Microsoft Surface tablets are most often compared not to their counterparts on Windows or Android devices, but to their age-old competitors in the face of the iPad. The logic here is clear — both devices are on the technical front page, give unique features for creative work and, if necessary, can turn into a kind of laptop. If we compare specific series, then the “lightweight” Surface Go seem to be analogues of the iPad Mini, the classic Surface Pro are aimed at competitors with the updated iPad Air, but the upgraded Surface Pro X begs to be compared with the iPad Pro.


In fact, the last statement is not entirely true. Despite the high-end anodized aluminium chassis, bigger display, removable SSD, and more ports, the Surface Pro X series doesn't fill in, but complements the regular Surface models. The key difference is the use of Microsoft's own experimental ARM-processor SQ1, which has a positive impact on battery life and energy efficiency of the device, but raised many questions in terms of compatibility. The blue screen of death when trying to enter Photoshop is not the best way for a designer to brighten up the morning.

With a big battery that lasts all day long, a new lightweight design, a beefed up interesting stylus that can be hidden in the keyboard, two USB-C ports, a large high-end display and always-on connection via 4G LTE — all these nuances seem to hint to us that the Surface Pro X stands out from the general range of Microsoft products. If the usual Surface will appeal to a conventional designer or artist, then the Surface Pro X is more likely to come in handy for a person who is constantly on the road.