I’m a working mom.
One who commutes — often by train — into the city once a week. One who spends a lot of time using social media apps. And one whose kids are device-savvy and love their games.
So having the opportunity to play with Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 for the last couple of weeks has been a real eye-opener in terms of tech efficiency and the kind of device that works best with our lifestyle.
There’s no question, the Surface Pro 4 is the epitome of versatility. If you’ve never seen one in action, it’s essentially a laptop-tablet hybrid thanks to a snap-on keyboard (called the Type Cover) that also acts as a screen protector when closed over the screen.
In addition to the optional keyboard, there’s also an optional Surface Pen. And this little guy is GOLD! It’s what sets the Surface Pro 4 apart from many other tablets and certainly most (if not all) laptops.
You can write on web pages and send it to someone by email or share a screen grab, like I did on Twitter last night:
Connecting the @microsoftcanada #SurfacePro4 to our XBOX, and had to get Plants vs. Zombies GW2. Look at that price! Only 2 days left. #ad pic.twitter.com/SVk8s6bxRF
— Andrea (@MommyGearest) March 13, 2017
Your kids can create awesome art:
You can even get artsy-fartsy yourself if you’re so inclined:
But as the consummate list-maker, I love being able to jot down notes or lists in OneNote, which comes loaded onto every Surface Pro 4. Not only do I get the satisfaction of physically crossing things off my to do list, but it also happens to be saved centrally and not on some random sheet of paper that ends up in the bottom of my purse. It’s the best of both worlds.
The Surface Pen does so much more than just write, though. Two clicks on the “eraser” and you’ve instantly created a screen capture. When you’re in the OneNote platform, one click takes you to the art pad versus the lined “paper.”
My kids and I got a real kick out of the Surface Pen’s capabilities.
And the best news is that until March 16, you can save up to $150 on select Surface Pro 4 devices at microsoftstore.ca — and use those savings to get yourself a Surface Pen and maybe a few fun games for your new device (or even your XBOX!) while you’re shopping.
Because there are loads of games on sale right now, too. I synced the Surface Pro 4 to our Microsoft account, which we use for our XBOX One S. It was so easy to browse the Microsoft Store for new games.
I scored a killer deal on Plants Vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 for the kids, as I posted in that earlier tweet. It was down to just $13 from $65!
And it was pretty cool to pay for it on the Surface but see it download in real time on our TV:
I also bought a game for myself called Steep. I don’t think I’d have paid $80, but $40 was a great price so I went for it.
I was even reading that you can stream your XBOX games to the Surface Pro 4. That means if we want to watch something on TV and the kids want to play games, everyone’s happy. Very cool.
Some of the other fun features I discovered on the Surface Pro 4 are sticky notes — exactly what you might envision sticking on your fridge or computer screen:
And then there’s Cortana, your built-in personal assistant who uses voice commands (or text) to help you stay organized. I saved our March Break trip this week in Vermont into our calendar just by chatting with Cortana:
So in between your March Break plans, be sure to check out all of the March Break deals at microsoftstore.ca.
Don’t just take it from me…here’s what The K Man and Miss Q have to say:
We used @microsoftcanada‘s #SurfacePro4 to make this video! #ad #MarchBreakDeals pic.twitter.com/NrA8CHyVKZ
— Andrea (@MommyGearest) March 13, 2017
Customers who shop online get free standard shipping and free returns on every item (every day!); they also receive free 24/7 customer support, including online text chat.
I can’t wait to hear what you buy!
DISCLAIMER: I was compensated for this post and also received a $25 gift card to kick off our Microsoft Store shopping, but the experiences noted and all opinions are mine.
s powell says
nice could use this
s powell says
nice could use this
aliyadaya says
I’ve been wanting a Surface Pro for a while; it would be perfect for work and while I travel.
aliyadaya says
I’ve been wanting a Surface Pro for a while; it would be perfect for work and while I travel.
The Minimalist Mama says
This looks like such a cool device! I love new technology.
The Minimalist Mama says
This looks like such a cool device! I love new technology.
Carolyn says
Lucky lady! I would love a Surface Pro !! Your review only confirms I want one!!
Carolyn says
Lucky lady! I would love a Surface Pro !! Your review only confirms I want one!!
Debbie Paisley says
Great review Looks like an awesome computer. It does everything.
Debbie Paisley says
Great review Looks like an awesome computer. It does everything.
Brad Kinchen says
The continued increase in tech is simply amazing, some excellent features!
Brad Kinchen says
The continued increase in tech is simply amazing, some excellent features!
misselles80 says
Sounds like this would be a great addition to the household for my girls to do their homework on!
misselles80 says
Sounds like this would be a great addition to the household for my girls to do their homework on!
AndreaK says
So many cool features! This would be super fun to explore!
AndreaK says
So many cool features! This would be super fun to explore!
loucheryl says
My oldest son is really into his XBOX so this program would be a great program for him. He loves to design things.
loucheryl says
My oldest son is really into his XBOX so this program would be a great program for him. He loves to design things.
pinksuzanne says
I love my Apple products but this Microsoft product sounds pretty amazing.
pinksuzanne says
I love my Apple products but this Microsoft product sounds pretty amazing.
Christy Eldred says
We have always been Apple but you certainly make this appealing. I think our whole family could benefit and enjoy!
Christy Eldred says
We have always been Apple but you certainly make this appealing. I think our whole family could benefit and enjoy!
Alayne Langford says
This is all pretty cool and I am still trying to figure out about sharing it with the Xbox. It’s something alright ?
Alayne Langford says
This is all pretty cool and I am still trying to figure out about sharing it with the Xbox. It’s something alright ?
Eliz says
Husband refuses to get a Mac so this sounds like a great option!
Eliz says
Husband refuses to get a Mac so this sounds like a great option!
Kristy says
I like the idea of using a pen- I miss handwriting sometimes, and it would be a good way to have the kids practice writing, too. Lots of nice features!
Kristy says
I like the idea of using a pen- I miss handwriting sometimes, and it would be a good way to have the kids practice writing, too. Lots of nice features!
Adriana Grillo says
Marvelous idea. The dimensions are a little small – will get bigger if lots of people want it for potential future uses.
Adriana Grillo says
Marvelous idea. The dimensions are a little small – will get bigger if lots of people want it for potential future uses.
Krista Miller (@MillerKrazy) says
I love the sticky notes! I totally need that! What a cool feature
Krista Miller (@MillerKrazy) says
I love the sticky notes! I totally need that! What a cool feature
ALICIA D MILLETTE says
I have wanted a microsoft surface pro!!!! hint hint next giveaway!! BTW cortana is awesome just told her to remind me to get off the laptop and do something in one hour lol
ALICIA D MILLETTE says
I have wanted a microsoft surface pro!!!! hint hint next giveaway!! BTW cortana is awesome just told her to remind me to get off the laptop and do something in one hour lol
akbulbeck says
Hmmmm, when my laptop dies for good…
akbulbeck says
Hmmmm, when my laptop dies for good…
jro says
can do some great kids artwork on there!
jro says
can do some great kids artwork on there!
Jackie M says
This is a powerful 2n1 I need to get one of these. Perfect for kids and myself when I need to work!
Jackie M says
This is a powerful 2n1 I need to get one of these. Perfect for kids and myself when I need to work!
Janet M says
I hadn’t heard about this. thank you for the info.
Janet M says
I hadn’t heard about this. thank you for the info.
sarah alexis says
Wow – I didn’t know all those features of the the Surface Pro 4 – how super cool!
sarah alexis says
Wow – I didn’t know all those features of the the Surface Pro 4 – how super cool!
Rachel says
Nice review. Always love cool new tech. Think this is going on the wish list
Rachel says
Nice review. Always love cool new tech. Think this is going on the wish list
JoKing says
Wow this could be so helpful and easier to travel.
JoKing says
Wow this could be so helpful and easier to travel.
Clair Palmer says
awesome deal, sounds pretty good, would be something to looking into for sure, thanks for sharing
Clair Palmer says
awesome deal, sounds pretty good, would be something to looking into for sure, thanks for sharing
Amy Heffernan (@kissifer19) says
Now this is something my lil guy would love!
Amy Heffernan (@kissifer19) says
Now this is something my lil guy would love!
Elizabeth Vlug says
Fabulous review. I’m a little tech challenged so I appreciate reviews that I can actually understand. 🙂 I’m slowing learning.
Elizabeth Vlug says
Fabulous review. I’m a little tech challenged so I appreciate reviews that I can actually understand. 🙂 I’m slowing learning.
Treen Goodwin says
wow this looks so awesome , our whole family would really love it , thanks for sharing 🙂
Treen Goodwin says
wow this looks so awesome , our whole family would really love it , thanks for sharing 🙂
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
Really great deals going on right now. The surface is totally on my son’s wish list. I wish I could take advantage of the deals going on, its just not in the budget right now! Thanks for all the information!
andrea amy (@mommy2fiveboys) says
Really great deals going on right now. The surface is totally on my son’s wish list. I wish I could take advantage of the deals going on, its just not in the budget right now! Thanks for all the information!
Emily Hull says
I love the surface pen!!
Emily Hull says
I love the surface pen!!
Carole Dube says
We have one of the first Microsoft Surface! My husband love it, but I was never crazy about it, but I love my PC and doesn’t use my tablet much. This one look awesome with all the xtra features.
Carole Dube says
We have one of the first Microsoft Surface! My husband love it, but I was never crazy about it, but I love my PC and doesn’t use my tablet much. This one look awesome with all the xtra features.
nicole a says
I would use the pen feature along with screen capture to make tutorials for work – that is a great feature!
nicole a says
I would use the pen feature along with screen capture to make tutorials for work – that is a great feature!
Rebby says
I’ve been dying to get my hands on the Microsoft Surface!!
Rebby says
I’ve been dying to get my hands on the Microsoft Surface!!
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
My sons would love this but I’m a pc fan as I can’t type nowhere near as fast on a laptop.
Elizabeth Matthiesen says
My sons would love this but I’m a pc fan as I can’t type nowhere near as fast on a laptop.
Josh S says
Some awesome features there…wish this technology was a available when I was a kid!
Josh S says
Some awesome features there…wish this technology was a available when I was a kid!
Tammi L. says
It sounds awesome and I need to replace my iPad… I’m curious as to which you would prefer? The prices are so similar that I’d like to know how they compare side by side.
Tammi L. says
It sounds awesome and I need to replace my iPad… I’m curious as to which you would prefer? The prices are so similar that I’d like to know how they compare side by side.
Michael Edwards says
It definitely has some really cool features!
Michael Edwards says
It definitely has some really cool features!
Andy d says
I’ve been looking at buying a new tablet so this was a great read! I’m leaning towards this one now.
Andy d says
I’ve been looking at buying a new tablet so this was a great read! I’m leaning towards this one now.
nicolthepickle- Nicole Graham says
I really like the surface pen, and the screen grap feature. It looks like a way better tablet then your average one.
nicolthepickle- Nicole Graham says
I really like the surface pen, and the screen grap feature. It looks like a way better tablet then your average one.
Tricia Cooper says
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 does a lot of things! You covered a lot of them in your review. I hopped over to their site — it’s a bit expensive but might be worth saving up for.
Tricia Cooper says
Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4 does a lot of things! You covered a lot of them in your review. I hopped over to their site — it’s a bit expensive but might be worth saving up for.
Nate says
very nice tablet with a good price
Nate says
very nice tablet with a good price
Catherine Robichaud says
This sounds like an awesome tablet. I love the sticky notes option I can think of quite a few instances where this would be handy and also I could say a lot on sticky notes.
Catherine Robichaud says
This sounds like an awesome tablet. I love the sticky notes option I can think of quite a few instances where this would be handy and also I could say a lot on sticky notes.
June M says
The Surface Pro 4 sounds amazing. So awesome that you can write on web pages. Plus you have the option to send it via email or screen grab. I haven’t heard about sharing via screen grab. Learned something knew. Thanks!
June M says
The Surface Pro 4 sounds amazing. So awesome that you can write on web pages. Plus you have the option to send it via email or screen grab. I haven’t heard about sharing via screen grab. Learned something knew. Thanks!
vinci777 says
Love the kids, so cute and very knowledgable. Thanks, for the review, as I am person who is Low tech. your explanation is tech, savy. Like lists also. Cool.
vinci777 says
Love the kids, so cute and very knowledgable. Thanks, for the review, as I am person who is Low tech. your explanation is tech, savy. Like lists also. Cool.
Mike Gismondi says
I really love the flexibility of this! we’re going to have to get one!
Mike Gismondi says
I really love the flexibility of this! we’re going to have to get one!
kathy downey says
I seen the video on twitter and i loved it,wow that’s one sweet computer.
kathy downey says
I seen the video on twitter and i loved it,wow that’s one sweet computer.
BeyondtheTech (@BeyondtheTech) says
We’ve been distributing Surface Pro 4’s in our office, they’re an awesome, versatile tablet and notebook. Would love one of these of my own, too!
BeyondtheTech (@BeyondtheTech) says
We’ve been distributing Surface Pro 4’s in our office, they’re an awesome, versatile tablet and notebook. Would love one of these of my own, too!
jay nelson says
I wish I were a non-working mom…ah.
The stickies would be very useful. And That is an amazing deal on Plants vs Zombies.
jay nelson says
I wish I were a non-working mom…ah.
The stickies would be very useful. And That is an amazing deal on Plants vs Zombies.
christinetopley says
I love that you can stream XBox games to the device! That’s awesome! The OneNote and Surface would be fun and nice to have.
christinetopley says
I love that you can stream XBox games to the device! That’s awesome! The OneNote and Surface would be fun and nice to have.
Calvin F. says
That’s awesome, never owned a tablet before, it sure seems cool and useful
Calvin F. says
That’s awesome, never owned a tablet before, it sure seems cool and useful
Judy Cowan says
Love how versatile it is, would definitely love to own one of these. Just bought a new computer so will have to wait for now, but will remember it next time we are looking.
Judy Cowan says
Love how versatile it is, would definitely love to own one of these. Just bought a new computer so will have to wait for now, but will remember it next time we are looking.
Erin W says
My husband and I have already decided that we’ll be replacing our current laptop with a Surface Pro, just need this one to die! Lol. I love the adaptability of this computer, great for our household!
Erin W says
My husband and I have already decided that we’ll be replacing our current laptop with a Surface Pro, just need this one to die! Lol. I love the adaptability of this computer, great for our household!
lncleslie says
WOW That’s incredible…looks just like a drawing in pencil!
lncleslie says
WOW That’s incredible…looks just like a drawing in pencil!
Ann Demill says
I’m an apple fan but I think this would sway me to switch over. Can you post an updated review a few months down the road.
Ann Demill says
I’m an apple fan but I think this would sway me to switch over. Can you post an updated review a few months down the road.
Debbie Bashford says
seems kind of expensive for doodles, games and stickie notes. Maybe if your business is online or you spend a lot of time online, it may be a great machine but the cost keeps it out of the reach of many
Debbie Bashford says
seems kind of expensive for doodles, games and stickie notes. Maybe if your business is online or you spend a lot of time online, it may be a great machine but the cost keeps it out of the reach of many
Jennifer Alger Morse says
This is really something I would think would come from Apple, but it would seem Microsoft is leaving them in their dust! So awesome.
Jennifer Alger Morse says
This is really something I would think would come from Apple, but it would seem Microsoft is leaving them in their dust! So awesome.
Doris Calvert says
Wow so cool,I really want one!! I wou to know what you think about it 2 months down the road.
Doris Calvert says
Wow so cool,I really want one!! I wou to know what you think about it 2 months down the road.
lyndac1968 says
This is one amazing tablet, I think I need to save my money up for this one, I love how much more you can do on this one and I would be able to share with my granddaughter too!! I loved the kids video so awesome, I wish I could run right out and grab one!!
lyndac1968 says
This is one amazing tablet, I think I need to save my money up for this one, I love how much more you can do on this one and I would be able to share with my granddaughter too!! I loved the kids video so awesome, I wish I could run right out and grab one!!
Amie says
I love all the things you can do ! The sticky notes would be so handy for me, I am always leaving myself notes because I am so forgetful! Cortana, sounds really neat and helpful ! I’d love that when planning my next vacation ! I really love you can draw as well, nothing beats good old fashion creativity and no paper waste ! 😀 All and all sounds great !
Amie says
I love all the things you can do ! The sticky notes would be so handy for me, I am always leaving myself notes because I am so forgetful! Cortana, sounds really neat and helpful ! I’d love that when planning my next vacation ! I really love you can draw as well, nothing beats good old fashion creativity and no paper waste ! 😀 All and all sounds great !
angelehm says
Ok that is exactly what I need I wish have to fill my wish list now! Yes I really need to be able to get back to drawing and on a device . I have little room for messy projects now. And i would be nice so everyone can watch some movies and play games too. This is very exciting!
angelehm says
lol I really should wait till I sleep to type words 😉
angelehm says
Ok that is exactly what I need I wish have to fill my wish list now! Yes I really need to be able to get back to drawing and on a device . I have little room for messy projects now. And i would be nice so everyone can watch some movies and play games too. This is very exciting!
angelehm says
lol I really should wait till I sleep to type words 😉
Debbie S. says
This looks so amazing! I think this would be great for my whole family, grandchildren included.
Debbie S. says
This looks so amazing! I think this would be great for my whole family, grandchildren included.
Darlene Demell says
I love how you can get a screen shot with the touch of the pen. That is great.
Darlene Demell says
I love how you can get a screen shot with the touch of the pen. That is great.
Kam says
Looks like an amazing piece of tech…you can do so much with it!
Kam says
Looks like an amazing piece of tech…you can do so much with it!
christina rogers says
my youngest would have a ball with this. Its amazing how the younger generation is so into these electronics. We had nothing growing up and we turned out pretty good
christina rogers says
my youngest would have a ball with this. Its amazing how the younger generation is so into these electronics. We had nothing growing up and we turned out pretty good
Maryanne says
Wow! I can see this would be great for travelling. Hmmm….
Maryanne says
Wow! I can see this would be great for travelling. Hmmm….
Anthony Castro says
Cool tech!
Anthony Castro says
Cool tech!
kristen visser says
So question is….what can’t this thing do!! absolutely brilliant. Love that you can sync it with other things too 🙂 hubby would totally love this
kristen visser says
So question is….what can’t this thing do!! absolutely brilliant. Love that you can sync it with other things too 🙂 hubby would totally love this