> It’s disappointing to not see any design tweaks
Why ? So that manufacturers feel they have to change something, anything, to satisfy spec-only reviewers ? And then we end up with an apple keyboard fiasco ?
Why ? So that manufacturers feel they have to change something, anything, to satisfy spec-only reviewers ? And then we end up with an apple keyboard fiasco ?
When they ask: "why did they changed it?!". I say: "because someone needed a job".
I get that due to the design, it will always be a heavy machine. But due to the hinge, the SB is not really a portable machine, at least in a modern sense. There's no technical justification for the bulkiness; other laptops implement(ed) the form factor with much more compact hinges (I owned at least one that did). It's huge even when in a backpack.
It's ironic that this horrible hinge is the trademark of the machine. If they changed it, they would be essentially forced to sell it as a new line.
The USB-C is also clearly a checklist feature, as it's not fully integrated: the charger has a Surface connect plug (AFAIK), and the tablet does not have a USB-C (I'm sure about this). This means 1. that the tablet needs the base to be charged through the base (but one can live with this), but worse, 2. that one needs to buy a separate USB-C charger (have fun with this: https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/7gj449/adventures_...).
Given the prices, and the fact that there is nothing comparable to the SB as tablet (maybe the Ipad), one could buy a cheap SB as large tablet. In this case, when traveling (with a separate laptop), one has to carry two chargers (or a hacky adapter, like I do). Check out the Microsoft Surface connect <> USB-C adapter: it's a joke.
I personally think they sell few units, and that they're keeping the line as sort of "trophy laptop" (the prices are insane; for the same, you can buy much, much more powerful laptops of well known brands/lines).
sigh