How is your typing experience when using the SP4 as a laptop on public transportations?

[new_surfacepro4_user]

Hello, could SP4 users please share experience on typing on the laps while on public transportation? Is it like typing on a laptop computer? Is it quit stable?

 

[mtalinm]

no,not at all. I take the train to work every day. it only is usable if I can sit at a table, or maaaybe if there is a seat in front of mine to prop up the back against.

 

[new_surfacepro4_user]

If the device is on a hard surface, is the keyboard stable? If I use the SP4 on the train, I should use it as a tablet mode. Am I right?

How good it is to type on the virtual keyboard while placing the SP4 in tablet mode? Are the keys and spacings among the keys large enough?

 

[bitcrazed]

If the device is on a hard surface, is the keyboard stable??

Yep - very stable - more, even, than the SP3 thanks to the stiffer keyboard backplate construction.

If I use the SP4 on the train, I should use it as a tablet mode. Am I right?

Why should you "have to" use it in tablet mode? Use it in the mode that's most comfortable and productive for YOU!

While some will bemoan the Surface Pro's 'lappability', many, myself included are quite happy typing on the physical keyboard with my Surface stood-up on my lap - even for several hours at a time.

Others, however, have shorter legs, some have larger or smaller thighs, some are very specific and very inflexible about how they adapt to change. You'll have to figure out what works for you - if you're happy typing on your lap, great. If you're just reading articles, etc., and are happy to occasionally use the on-screen keyboard, then that's great too. With the Surface Pro, you have both options

How good it is to type on the virtual keyboard while placing the SP4 in tablet mode? Are the keys and spacings among the keys large enough?

One can type reasonably effectively on the on-screen keyboard and it's often adequate for short responses, comments, login credentials, etc. However, most people don't type large amounts of text using the on-screen keyboard: The lack of physical keys and tactile feedback often results in poor typing accuracy. However, I know a guy who types like a demon on his on-screen keyboard, but in my experience he's a rarity.

 

[orangesplease]

If I can get a seat on the DC metro, I can whip out my Surface and it types quite well. It's more steady than I anticipated and I have no issues typing on the train.

 

[boltman2013]

You can always get a MS wedge keyboard (Bluetooth) that is even more stable than the type cover. Love mine and works on phones too.(It also works with iPad and most Android devices.)

Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard | Microsoft Hardware

 

[onlysublime]

The only situation where typing on the lap is hard with the Surface machines is when your legs are sloping downward like sitting on a bar stool.

But I've never had problems using any Surface machine on my lap including the Surface Pro 4, Surface Pro 2, and Surface 3.

 

[new_surfacepro4_user]

Thanks for the nice photos. I don't do that. Sometimes I commute on the trains for 2 hours/day. Given that there is no LTE, I probably do some Words stuff rather than surfing the net.

 

[Devhux]

I can't imagine bringing my Surface to use on public transit. I'm sure someone would try to steal it as quick as they could.

(Then again, I tend not to trust people in public, but that's me)

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