I recently bought the Surface Pro 2 256 GB (7NX-00001). I wanted to convert my experiment note-taking into a digital form.. That way, I dont need to print all my data processed graphs and stick it into my notepad.
I did not buy the keyboard (yet). I think the Touch/Type Covers are bloody expensive for a keyboard. Plus it will only last as long as the Surface pro lasts. Even the bluetooth Logitech K810 is cheaper!!
That said, I am thinking of getting either a second hand unit of a Type Cover 2 instead of the K810. Since I would need a cover and for portability, I am leaning towards Type Cover 2.
>> Update: I decided to buy a used Type Cover 2 for about 7000 yen. It is in very good condition and it was a good decision. I think it is better than getting a bluetooth keyboard since it allows maximum mobility (for carrying the tablet) and at the same time, acts as a good cover.
At the moment, I only attached a screen protector for my surface.
So far, I am using it without a keyboard to see how it goes..
>> looks like I can survive without a keyboard for a couple of days but it is rather irritating to use the on-screen keyboard in landscape mode. The viewing area becomes very limited..
That said, here are my comments and changes I made to the system to make it more user-friendly.
Review
● Customize the quick access toolbar.
With the stylus on the surface pro, sometimes you would need to access a few commands in one tap. Here's mine:
From the left:
● Select objects using the pen.
Hold down the button and circle your objects.How to "clip the screen" using the icon in the taskbar (Send to OneNote) or Windows Key + S or Windows.
● Changing ink colour of your pen after you wrote it down.
Select the object using your pen. Tap the selected object once using your finger. A pop-up will appear and click on "Pen Properties". There you can change the colour and width of the drawn object/stroke.
● Arrange two folders or desktop programs without keyboard (not multitasking with apps)
I usually use the "Windows keys + arrows keys" combo.. But now, I dont have a keyboard. So, to put the folders/desktop program windows, drag the window all the way to the left/right edge. You'll see a transparent-bevel appearing. Release and it will arrange.
● Cropping images
For some reason, Microsoft did not add the feature to crop images after adding them from screen clips. Omer Atay, an engineer from Microsoft OneNote team developed his own program to do exactly that. Find it from his website.
● Screen Clipping without Timestamp
Each time you clip part of the screen and paste it into OneNote, by default, it adds a time and date stamp. Now, that is rather irritating (at least for me). I did some googling and found out how to disable it. Sorry but I forgot my source but
this is how you can disable it:
Useful Changes / Tweaks for Windows 8
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