Microsoft Surface Pro 4 And Surface Book In Short Supply This Holiday Season

Are you having trouble finding the specific Microsoft Surface Book or Surface Pro product that you want? According to many sources, Microsoft is allegedly having a hard time meeting the demand for both laptop/tablet hybrids. DigiTimes has the news.

“Microsoft’s Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 2-in-1 are expected to see weaker-than-expected shipments in the fourth quarter because of Intel Skylake processor shortages and some orders have been postponed to the first quarter of 2016, according to sources from the upstream supply chain, who added that device manufacturer Pegatron Technology has also seen related yield rates improving and should benefit the two products’ shipments.”

DigiTimes adds that Microsoft has not confirmed anything on orders, shipments, etc. A visit to the Microsoft Store in Los Angeles reveals that Microsoft does have the Intel Core i5 versions of the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book, but the i7 versions are available in very limited quantities.

The Surface Pro 4 has received a better reception than the Surface Book. TechRadar gave the device four-and-a-half stars.

“Has Microsoft at last crafted a tablet that can reasonably, without considerable compromise, replace your laptop? Short of going back to the drawing board on the battery, this looks as close as it’s going to get,” claims the review.

TechRadar goes on to add that the 3:2 aspect ratio is ideal for those who want the middle ground between a work device and a multimedia device. They also praise the new Type Cover, which has better keys and a much better trackpad. Digital Trends also gave the Pro 4 a near-perfect rating.

“The Surface Pro 4 is a microcosm of the change Microsoft is trying to spur inside its own walls. Time and time again, it missed the opportunity to leap on a new trend in consumer technology. But not with Surface. This time, Microsoft is a leader. It’s setting the trend. And unlike its new competitors, it’s had a few years to work out the kinks.”

Speaking about working out the kinks, the Microsoft Surface Book started out with more kinks than anyone had ever expected. Some people were referring to the Surface Book as a $2,000 beta device. There were problems with the screen flickering, problems with the trackpad, problems with the screen, etc. Microsoft has fixed most of these issues with a firmware update.

Laptop gave the Surface book three-and-a-half stars, referring to the device as beautiful and buggy. They gave props to the gorgeously sharp display, the long battery life (something others definitely disagree with), the smart pen integration and the overall fast performance. However, they also noted that the trackpad isn’t always consistent and that there are some other bugs.

TechRadar gave the Surface Book four-and-a-half stars and described the device as an amazing laptop that does even more as a tablet.

“While the Surface Book brings many technological innovations to the laptop space, it’s greatest strength is that it’s just an all-around terrific device.”

The review goes on to compliment the futuristic design, the unrivaled display, and the seamless tablet separation. However, some users have complained that the Surface Book screen doesn’t always separate from the keyboard so easily. However, that appears to be more of a software issue than a hardware malfunction.

Microsoft is definitely back at the top of its game with the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book. Let’s hope that they can finally meet demand for both of these devices. Furthermore, let’s hope that the second generation of the Surface Book isn’t as buggy as the first.

[Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images]