Microsoft Surface Tablet Deals & Offers

Microsoft Surface Pro 6: Portable and Powerful

Microsoft has not broken the mould with their 2019 Surface Pro 6, but it’s still an excellent laptop/tablet fusion that boasts a selection of useful features. A suitable choice for people who want a device for work or study which can also manage streaming, this Pro has a bright screen, front-facing speakers and a handy kickstand. As one of the better-quality Windows 10 tablets, the Pro 6 has a premium finish with soft rounded edges that are hand-friendly and a solid magnesium body.

The Pro 6 is part of Microsoft’s two in one tablet line launched in 2013 with the Surface Pro. They all have an optional keyboard and stylus, meaning they can be used as a traditional laptop or a touchscreen tablet.

The Pros and Cons: Is It Worth Investing in the Surface Pro 6?

Pros

• Great battery life

• Screen looks beautiful

• A lightweight and portable device

• Quad-core processor delivers a solid performance

Cons

• Lacks a USB-C port

• Updates are minimal

• The keyboard dock can feel undersized

Although the Surface Pro 6 is probably the most advanced tablet featuring Windows 10, it is not the major update some users were expecting. The processor is undoubtedly fast and the battery will last for an impressive amount of time between charges, but it is let down by the dated selection of ports which are the same as those on the 2017 Microsoft Surface model. The keyboard dock is attached via a six-pin connection and held in place by magnetic strips. Although it is perfectly proportioned with the screen, at 295 x 217 x 5mm the Surface Pro 6 keyboard or the Type Cover, may feel slightly narrow compared to standard keyboards which measure around 430 x 145 x 25 mm.

Key Features of the Microsoft Surface Pro 6

• A Windows 10 tablet with an optional TypeCover keyboard

• A very light and adaptable device

• Can be used in three different modes, laptop, studio or tablet

• A sturdy kickstand raises the screen to various heights

• A battery life of up to 10 hours depending on the type of usage

• Includes Windows 10 Home

• Supported by an 8th Gen Intel CPU

• Inbuilt Cortana AI can save time on searching for information or documents

• Clear and loud front-facing speakers

• A 5.0-megapixel front camera and an 8.0-megapixel rear camera with 1080p

• Swift logins with the Windows Hello IR facial-recognition camera

• Accelerometer and gyroscope make the screen reactive to movement

• Aimed at people who need a device for writing, browsing and viewing streamed media

The Surface Pro 6 is part of an innovative range that’s hugely adaptable - if you’re searching for a Windows tablet with extra perks it’s probably the best you’ll find. On the one hand, it can be slipped into a bag and carried around, whilst on the other it offers all the utility and power of a desktop PC. Although this model is very similar to the previous Pro release in terms of its ports and size, there are a few features which mark it out. For 2019 Microsoft have added to the platinum silver exterior with a smooth black version that’s probably going to be more popular.

Another key enhancement is the battery which can now manage more hours of video playback without draining away quickly. If you tend to use the Pro for day to day tasks, it’s unlikely that you’d notice a major change compared to previous models. However, when it comes to video it can provide up to 2.5 hours more playback. Windows 10 is a solid OS, plus you’ll be able to use Windows Hello with the infrared camera for very swift logins. You don’t get a suite of complex software with the Pro 6, but Microsoft has included everything you need to get started and more – plus there’s no annoying bloatware.

Microsoft Surface Pro 6 UK Specifications

• Dimensions: 292 ×201 ×8.5 mm

• Weight: 770 /784g

• Storage (SSD) options: 128 GB/256 GB/512 GB/1 TB

• RAM: 8/16GB

• Screen: 12.3in LCD

• Processor: Intel Core 8th Gen

• OS: Windows 10 Home

• Camera: 8MP rear/5MP front

It is in the display that the Pro 6 has the most improved specs, starting with a contrast ratio of 1,500:1 compared to 1,300:1 on the previous model. This makes looking at the screen more enjoyable for general users but also people who’ll be creating or editing video and photographs. Colours are brighter and blacks are presented in more detail. The elevated levels of contrast are enhanced by a 2736 x 1824 resolution which produces 267 pixels per inch and an aspect ratio of 3:2, like that of the iPad Pro from Apple. For added stability the screen has been made from tempered glass, this makes it able to withstand bumps but can cause it to reflect artificial lighting and sunlight.

The Surface Pro 6 with Type Cover attached weighs 1.08kg, but these extra grams provide a full QWERTY keyboard with a trackpad and a selection of function keys. To compensate for the lack of typing space, the function keys are smaller than the letters, but this means the arrow keys are crammed together in the lower right-hand corner. Despite being removable, this is a very accurate and responsive keyboard with a precise trackpad that makes light work of scrolling, selecting and dragging.

How Does the Surface Pro 6 Compare with Similar Devices?

• Lower battery life than the iPad Pro 12.9

• Larger screen than the Surface Go

• Lighter than the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet

Although Apple gadgets are more inclined to reach their full battery life with every charge, the Surface Pro 6 can sometimes need a recharge before the expected 10 hours are up. In part, this is because Windows 10 was developed for a range of devices, whilst the iPad Pro has a bespoke iOS. Whilst this is a drawback in terms of battery life, Windows 10 software does offer more flexibility as you can run the full versions of Win32 software. With Apple iOS, you are often limited to the various equivalents available in its App Store.

The Pro 6 is 100g heavier than the Apple gadget and the Surface Go. The Pro 6 may look similar to the Go, but it is far more powerful and capable of serious computing. The Go is a better choice if you just want to carry out basic tasks and prefer a lighter device with a smaller screen. At 890g the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Tablet is a heavier gadget but it packs in a higher resolution display, an IR camera and a fingerprint scanner. The extra cash will also net you two speedy Thunderbolt 3 ports which are ideal for people who need to transfer large quantities of data quickly.

Surface Pro 6 Accessories

• Avoid damage with a Surface Pro 6 Case – Whether you go for the black or the silver finish, you’ll want to preserve the premium look of your Surface Pro 6. You can keep your device inside a case when it’s not being used at home, or if you’ll be taking it along when you travel. There are plenty of designs to choose from including those which are especially stylish and those that offer advanced protection.

• Add utility with the Surface Pro 6 Keyboard - The Surface Pro 6 price does not include a keyboard, but Microsoft have Signature Type Covers to transform it into a laptop as required. The luxurious ‘Signature’ versions feature soft Alcantara, a suede-like material which leaves the keyboard feeling soft. When it’s up, the cover protects the screen and when it’s down there’s a full keyboard with LED backlighting.

• Get the PC experience with a Docking Station – Anyone who plans to use their Pro 6 as a PC most of the time, will benefit from a docking station. These desktop stands make it easy to link a Pro 6 with a mouse, keyboard and monitor, as well as any USB powered peripherals. If you want a wider degree of flexibility whilst keeping the Pro 6 docked, choose one with articulated hinges.

• Surface Pen – Microsoft have included a co-processor to minimise any lag between the pen and the screen, so using it is remarkably smooth. The pen is not essential, but if you’ll be taking notes by hand or if you do lots of digital artwork, it’s a great addition to your collection. There are expensive high-end pens for detailed work, but if you’d prefer a basic version for signing documents, there are cheaper ones.

• Surface Arc Mouse – This slim and feather-light mouse connects to a Pro 6 wirelessly using Bluetooth. The set up can be completed within a few seconds for horizontal and vertical scrolling, as well as tracking and right or left clicks. If you prefer the feel of a mouse to that of a trackpad, this travel-friendly device will improve your experience with the Surface Pro 6.

A Closer Look at the Surface Pro 6 - FAQs

• What kind of processor does the Surface Pro 6 have? – With an Intel 8th Gen processor, Microsoft has upgraded their Pro line from a dual-core to a much faster quad-core processor.

• Which version of Windows 10 comes with the Pro 6? – This model ships with the Windows 10 Home edition. If you’d prefer the advanced Windows 10 Pro, it can be purchased separately.

• Does the Pro 6 get hot? – High-performance gadgets can become warm, but the Pro 6 has a quiet cooling solution that does not rely on noisy fans.

• Is the Pro 6 scratch-proof? - Although the Pro 6 is not anodized, it has a ceramic oxide layer which provides substantial resistance to scuffs.

• Does the Pro 6 support the Surface Connect to USB-C Adapter? – Yes, this adapter will work with the Pro 6 if you plan to connect with an external display, accessories or a power source.

• Do Surface Pro 2017 accessories work with the Pro 6? - Yes, the Pro 6 is almost identical to the 2017 version visually, so any skins, cases and adaptors from 2017 will fit perfectly.

• Are there Surface Pro 6 Bundle Deals? - Yes, Microsoft has a selection of Surface Pro 6 bundle options, so you can choose exactly what you need from a range of products.

How was the Surface Pro 6 Reviewed by Experts?

Surface Pro 6 review writers are generally positive about the gadget. In Techadvisor, Jim Martin was impressed by the CPU performance increase and in Forbes, Don Reisinger praised the ‘extremely attractive’ finish, calling the Pro 6 a ‘high-end choice’. Thomas Newton of Trusted Reviews mentioned its swiftness and flexibility, but also the ‘great battery life’. However, many, including Tom Bruce of Expert Reviews mention the similarities with 2017’s Pro and the lack of ports. This is echoed by Samuel Gibbs in the Guardian who explained the Pro 6 has the same port selection as previous versions and this ‘was old in 2017, but looks positively ancient in 2018’.

Using the Surface Pro 6

How to automatically transfer photos from an Android phone to a Surface Pro 6

1. Download the OneDrive app at Google Play

2. Select Camera Upload when prompted

3. Phone pictures will be visible on the Pro 6

Using an iCloud for Windows Account

1. At the Microsoft Store, download iCloud for Windows

2. Install the app and restart the device

3. Sign in to iCloud using your Apple ID when prompted

4. Choose a device to synch with the Pro 6

5. Use the app to synch contacts, photos etc.

Changing to a Windows Hello sign-in

1. Select Start, then Settings

2. From here go to Accounts and then Sign-in Options

3. Click the Windows Hello face icon

4. Follow the instructions to start using this sign-in

Finding the best Surface Pro 6 Offers

The Surface Pro 6 is available online from the electronics retailer, Currys PC World, as well as Amazon and eBay. You can also purchase a range of accessories for the device from these stores. If you would like to buy directly from the Microsoft Store, they have a selection of Surface Pro 6 Bundle offers, but you can also purchase the Pro 6 on its own.

As the newer Surface Pro 7 has been released, you can shop Surface Pro 6 sale prices around the Christmas period when slightly older gadgets tend to be reduced. The Pro 6 may also be offered for less throughout the year as part of general sale events. Specifically, at the end of November, the Black Friday event is a time when most major retailers lower their prices considerably. Both Microsoft and Currys have a page which lists all items that will be included in the sale, just check-in close to the time for possible reductions of up to 20% on the Pro 6.

A Sleek New Addition to the Surface Pro Range

Microsoft has improved on its Surface collection with the Pro 6, but it doesn’t represent a significant upgrade and is unlikely to tempt current Surface Pro owners. Nevertheless, taken on its own merits, this tablet is a brilliant tool. Microsoft has given the outer shell a makeover with a new black finish, added a faster processor and boosted the battery life to keep it going for longer. For streaming, browsing and general computing work including admin or word processing, you’ll find it extremely capable and with a compact footprint, the Pro 6 will easily slip into a briefcase or rucksack. The versatility is also unmatched by conventional laptops or tablet, as it functions as a touchscreen device but can also be combined with a keyboard or a stylus for sketching and notetaking. On the downside, without a Thunderbolt 3 or USB-C Port, the Pro 6 is not future-proof and you’ll almost certainly have to invest in adaptors to keep up with the latest peripherals. For people who can overlook these issues and want a flexible device to breeze through daily computing tasks, the Pro 6 is a brilliant Windows 10 PC. If you want a touch-screen tablet but need a laptop for work or study, it offers the best of both worlds.