Microsoft Surface No Longer Recommended by Consumer Reports – Now What?

Were you surprised that Consumer Reports is removing its “recommended” designation from four Microsoft Surface models? Disappointed? When Consumer Reports surveyed subscribers, the results showed that Microsoft hardware had a higher estimated breakage rate than other brands – up to 25% within two years.

(Microsoft, understandably, stands by its Surface products, citing 98% user satisfaction.)

If you were in the market for a Surface, you might be rethinking that purchase. If so, what else could you use?

We’re glad you asked. We have options. Yes, these are all Lenovo machines — for good reason. Lenovo business tablets and laptops are durable, with very few repair issues, and comparable on price to other business laptop brands. All of the machines below come with our standard of Windows 10 Professional, as well as solid-state storage drives. All have a 3-year warranty, our minimum standard. Click any of the small images below for larger view.

X1 Tablet

X1 Tablet

This unique, 12-inch 2-in-1 easily switches between all-business laptop and creative presentation device. It even includes a projector! The keyboard conforms to several positions, and detaches completely as well. Technically speaking, it comes with a very respectable 8 GB RAM and 256 GB solid-state drive.

Yoga X1 – tent mode

Yoga X1 – tablet mode

Yoga X1 – stand mode

X1 Yoga

Slightly larger than its tablet sibling, the X1 Yoga is a full laptop, with a very flexible spine. The 14-inch OLED touchscreen can function in laptop, stand, tablet, or tent mode. It comes with 8 GB RAM and multiple drive options, as well as four – count ‘em, four – USB ports.

ThinkPad T470s

ThinkPad T470s

Do you really need a tablet or display mode? If not, the T470s is the standard business laptop that we recommend. This excellent model has a spill-resistant keyboard, exceptional security features, and strong performance. RAM and storage drive capacity can be configured your needs. We’ve deployed dozens, if not hundreds, of ThinkPads for clients — and ourselves — with only a couple of returns for hardware issues. The Onsite Next Day warranty provides the quickest, most convenient service for the rare repair call.

If you like the look and functionality of these Lenovo machines, give us a call. We can help you figure out which is the best fit for your business needs. If you still want a Surface, however, you’ll have to go to Microsoft — the Surface is not available through resellers, not even Microsoft partners.