Microsoft Surface Pro 4 And Surface Book Arrive At Microsoft Stores: Some Customers Disappointed

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book went on sale today. However, some people coming for more advanced versions of the Surface Pro 4 (specifically, the i7 processor version) were very disappointed. Some who pre-ordered the Surface Pro 4 are reporting that when they came to pick up their device, they were told the i7 version of the Surface Pro 4 would not be available until November 20.

The Microsoft Store at the Westfield Century City location in Los Angeles was filled with mostly happy customers on Monday morning. Those who pre-ordered the i7 version were given the option to purchase the i5 version as an alernative. Since the i7 Surface Pro 4 arrives within the 30-day exchange period, these customers could return and exchange their i5 Surface Pro 4. However, perhaps this is a blessing in disguise; most of those who had to purchase the i5 version today may realize that it’s more than fast enough for all of their tasks. It’s also at least $500 cheaper.

The Surface Book was also an attraction. However, at least from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., it appeared that the Surface Pro 4 was the big star of the morning as there were several people seen setting up their new Surface Pro 4 units. The Microsoft Store also provided free breakfast (and with the good stuff, including sausage burritos) and coffee. Those who walked home with the new Surface Pro 4 or Surface Book received a t-shirt, an external USB stick, and an accessory case. The staff was patient, knowledgeable, and very friendly.

If you didn’t pre-order the Microsoft Surface Pro 4 or the Surface Book, you may have a difficult time finding either device — at least according to PCWorld.

“As for the Surface Book, none of the models with an official October 26 launch date are shipping immediately through the Microsoft Store. Some versions list a four- to five-week shipping window, while others list six to seven weeks.”

PCWorld adds that the high-end 1 TB model of the Surface Book won’t ship until January, and Microsoft has removed the entry-level model’s Nvidia graphics card option, even though it was easily available last week.

Tech Times recently talked about the improvements made on Microsoft’s latest Surface Pro, which are a lot more than people previously expected.

“The first visible upgrade is the Surface Pro 4’s 12.3-inch display, supporting a 2,736 x 1,824 resolution. It might not seem much considering that the 2014 model had a 12-inch screen, but it is noticeable. Also, the devices are equal in width, which offers users the familiar 3:2 aspect ratio from the prior model.”

They also note that the Type Cover is a huge improvement. Christina Warren of Mashable is very impressed with the Surface Pro 4 Type Cover’s trackpad, which is now 40 percent bigger and made of glass. The new Surface Pro 4 Type Cover can also be used with the Surface Pro 3.

The Surface Book is more of a high-end laptop that could be used as a tablet (albeit a somewhat large one) rather than just a laptop/tablet hybrid like the Surface Pro 4. According to Wired, the Surface Book redefines how PCs are made.

“In fact, it’s hard to name another high-end hybrid laptop that’s quite so enticing. That puts everyone who makes Windows laptops—known as original equipment manufacturers, in trade lingo—in a curious position: What do you do when the partner that supplies your product’s brains releases a superior body?”

There are some people who don’t like the Surface Book because the screen, which detaches, is too “wobbly,” especially when the Surface Book is used on one’s lap. Still, the Surface Book is a fascinating device. However, one should look at both the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book in person before making a decision.

[Feature photo via Daryl Deino]