoft Office applications, the device can keep up with your workflow. The 8GB or 16GB RAM options ensure that you can run multiple programs without lag.
Light Creative Work:
If you’re into photo editing or light video editing, the Surface Pro 6 can handle tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro. While it’s not as powerful as a dedicated laptop for heavy-duty creative tasks, it works well for casual creators and professionals who need a portable option for editing on the go.
Gaming:
The Surface Pro 6 is not designed for heavy gaming, but it can handle casual games or older titles. For example, you can play games from the Microsoft Store or stream lighter titles from services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. However, for intense gaming, you might want to look for a more gaming-focused device.
Battery Life
Battery life is an essential feature for any portable device, and the Surface Pro 6 performs well in this area. Microsoft claims that the device can last up to 13.5 hours on a single charge, depending on usage.
Real-World Use:
In real-world usage, you can expect around 10 to 12 hours of battery life with normal tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. If you’re running more intensive applications or using the device for creative work, the battery life may be shorter, but it’s still impressive for a device this slim and lightweight.
The fast charging feature also ensures that you don’t have to wait long to get your Surface Pro 6 powered up again.
Portability and Convenience
One of the main selling points of the Surface Pro 6 is its portability. The lightweight design and compact form make it easy to take the device anywhere. It’s ideal for people who are always on the go, whether you’re a student moving between classes, a professional attending meetings, or someone who enjoys working from cafes or public spaces.
Travel-Friendly:
The Surface Pro 6 is perfect for travel. Its small footprint fits easily into bags and backpacks, and the long battery life ensures that you can work or entertain yourself without constantly needing to find a power outlet.
Quiet and Fanless Design:
The Core i5 version of the Surface Pro 6 has a fanless design, meaning it runs quietly even under heavy workloads. This makes it great for use in quiet environments, like libraries or meetings, without causing distractions.
Operating System and Software
The Surface Pro 6 comes pre-installed with Windows 10 Home, giving you access to all the apps and programs you’re familiar with. This includes the full Microsoft Office suite, as well as other productivity tools.
Windows 10 Features:
Windows 10 provides several useful features, including:
- Cortana: Your personal voice assistant that can help you set reminders, search the web, and more.
- Microsoft Edge: The fast and secure web browser for a great internet experience.
- Windows Ink: If you use the Surface Pen, Windows Ink allows you to write, draw, and annotate directly on the screen, making it easier to take notes and be creative.
Accessories and Add-Ons
While the Surface Pro 6 is a great device on its own, it becomes even more powerful with a few accessories. Some of the most popular add-ons include:
Surface Pen:
The Surface Pen is perfect for artists, note-takers, and anyone who likes to draw or write by hand. It offers pressure sensitivity and precision, making it feel natural when drawing or writing on the screen.
Surface Type Cover:
As mentioned earlier, the Type Cover is an essential accessory if you plan to use the Surface Pro 6 as a laptop. The cover attaches magnetically, providing a comfortable typing experience and protecting the screen when not in use.
Surface Dock:
If you want to use the Surface Pro 6 as a desktop computer, the Surface Dock is a great accessory. It allows you to connect the device to external monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals, turning it into a full workstation.
Pricing and Availability
The price of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 depends on the configuration you choose, including the amount of storage and RAM. As of its release, the starting price for the Core i5 model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage was around $899. Prices increase with higher storage options and additional accessories like the Surface Pen and Type Cover.
While the Surface Pro 6 is no longer the latest model in the Surface lineup, it still offers great value for those looking for a powerful and portable 2-in-1 device.
Who Should Buy the Surface Pro 6?
The Surface Pro 6 is a versatile device that appeals to a wide range of users:
- Students
: With its lightweight design and long battery life, the Surface Pro 6 is perfect for students who need to take notes, work on assignments, and browse the web.
- Professionals: The Surface Pro 6 is great for professionals who need a portable device for presentations, meetings, and productivity tasks. Its versatility allows you to work from anywhere.
- Creative Individuals: For artists and designers, the Surface Pen makes the Surface Pro 6 a fantastic tool for sketching, drawing, and design work.
- Casual Users: If you’re looking for a device to browse the web, watch movies, and handle everyday tasks, the Surface Pro 6 offers a great experience in a compact form factor.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 – 8th Gen Core i5 is an outstanding 2-in-1 device that offers the perfect blend of performance, portability, and versatility. Whether you’re working, studying, or relaxing with entertainment, the Surface Pro 6 can handle it all. Its sleek design, long battery life, and powerful performance make it a great choice for anyone looking for a portable computing solution.
If you’re in the market for a device that can function as both a laptop and a tablet, the Microsoft Surface Pro 6 is definitely worth considering.