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I was wondering what the downsides of using a Surface 2 instead of a Laptop would be? Not just for Audio, but for general computer use.
Speed, Storage, Functionality ... Comments Please!Cut-Throat
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I would like to know how a usb 3.0 hub works in real world.
Can you stick a bunch of peripherals on a hub, like a external HD, Bluetooth keyboard/mouse (corresponding dongles? or internal Bluetooth capability?), usb/spdif converter and everything work accordingly? And if you switch hubs, for example a different hub in your car, work and home, will it find all the corresponding drivers and function seamlessly?
After that, sure would be cool to hook it up to a large computer monitor to do serious work. And... oh yea, an Ethernet port. Is that asking too much?
C-T, coincidentally, the thought crossed my mind last week that, just for kicks, I could later buy an original Surface Pro (not the 2) and hack it down to a base install of cMP.
These may soon start being dumped as used models in exchange for recent models. Some folks will want a more powerful version of the Pro...but we don't need it to be so. In fact, for cMP and other great audio software we can use, and may even prefer, "relatively wimpy". I do wonder if Intel skimped on the SSE extensions. As long as SSE3 extensions are still covered, hell, one could even use HQPlayer (though options below may also be good for HQP usage). In any event, I've heard some great SQ from cMP/Foobar combos recently. I suspect that Surface Pro > USB DSDDAC could be a terrific combination.
Likewise, one could hack the non-Intel Surface 2 (non-x86 CPUs) to perhaps use Android audio apps....with a little hacking. Or, simply get one of the better Android tablets that have USB output...and hack as needed.
There are several paths. However, if you want to use the very same tablet for something else also, then you will probably be compromising the best SQ that each tablet/system combo may be able to deliver.
JBen - all your thoughts are ones I have. I use MQn player software (which I highly recommend for ultimate SQ on Windows 8.1 which I also recommend for audio), and has low power requirement.Surface Pro is not that wimpy either, although again a low power CPU is what I want to minimise unnecessary 'noise'.
I looked at the Asus Transformer and the build quality just seemed so poor in comparison and I don't need a physical keyboard really for playing audio.
The screen is lovely and would be a pleasure to use for controlling audio.
Just seems the ideal hardware for convenience, portability and performance for a good price if one goes for one of the older Pro versions.
So the question is - "Why isn't everyone doing it?"!!
Are you still lovin' it?
Jonathan
Jonathan, I have not done this yet. LOL, the darn "projects list" is always stretching much longer than the time and money available.
Still, you know how it is. One happens to be scanning eBay for something else and BAM, someone decides to sell an item on your projects list. Even if it has been low in relative priority it suddenly glows as a golden opportunity.
Tadahhh! The "impulse purchase" gene strikes again. (Beware of eBay's "watch list" and Amazon's "wish list" : - ))
I am watching ebay and Amazon too!
Has anyone tried a Surface Pro for audio?
It runs Windows RT so none of the programs for Windows (7/8) will run.
Bit like Windows phone, to little, to late
The Well Tempered Computer
nt
Cut-Throat
Many of the Windows tablets run full-blown Windows, including my ASUS T100TA. That one, BTW, has the keyboard dock designed in the way that makes it very laptop-like, when in usage.I still don't think it's a suitable laptop replacement, because of small size first and foremost - but also lack of sufficient connectivity options.
Edits: 07/20/14
that a Windows Product (Surface) would not run windows programs, but the Asus can.
What connections do you have on the ASUS? What would you like?
Cut-Throat
The Surface (and some of the Asus tablets) use an ARM processor, not an x86 processor so they cannot run normal windows binaries, it's a completely different processor architecture and instruction set.
What Microsoft has done is recompile windows 8(8.1) for ARM and called it Windows RT. Any applications also have to be recompiled to run on ARM. Since the market is kind of small, not very many companies have decided to release ARM versions of their software.
That all being said I DO have an ASUS RT tablet, they are dirt cheap these days and for what I needed it for they are a better fit than any other tablet options.
No, I have not tried hooking up a USB DAC yet, I ought to do that some day!
The Surface PRO line use x86 processors so they can run normal Windows and run all the millions of Windows programs.
John S.
There's really no reason to bother with RT version. However, if that's what you already have, then certainly it makes sense.I can confirm that full-Windows tablet outputs to USB DAC just fine - in my case it was via normal USB port on keyboard dock, since I don't have microUSB-to-USB-B cable.
Edits: 07/21/14
Question: Is the ASUS T-100TA dead silent? I know that it has an SSD, but does it have a CPU fan?
Tony Lauck
"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar
No additional battery in the dock, either.
Just finished placing an order. Thanks for the info.
Tony Lauck
"Diversity is the law of nature; no two entities in this universe are uniform." - P.R. Sarkar
If anyone is interested...
I played with a 64GB model at a local office supply retailer. You get a lot for the money (mainly full Win 8.1 vs useless RT) with overall creaky plastic feel and tiny OK trackpad (somewhat usable after disabling gestures).
But for the price.....
I'm using a Surface pro 2, which is a really sweet and speedy thing and runs full Win 8.1, not RT. RT's ecosystem is way too limited for work (better use full Windows) or for play (get something Android or iOS). Other than something like the Asus mentioned above, there are quite a few choices that run full Windows 8.1. There are also 8-inch ones if you prefer smaller and cheaper. Lately, there have been some little tablets launched with Windows 8.1 with Bing (apparently a nearly costless version to drive prices down) that can cost as little as about US$200 (I have seen one that runs the latest cheap atom chip and has both Android and Windows built in). At the other end, if you want speed (i5, i7 with lots of ram), full HD and full size ports and don't mind a little more weight, there are things like Surface Pro 2 & 3 and Sony tab 11.
On ASUS, there's 1 microUSB port on the tablet itself, and 1 normal USB port on the dock - on mine, occupied by wireless mouse receiver when in use.
I prefer the Track pad over a mouse. And a USB port is fine. I assume it has wireless and a MiscroSD slot for extra Storage.I want a 10 inch or smaller Screen. I want to replace my HP Netbook with a 10 inch screen.
Cut-Throat
Edits: 07/20/14
Thanks for the Rec!
Cut-Throat
One quick tip: when setting it up, don't forget to turn of the "narrator" - that stupid voice will drive you crazy in less than couple of minutes. Not specific to ASUS, of course - it's the Windows feature.
I have preffered the mini 10 inch screen laptops for the last 10 years or so. I had a Sony that cost me $2 Grand. This little Asus is the Best one I've had. Runs Cool and is quick. Vibration free and dead quiet. I am loving it !! I don't think I'll ever take the keyboard off of this tablet. I just can't see a reason for removing it!Thanks for the Rec!
Cut-Throat
Edits: 07/23/14
N/T
I only use Squeezeboxes going into a DAC. So I use the Laptop for running Logitech Media Services, where I am just controlling the Squeezeboxes.
I don't use PCs directly for audio.
Cut-Throat
nt
Cut-Throat
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