The new Surface Pro with a Snapdragon X processor marks a significant leap in performance for Windows devices. If you're looking for better battery life and smoother app performance, this could be worth considering.
Coming to you from Brad Colbow, this thorough video breaks down the improvements in the latest Surface Pro and explains why the ARM processor makes such a difference. The Snapdragon X processor allows for faster performance while using less power, translating to longer battery life. Colbow compares it to Apple’s transition to ARM with their M1 and M2 chips, noting that MacBooks have had a significant lead over Windows laptops in both speed and battery efficiency. The Surface Pro is finally starting to close that gap, with Colbow getting 6-7 hours of drawing time on a single charge, far beyond the 3-4 hours he saw on earlier Surface models.
However, there are caveats. Many apps still aren’t optimized for ARM processors, including some Adobe Creative Cloud apps. While Photoshop and Fresco run natively on ARM, apps like Illustrator and Premiere are either not available or scheduled for future release. This is a key consideration if you're deeply reliant on Adobe software.
Hardware improvements also stand out, particularly the new Bluetooth keyboard cover. The ability to use the keyboard separately from the tablet is a big deal for artists who rely on shortcuts while drawing. Instead of folding the keyboard out of the way, you can now detach it and place it wherever it’s convenient. Colbow appreciates this change, as it makes using shortcuts for commands like undo much simpler. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Colbow.
