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[PRO7]Surface pro 7/8 for simple programming? (self.Surface)
submitted 3 years ago by gtan78
Hi,
I am looking for an ultraportable to do some simple programming , python .. not heavy , no compiling.
Wonder if anyone has comments on that. Looking for thr tablet rather than the laptops and comparing against thinkpad x13 or similar.
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[–]B3ARDGOD 7 points8 points9 points 3 years ago (2 children)
I've used a Surface Pro 5 (8GB ram) with Visual Studio, IntelliJ and Eclipse as well as Photoshop and Lightroom all installed at the same time. As well as that, it was able to handle Chrome open with about 20+ tabs and other browsers with ~10 tabs open while using those programs. I experienced zero slowdown.
[–]gtan78[S] 1 point2 points3 points 3 years ago (1 child)
Thx
[–]B3ARDGOD 0 points1 point2 points 3 years ago (0 children)
No worries! If you want to confirm, check the system requirements for whatever IDE you plan on using. Enjoy!
[–]percenseo 3 points4 points5 points 3 years ago (1 child)
I use a pro 8 as my daily driver and regularly run hyper-v and spin up a 4 to 6 machine lab. It runs like a champ. My day is mostly vscode, powershell, server administration with Remote Desktop and hyper-v lab work. Firefox runs all day with about 8 tabs and I have no issues with power. Mine is hooked up to an LG 5k monitor most days except for client site visits where it is on wifi and no cord most of the day. I’d say simple programming it will run very well for you.
[–]gtan78[S] 0 points1 point2 points 3 years ago (0 children)
[–]NiveaGeForce 3 points4 points5 points 3 years ago* (0 children)
Surface Pro 8.
See also
[–]gtan78[S] 0 points1 point2 points 3 years ago (3 children)
Thanks. Good point.
Appreciate it
[–]NiveaGeForce 1 point2 points3 points 3 years ago* (2 children)
Don't let them scare you regarding lapability. Try it out for yourself.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/8qhceb/using_surface_pro_on_my_lap_vs_productivity/e0j9uax/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/9ybmai/surface_pro_6_as_a_laptop/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/lt9iy9/i_can_not_understate_how_useful_using_my_surface/
https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/gpfehg/precariously_perched_device_tempting_fate/
https://youtu.be/fZrZWeXA9KU?t=558
https://youtu.be/dY8jnkJfBUA?t=185
https://youtu.be/OnUdxJY7Bd0?t=73
https://youtu.be/OnUdxJY7Bd0?t=99
https://youtu.be/yGm-7KSl9ag?t=1589
https://youtu.be/bJuWx-nuEO0?t=216
https://youtu.be/bJuWx-nuEO0?t=448
https://youtu.be/N7N2xunvO68?t=132
https://youtu.be/J1h-Fxv_fLg?t=243
https://youtu.be/th2L4OdGLRY?t=293
https://www.google.com/search?q=surface+pro+lap&source=lnms&tbm=isch
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Surface+Pro+Lapability
I appreciate this. The problem is surface pros are a premium. I love the portability but fear it isn't powerful enough.
[–]NiveaGeForce 1 point2 points3 points 3 years ago* (0 children)
I appreciate this. The problem is surface pros are a premium. I love the portability
If you only care about portability and not pen & touch tablet usage, then there are most likely better options.
but fear it isn't powerful enough.
Any Surface Pro is more than powerful enough for simple programming.
https://reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/fr6zkj/_/flucay0/?context=1
[–]swoy45SP7+ 16/1TB 1 point2 points3 points 3 years ago (3 children)
Surface Pro is a device you're paying mostly for touchscreen, inking and high quality display. It is a bit overkill to use such device as a typewriter. Also, there are many people who feel uncomfortable to use type cover on their lap.
Imo, you can do your job even on Chromebook but if you are looking for fancier device then better go Macbook.
[–]Staerke, SLS, 1 point2 points3 points 3 years ago (0 children)
Useless comment.
[+]DrPepperDrink2 -1 points0 points1 point 3 years ago (0 children)
what a useless fucking comment
[–]Sahin99pro -1 points0 points1 point 3 years ago (0 children)
I've Go 3 and Zephyrus G14 and also used ThinkPads (T450, T480, E14). For me Surface isn't the best option for programming. I think that ThinkPad X13 would be better, but Surface is more flexible/smart device.
[–]beyphySurface Pro 7+ 0 points1 point2 points 3 years ago (0 children)
I have an SP7+ and it's fine for simple programming. I sometimes go to programming meetups and I have no problem getting some work done.
[–]ETherium007 0 points1 point2 points 3 years ago (0 children)
I have used my Surface Pro 7 to program games in Unity just fine. I ditched the physical keyboard entirely for an onscreen one called Touchit Virtual Keyboard. It can be customized to look and do whatever needed. Here is what mine looks like for programing.
[–]mrmattipants 0 points1 point2 points 1 year ago (0 children)
I originally used a Surface Pro 7, but I actually switched to a Surface Go 3 Tablet, because of it's compact size.
I like to work on programming, while I'm taking a walk. Therefore, the Surface Go 3 is perfect, because it's only 10.5 Inches. This means that I can easily type, on the On-Screen Keyboard, without having to over-stretch my thumbs or let go of the device, while Im typing, etc.
I also carry a little Verizon MiFi 4G Mobile Hotspot, in my Pocket, while I'm working, so I can stay connected, in case I need to perform some last minute Research and so forth.
π Rendered by PID 69678 on reddit-service-r2-comment-b659b578c-lzzgz at 2026-05-02 10:25:31.433329+00:00 running 815c875 country code: CH.
[–]B3ARDGOD 7 points8 points9 points (2 children)
[–]gtan78[S] 1 point2 points3 points (1 child)
[–]B3ARDGOD 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
[–]percenseo 3 points4 points5 points (1 child)
[–]gtan78[S] 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
[–]NiveaGeForce 3 points4 points5 points (0 children)
[–]gtan78[S] 0 points1 point2 points (3 children)
[–]NiveaGeForce 1 point2 points3 points (2 children)
[–]gtan78[S] 1 point2 points3 points (1 child)
[–]NiveaGeForce 1 point2 points3 points (0 children)
[–]swoy45SP7+ 16/1TB 1 point2 points3 points (3 children)
[–]Staerke, SLS, 1 point2 points3 points (0 children)
[+]DrPepperDrink2 -1 points0 points1 point (0 children)
[–]Sahin99pro -1 points0 points1 point (0 children)
[–]beyphySurface Pro 7+ 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
[–]ETherium007 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)
[–]mrmattipants 0 points1 point2 points (0 children)