Evaluating Surface Pro 3: Introduction

I've skimmed a number of reviews of the Surface Pro 3 prior to purchasing my own, and generally they don't go into depth about how they use the device.  I've used the SP3 for about 40 days now, to varying degrees each day and I keep discovering better ways to make use of this multi-faceted device.  Supposedly it can replace your laptop and I want to suggest at this time that it can also replace your tablet and e-reader (smaller-sized tablet). This won't be one long article but a series that will have the tag SP3. 

Citrix and Remote Desktop data usage - lower than expected

I had to get some work done while being on the road.  All the files were on my work computer and my personal laptop didn't have the right software.  I was very apprehensive about using Citrix Desktop and then subsequently Remote Desktop to access my workstation, due to unknown data usage. 

According to my mobile data provider (Wind Mobile), I used approximate 35.4 MB over a 1 hour period.  This was less than I expected but in line with other observations.  I was editing a document but needing to switch between other windows to collect information and do some data manipulation.  My laptop resolution is 1600 x 900 (and my Remote Desktop session was adjusted to the same).

So for getting a few things done at work while being on the road, using Citrix and Remote Desktop won't eat up your data allotment. 

Web site compatibility

I don't do a lot of web site development now but I was under the impression that in recent years, people's experience with different web browsers (IE, Firefox, etc.) was pretty consistent.  Then I started to use Opera (2010) and noticed its problems with Google Docs spreadsheets.  Then we tried to use the PS3 browser to surf the Internet on our HDTV (when we finally purchased an HDTV in 2011) and realized what an abysmal web browser that is. 

When I started using an iPod Touch (4th generation), I was surprised at how well its Safari browser displayed most web pages.  Besides a very intelligent mobile Safari implementation, it appears it was because of the dominance of its cousin, the iPhone, that caused web sites to bend over backwards to accommodate it.  For example, Google Docs presents a very usable interface for spreadsheet editing to the iPod Touch. 

I finally started an ongoing list of how well certain "unpopular" browsers render web sites that I use.  In summary:

• Windows Phone 7 has problems with more "complex" web sites that don't have a mobile version.  But I am sometimes surprised that it is able to handle image oriented web sites such as those found on Tumblr.
• Blackberry Playbook renders most web site excellently, probably because of its Flash support; surfing the net with the Playbook is much like using your desktop computer although there are gaps. 
• I don't have time to fill in the PS3 column but in general, it sucks.  Don't let the included web browser be a selling feature to you.  I have not researched how other game console web browsers such as on Xbox compare

MiFi 2372 review

Signed up for one-year mobile internet contract with Bell Canada September 2011 when I was using iPod Touch and HTC 6800.  MiFi 2372 was free with one-year contract.  No hotspot capability available with either iPod or 6800 so this device gave me internet access on the go. 

While usually it does a decent job, I am looking forward to the end of my Bell contract and moving onto another hotspot device (since my "new" Samsung Focus running Windows Phone 7.5 evidently cannot act as a hotspot either).  Problems with the MiFi 2372:

• Sometimes suddenly stops working as a hotspot although still has power.  Cannot power off by holding down power button; have to pull out battery to reset
• LED status light is indecipherable when there are problems
• Sometimes loses the configuration (SSID, password, etc.) I've set up for it and it returns to factory configuration

Your experience with MiFi 2372?