[aemaeth]

Hi guys, I just picked up an i7 256gb nVIDIA gGPU surface book, and I'm trying to figure what some essentials programs and accesories I should be looking into?

OneNote is veryuseful (though when I export in .pdf, some notes get cut off), what about any accessories like sleeves or such? do you guys use them or just bare?

I have a killer desktop PC ( GTX 1080, i7 overclocked, SSD m.2) but I needed a mobile device to use since I am a college student engineer.

If any of you guys know, please let me know!

[Kevin Pianoman Pleasants]

Buy a Bluetooth Microsoft Surface Mouse

[DQuiLon]

Hi buddy, welcome.

What type of work will you do on it, cause "engineering" is a very broad term.

I am a mechanical engineer and bought my Surface Book for similar reasons (though my budget limited me to the first gen i7, 512, 16, dGPU.

I mostly do 3D designs, simulations and assemblies. I used to work with a little bit of image editing but not with my SBook...

I work as a freelancer, so mobility is crucial. I got the Bluetooth Arc Touch mouse, however I don't recommend it for work or gaming. It is a nice mouse and I had the original with USB receiver, but it is not as comfortable for extended periods of time, and the middle click is not as reliable. I do recommend you getting a nice mouse even though the touchpad is excellent.

Regarding software, I use SolidWorks and SketchUp for 3D. I have an old Xbox 360 with kinect which I turned it into a recreational 3D scanner (using "Skanect" and some drivers)... I have a 3D printer, and for slicing use Adobe software..
Now, using the Book in clipboard mode I discovered a great 2.5D app called "Wedge" that I allows to sketch with the pen easily and turn it into a simple 3D part. Very nice for sketching ideas while laying in bed.

For image editing, I'm learning "Gimp" and "Inkscape"... I used to work with Adobe Cs, but now I like those free alternatives...

I use Audacity for simple audio editing.

Make sure to personalize your Pen & Ink Workspace settings... I use it ALL THE TIME, and it is great for doodling, expressing your ideas and sharing them with coworkers or clients.

I love Fresh Paint... I started using it with a Surface Pro 3 I had for a while...

Also as an engineer you would appreciate "Principia" it is sort of a game but not really... It is as if Lego's Technics were digital... With tons of mechanical, electric, electronic components to play with and create machines, simulations, games, etc... I had it on android but now I love it on the Surface...

[hopmedic]

I love the Surface version of the Arc Touch Mouse, because it "folds" flat which is quite convenient for portability. Get the Surface version, because it connects via Bluetooth rather than a dongle. It works great. I was initially skeptical because I've used older Bluetooth mice, and was NEVER satisfied with them, as they would lag. That is not a problem here - it works great.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015HWLY3C/

I have this cover for protection of my Surface Book. It fits the version with the Performance Base very well, too. It protects the edges, works with the tablet on the keyboard backwards for drawing mode, and it looks great. I've had several compliments on how it looks.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JY9VHNQ/

With this screen protector, I don't have to worry about scratching my glass or wearing down the nib on my Surface Pen. It goes on easy, and you hardly notice it is there - EXCEPT that it has far less fingerprints than the Surface screen by itself. I never believed that oleophobic actually did anything until I put this screen protector on.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LA70CB8/

If you want a car charger, this one is a lot cheaper than Microsoft's. It is meant for the tablet line, but works with the SB, charging at the same rate, but since the battery is larger, it means it would take longer to get a full charge out of it.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A8CXBQY/

Here's a pretty nice little sling backpack that I like. I did have to modify one zipper on the inside, because I didn't like it rubbing on my SB. I cut off the zipper's pull tab, and wrapped some cord around the metal that was left, leaving the excess as the zipper pull. It's small, but big enough to throw extras like the charger, mouse, and more into it.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D8HKKJ2/

[n900mixalot]

Thanks, this is excellent!