SP3 Accessories - Your Favorites?

[hopmedic]

Update - I finally pulled out my Holux M-1000 Bluetooth GPS receiver. I had used it probably ten years ago with a laptop in the car, using one of the then-popular mapping software packages (I'm thinking it was DeLorme's Street Atlas, but I'd also used Streets and Trips, too). Back then I had to install their software (the disk of which, God only knows the location - and even he probably needs GPS to find it). If memory serves, I had to install some kind of BT serial port driver to make it work.

Well, out of curiosity, I turned it on (and there was still juice in the battery), and went to BT settings in Windows 8.1. I connected to it (guessing the 0000 password correctly), and then turned it off. I opened Here Maps, and it showed my location about two miles away from here. I turned the GPS unit back on, and in less than 5 seconds, it snapped right to my house.

So the answer to my previous question, "Does it work with Here Maps" is yes. It does.
:smile:

EDIT:
On second glance, it worked because it was plugged into the PC by USB. I'd plugged it in to charge the battery in the GPS unit. Once unplugged, it won't connect. So apparently I do have to find other drivers for it to make it work. But, still, the answer to my question is that yes, Here Maps does work with a GPS input.

 

[enthuz]

Received some toys:

1. Microsoft Arc Touch Bluetooth Mouse
2. Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 5000

The Arc Touch BT Mouse is nice, but not an all day mouse due to my large hands. However for mobile use away from my desk and laying in bed, it is nice. I'm still getting use to the double tap center touch buttons.

The keyboard is nice too. Since it is curved, it feels comfortable and doesn't strain my wrists. Both were very simple to setup. I will try to pair them to other devices later.

Next, I was looking at the MS Miracast device or a Roku (for the same purpose). I'm not a subscriber to the streaming services ATM.

 

[hopmedic]

What do you think of the BT mouse? I've been tempted, so I can get rid of the dongle, and I love my Arc Touch Mouse, but I've been so far dissuaded by the reviews that say that it disconnects frequently.

 

[enthuz]

As for the BT, I haven't had any disconnects nor any issues of any kind. My only obstacle is learning where to double tap for the center button. Keep in mind that I'm using it on a Dell M3800 and on an Android tablet until my SP3 arrives. I wanted to test on my Dell, because it is so finicky with BT devices and the Arc is flawless. I"m using it right now. My only dislike, is that I wish it came in optional colors. The gray is very plain.

 

[hopmedic]

Thanks. I'm going to have to give it some thought. Spending that much money when I already have two Arc Touch mice, when I'm still looking for a job, is kind of hard to justify. But I may do it when I get a job. I have an interview scheduled for Monday morning - hopefully something good will come of that.

 

[enthuz]

Keep your head up. I was in your shoes 13 months ago. Since then, I've been promoted into middle management and prepping for upper management soon. Things can change quickly. At least you are starting with the SP3. :grin: I'm just getting into the fun.

My wife is wanting the Arc too now that she got to play with it last night. She is also eyeing my new BT keyboard now. Two techies is getting expensive.:shocked:

 

[hopmedic]

Lol!

 

[enthuz]

For those of you who bought microSD cards to expand the storage, are you finding any limitations with doing so?

 

[mhc48]

The Miracast Wifi Adapter is an absolute joy. So much faster and easier to watch movies on the big screen from Netflix or HBO Go on my Surface than via the Xbox 360. And reading e-mail or surfing the net from across the room or viewing photos from OneDrive as a slide show. Friends are amazed.

 

[enthuz]

The Miracast Wifi Adapter is an absolute joy. So much faster and easier to watch movies on the big screen from Netflix or HBO Go on my Surface than via the Xbox 360. And reading e-mail or surfing the net from across the room or viewing photos from OneDrive as a slide show. Friends are amazed.

Are you experiencing any lag people are reporting? Also it was said that it wouldn't past DRM material like Netflix. Did you have to do anything different or special?

 

[mhc48]

For a few moments last night during one movie there was a bit of delay and mismatch between sound and lips. But I get other problems with my connection like pixilation from time to time so I didn't/couldn't necessarily attribute it to the adapter. After about 30 seconds it stopped and the rest of the movie was fine.
I'm not doing anything differently at all. I just plugged the adapter into my TV, it pretty much set itself up with my Surface and I was watching and switching back and forth to display whatever was on my Surface onto the tv screen.

 

[enthuz]

So it's only a mirror of your Surface and can't be set as an extended desktop setup?

 

[MBSMD]

I like the Arc mouse Surface Edition, the desktop dock and the new MS Wireless Display Adapter. I use that in the conference room at work and it does a great job displaying PowerPoint. I also have the miniDP-VGA adapter.

 

[enthuz]

I gave in and bought the MS Wireless Display Adapter today. It mirrors and extends the desktop without issues. Lag is almost non-existent for me. I'm so happy with this purchase. It will get a lot of use.

 

[sl#WP]

Best SP3 sleeve. Highly recommend. I love sleeves a lot than folio cases. It protects when I am on the move, I take the Surface out when I am using it. That's how you use a Surface. Folios are for icraps, which don't have a kickstand.



MySurface - Protective 12" Tablet Case/Sleeve

 

[wookiee2cu]

This folio actually uses the SP3's kickstand and is pretty decent for the price Amazon.com: MoKo Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Case - Ultra Slim Lightweight Shell Stand Cover Case for Microsoft Surface Pro 3 12 Inch Tablet, BLACK: Computers & Accessories

 

[anon(7901790)]

This folio actually uses the SP3's kickstand and is pretty decent for the price Amazon.com: MoKo Microsoft Surface Pro 3 Case - Ultra Slim Lightweight Shell Stand Cover Case for Microsoft Surface Pro 3 12 Inch Tablet, BLACK: Computers & Accessories

I kinda like that. It even comes in the color I like. Hmmm...

 

[hopmedic]

I ended up getting the Outback Solo for my SP3. At first I was afraid it would feel like a purse, carrying it around. I didn't want that. But no, it doesn't. Like the review on the blog said a while back, if Indiana Jones were to carry a Surface Pro 3, this is the bag he'd use. And since I'm a fan of Harrison Ford not only for his filmography, but also for his aviation, as well as the way he lives (he gives kids airplane rides, and has used his helicopter in rescues), that's the bag I went with.

I've probably had it for a month or two now, and I really like it. I keep a Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse with my PC, so the USB dongle is always attached (not the BT version). At first, the bag didn't like that, but it's broken in now, and the PC with dongle slides in and out just fine. The smaller front pocket fits the mouse perfectly, leaving the larger pouch for whatever. I have a small 4-port USB hub in there right now, but there is room for more. I haven't tried the power supply, and kind of doubt it would fit, but maybe. It would definitely be tight closing the magnetic clasp on the pouch. The pocket on the back fits my Dell Venue Pro 8, if I ever want to take both computers with me. That's going to be rare, but it's nice to know that if I want to take it I won't have to move to a bigger bag.

I'm perfectly happy with it.

 

[kenjancef]

Does anyone know of a folio-type case that will fit the power supply? I have the HEX case, got it free when I got my SP3 last month, and I do like it, as a basic case, but wish I could fit the power supply in it. I will be traveling a bit this summer, and I'd like to keep everything together.

 

[wookiee2cu]

If you want it to carry the power supply then you are going to have to go bigger or find something like your HEX with pockets in the front. I have this HP bag and actually like it alot New HP F9G96AA ABA 14 1 Laptop Premium Slim Topload Tweed | eBay It's hard to tell from the pic but there is a lot of room in this bag here are some pics of mine.

In the front pocket I have a portable hard drive, brick style USB hub, Microsoft Arc Mouse, power brick and cord for charging the SP, stylus and a few other cables.