Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Tablet Review

Most Affordable Laptop/Tablet Hybrid for Seniors

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is an affordable tablet with an interesting form factor. Unlike traditional tablets, the Surface Pro 5 runs Microsoft Windows and can be used as a full-fledged laptop thanks to its snap-on keyboard. This makes the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 an appealing choice for tech-savvy seniors who are looking for something they can use as a day-to-day workhorse. The keyboard can easily be folded behind the screen or completely detached so that the laptop can be used in tablet mode. The large, high-resolution touchscreen and touch-friendly OS mean the Surface Pro 5 is easy to use in both tablet and laptop configurations.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 tablet is a powerful hybrid device that can be used as a laptop or a Windows tablet. It features an Intel Core i5 processor, 256 gigabytes of storage for apps, games and media, and 8 gigabytes of RAM, which should be more than enough to run most applications smoothly. The PixelSense display is clear and vibrant, and the device can be configured for the user’s comfort, for example, by changing the display resolutions and text sizes.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is an older-generation tablet, having been superseded by the Surface Pro 6. It’s still possible to find it in some stores, however, for a price of less than $500. Refurbished tablet-only models can often be found for less than $350. This is significantly more expensive than Amazon’s budget Fire range of tablets and puts the surface in line with Samsung and Apple’s premium devices. For the money, however, seniors get a tablet that can be used for entertainment, communicating with loved ones and handling day-to-day paperwork such as tax returns and online banking.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 5 is a powerful tablet that runs a desktop operating system. The device has a slim form factor and is relatively lightweight, making it easy to use in either mode. The USB port lets users connect game controllers, printers and other devices. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity are also available.

A Responsive, Detachable Keyboard

The Surface Pro 5 comes with a slim but responsive keyboard with a built-in touchpad. The keyboard lacks the travel of a traditional desktop keyboard, but it’s comfortable enough to use for light document editing and other day-to-day tasks. It attaches to the screen via magnetic connectors and can be folded away or removed when the Surface Pro 5 is being used in tablet mode.

Clear and High-Resolution Display

The 12.3-inch touchscreen is crystal clear and offers a resolution of 2736 x 1824. This means users can watch movies in 1080p HD quite comfortably. Windows 10’s customization settings allow users to choose font and icon sizes, so seniors who have poor eyesight can use the Surface Pro 5 quite comfortably. The Cortana digital assistant can be used for text-to-speech conversion.

Full Windows 10 Operating System

Unlike other tablets that run mobile-first operating systems, the Surface Pro 5 runs Windows 10. This means office applications, fully featured web browsers and other popular programs are available for the Microsoft Surface. When the device is being used as a laptop, the applications use a keyboard and mouse-first interface. Detach the keyboard, and compatible applications switch to tablet mode. Windows 10’s touch-friendly design and intuitive on-screen keyboard offer a good user experience in both modes.

Laptop-Like Performance

Thanks to the Core i5 processor, 8 gigabytes of RAM and high-speed internal storage, the Surface Pro 5 offers laptop-like performance. This means the device can be used not only for streaming video or making Zoom calls to loved ones, but also for photo editing and even playing some PC video games. Seniors who find traditional tablet PCs too limited in their performance and flexibility may appreciate having a fully featured laptop that can be converted to a tablet form factor.

Optional Surface Pen for Creative Individuals

The Surface Pen isn’t supplied with the laptop as standard but can be purchased for an additional $99. The pen could be a great addition for creatively inclined seniors. Unlike traditional touchscreen styluses, the pen features pressure-sensitive nibs, and when used with certain drawing and notepad applications, it can fill the role of different types of pens, pencils and paintbrushes. This lets seniors unleash their creativity whenever they wish, without fear of running out of art supplies.

Tech-Savvy Seniors

Tech-savvy seniors who want something they can customize and install lots of applications on may find this Windows tablet appealing compared to the walled gardens of the Amazon and iOS app stores.

Seniors Who Need a Traditional Laptop

Since the Surface Pro 5 runs Windows and can be purchased with a keyboard, it does double-duty as a laptop and tablet. Seniors who don’t want to buy two devices may appreciate this flexibility.

Seniors Who Play Games

The Surface Pro 5 isn’t a gaming laptop. However, it can run popular gaming storefronts such as Steam and is powerful enough to run many indie games and some popular classics, especially strategy games. Seniors who like to play games may appreciate this power.

Reviewers praise the Surface Pro 5 for its versatility and performance. They also praise the device’s battery. During light use, such as document editing, the Surface Pro 5’s battery can be expected to last up to 13.5 hours. Users who are accustomed to Apple’s tablet devices find switching to Windows slightly confusing, especially if they’re using the touchscreen-only version of the tablet. However, those who are already familiar with Windows or would be learning touch gestures for the first time should get used to the Windows 10 user interface relatively easily. The slim form factor of the Surface Pro is another positive many reviewers comment on.