Can anyone tell me if either of the above computers will work well with BIAB. I’m hearing conflicting reports whether Surface Go is suitable.It is my preference because it is so compact and obviously much cheaper. Although I think I would need a USB hub to convert the USB-C to standard USB3 and to use Windows 10 rather than Windows S.
My surface pro 3 runs BIAB and any and all other music applications I have ever thrown at it, like a champ.
Surface Go will work. By default Windows is in "S" Mode... which will most likely will not allow for BIAB, since I do not believe it is in Microsoft store....(S mode means stuff will run only for from the Microsoft app store...
However Microsoft says this:
To increase security and performance, Windows 10 in S mode runs only apps from the Microsoft Store. If you want to install an app that isn't available in the Microsoft Store, you'll need to permanently switch out of S mode. There's no charge to switch out of S mode, but you won't be able to turn it back on. If you're blocked from switching and your device belongs to an organization, check with your administrator. Your organization can choose to keep all devices in S mode.
So if you are sole owner of your device, I do not believe there should be any problems with running BIAB on Surface Go..
Having said that... I had Surface before. It is good machine for some taks, but Thinkpad Yoga is much (much!!) better overall choice in my opinion.
Thanks guys for your quick reply it looks like Surface Pro is the safer bet as it's been tried and tested but I shall have a look at ThinkPad Yoga which I've never heard of.
Interesting -> What exactly makes a Thinkpad Yoga a much better choice than a Surface Pro?
Recently when looking for a 2 in 1 laptop I quickly ruled out the Surface Pro based on price and flexibility. There are many tablets, laptops and 2 in 1s that offer better configurations, cheaper and more flexibility.
I ended up with an ACER with an i7 and 8 gig ram and 512 gig SSD. It has an HDMI port, 2 x USB 2 type ports and a USB C port. This was way cheaper than a lesser Surface Pro device.
No issues with running the applications I want.
My two bobs worth. But, I am biased, I had great difficulty with networking Surface Pros and getting them to work with other devices but that was some time ago. Also I wanted USB Ports for both the sound card and a midi foot controller (which I could plug into the sound card.
Tony
I am speaking from own experience as I had Surface pro and Thinkpad Yoga. (Thinkpad is the key) Other "consumer" grade yogas are not built this way.
Advantages of Yoga:
More ports. Integrated keyboard, that flips 360 degrees to make it as a tablet. Keyboard also acts as a stand, a pretty sturdy one too. User replaceable parts (hard drive) (Surface is extremely hard to take apart). Parts are abundant and not expensive. Feels like a solid computer, not just a tablet. Light, portable. Metal / carbon body, built very well. Surface is more noisy. If fan goes bad (common problem) you are stuck with paying for repairs more than used unit is worth.
And much more
User replaceable parts are a strong plus. On the flip side I'd be reluctant to pursue a 2 in 1 system that makes keyboard keys touch the table. Doesn't this add a certain wear on the keyboard? An i5 Surface Pro is fanless - as is e.g. the Spectre Folio - and provides way enough oomph for a full fledged BiaB installation.
There are plenty of alternatives around these days, though. E.g. ->
www.laptopmag.com/articles/best-surface-pro-alternatives
Martin, keys on Yoga retract when you start flipping it more than 180 degrees and there are rubber feet specifically for that (laying it flat). Believe me, they put a lot of thought behind it. Oh, another thing, there is also a pen that is built in the body, so you can use that too, if needed. As I mentioned, I had both Surface and Yoga I sold Surface second day I got Yoga and never looked back. But hey.... it is just my opinion
See photos below.
The Surface has a good reputation but I've never used one.
I do have experience with ThinkPads, although not the Yoga model.
Think Pads seem to be close to bulletproof. I use two on stage. One is an up and running spare that since 2002 I've had to go to twice to save the show. And I do one-nighters, which are notoriously hard on equipment. The 2002 ThinkPad is working to this day.
I had a second 2002 ThinkPad but I damaged the hinge, and it was so old the part was no longer made. At that time I bought a Win7 ThinkPad which is still working.
My 'desktop' computer is also a ThinkPad.
On a video tour of the International Space Station they pointed out the two redundant computers that regulate all their life support systems. I recognized them right away, ThinkPads. Obviously NASA knows their reputation for reliability too.
I'll probably continue buying nothing but ThinkPads as long as they keep their quality standards up.
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Bob,
I own older i5 Thinkpad too(my work computer).
Thinkpad Yoga line is built same way, actually I believe a little bit better, even more solid. Because it is meant to be carried around. Same kind of metal/carbon chasis, etc., but very slim and light.
Nice things, you can get them cheap used, because many large companies are buying them for employees and then flipping them. And most likely they would still be under warranty, which by the way is also up to the standard.
...Crazy sale came up couple of weeks ago and I was able to purchase additional 3 years Thinkpad warranty for $1 (Yes, one dollar for 3 years).
Martin, keys on Yoga retract when you start flipping it more than 180 degrees and there are rubber feet specifically for that (laying it flat).
That's good to know. I haven't seen this twitch in their ads. I could imagine that they increased their revenue if they made more clear that they took measures to safeguard the keyboard.
But then again, I don't see such rubber feet on any images of the ThinkPad X1 Yoga (3. Generation). They seemingly urge interested customers to walk into whatever shop that carry these things.
The only thing that looking at the Yoga that disappoints me is the lack of the 'eraser head' (Track Point) mouse substitute.
I'm so used to being able to move the cursor without moving my hands from the typing position that I stick to the old business class ThinkPads.
If I needed the tablet mode of the Yoga, I might reconsider.
I've used ThinkPads since they were manufactured by IBM, and at first I hated that little 'eraser head'. I used it anyway. Then when I got a Mac (so that I could test my after market BiaB styles on it) and had to move my hands to the mouse, it just seemed like wasted time and effort. It seems once I got used to the little red dot between the G H and B keys, I realized what a time and effort saver it is.
But, there is more than one right way to do this.
Bob, Yoga that I own (370) has "eraser" pointer tracker in the middle of the keyboard, plus the very familiar trackpad of bigger thinkpads.
Bob,
+++ HERE +++ is a link to the Thinkpad X1 Yoga (3rd Gen) that Lenovo suggests as a replacement to Rustyspoon#'s 370 Thinkpad.
And yes, the magic red pointer is part of the retractable keyboard.
Ah, the "eraser head" (Track Point) on the Yoga - Good move on Lenovo's part.
Once you get used to using it, it seems such a waste of motion and time to have to move your hands from typing position to the mouse or the pad.
I have a regular business class ThinkPad, I forget the model number, and I hope to have it for years. Then perhaps, a Yoga? Definitely another ThinkPad unless they quality deteriorates.
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