Microsoft’s most recent Surface event unveiled a series of new devices, some for 2019, some for 2020. Alongside the expected refresh of the Intel-based Surface Pro was the launch of a new member of the Surface family, the 13-inch Surface Pro X, which starts at £999 ($999).
The thinnest (7.3mm/0.28in.) and lightest (774g/1.7lbs) Surface yet, the Pro X marks Microsoft’s return to ARM processors after it cancelled its original Windows RT-powered Surfaces. Part of a third wave of devices using Microsoft’s ARM64 version of Windows, it’s a device that can give its Intel-powered siblings a run for their money.
The 13-inch Surface Pro X runs Windows 10 on Microsoft’s ARM-based SQ1 processor, which was co-developed with Qualcomm. Our review unit had 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. With the Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen, this model cost £1,708.99 ($1,768.99).
Images: Microsoft
The first thing to understand is that Windows on ARM is, for most purposes, a full version of Windows. It’s been around a while, with the first batch of devices launching some 18 months ago. It’s interesting to compare the performance of Microsoft’s new SQ1 processor, designed in collaboration with Qualcomm, with the original Qualcomm Snapdragon 835-powered hardware, in the shape of the HP Envy x2.
At first look the Surface Pro X and the Envy x2 are very similar. Both are always-connected 2-in-1 tablet PCs, with removable keyboards and built-in LTE modems. They even have similar screens, along with support for Microsoft’s Hello facial recognition log-on. But that’s about it, because when it comes to performance it’s like comparing apples to oranges, or maybe a Surface Go to a Surface Book 2.
Just running the familiar Geekbench 5 benchmark shows the difference: our test Surface Pro X with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD delivers a single-core score of 728 and a multi-core score of 2857, while the Envy x2 manages 357 and 1569. For comparison, a Core i7 Surface Book 2 scores 811 and 1852, and a Surface Go 357 and 906.
Benchmarks only tell part of the story: they let us compare raw performance, but don’t track everyday usage with off-the-shelf software. So how does the Surface Pro X fare as a workhorse PC?
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Eighteen months has made quite a difference to the available software for ARM-powered Windows devices. You’re still limited by the 32-bit x86 emulator, but with ARM64 support in Visual Studio, and with C++ and .NET able to build native ARM applications alongside x86, we’re starting to see more native code in and outside the Microsoft Store. I’m running a native version of the new Chrome-based Edge browser, for example, which is surprisingly battery-efficient when hosting web apps like TweetDeck in their own windows.
It’s worth setting expectations when looking at the available applications. The Surface Pro X is a device targeted at what Microsoft thinks of as ‘mobile knowledge workers’. So, if you’re looking for a device with support for Office and OneNote and a modern browser, then it’s exactly what you want. In the month since I’ve started using the Surface Pro X, I’ve used it at two conferences with no worries about battery life, and as my out-of-office device for meetings and interviews.
It’s fair to say that the battery life with the higher-powered Surface Pro X isn’t what was promised with the first-generation of ARM-based Windows devices. But that’s not surprising, as there’s always a trade-off between power and battery life — especially when you factor in a 13-inch 2,880-by-1920 PixelSense screen. Microsoft claims 13 hours of ‘typical device usage’, and I’m regularly seeing more than 20% of battery life left at the end of a working day writing with wi-fi on. And if there are issues, a USB-C PD battery pack will get me back online quickly enough.
While I’m clearly the type of user Microsoft is targeting with the Surface Pro X, as I’m writing this review on it while sat in a coffee shop, it’s also clear who it’s not for: gamers and developers. While the x86 emulator can handle most 32-bit games, it can’t deliver the performance that gamers require, even with the SQ1’s high-end GPU. It’s also not a device for developers, because even though you can get 16GB/1TB models, Visual Studio remains a 64-bit x86 application for now. I’ve been able to use Visual Studio Code happily, although it’s running in emulation until GitHub finalises its Windows ARM release of the cross-platform Electron framework.
The Slim Pen has a charging slot in the Signature Keyboard (both optional extras). If you put the pen in the slot upside down, magnets flip it to align with the charging coils.
Image: Microsoft
Designers and photographers will also find the Surface Pro X lacking, although Adobe has promised ARM64 versions of its core Creative Cloud applications, including Photoshop and Lightroom. However, they’re yet to ship, and Adobe hasn’t announced a prospective release date.
The next release of Windows 10, due in Spring 2020, will bring a surprising new feature: support for the Windows Virtualization Platform and WSL 2. I’ve upgraded my Surface Pro X to the stable pre-release version, and have found that running a native Linux kernel alongside Windows works very well on my Surface Pro X. I’d recommend getting a 16GB model if you’re planning on doing a lot of work in both OSs.
Microsoft gave the original Surfaces an angular look-and-feel, one that’s persisted through seven generations of the Surface Pro. The Pro X is the first to abandon it for a more curved design that’s reminiscent of Samsung’s Android tablets and early iPads. Unlike most tablets, though, there’s an element of repairability, as the Surface Pro X’s SSD is replaceable. Having said that, Microsoft is an early adopter of the new M.2 2230 SSD format, so you may find it hard to find appropriate hardware.
A simple magnetic cover under the kickstand hides the SSD and the (nano) SIM slot for the LTE modem; all you need is a SIM slot ejector key and a T3 screwdriver to replace the SSD. You’ll need recovery media if you’re upgrading the disk yourself, as replacing it will remove the entire OS from the device.
Adding a SIM will enable the built-in LTE modem, giving you connectivity — anywhere there’s a 4G signal — to backup the Surface Pro X’s 802.11ac wi-fi. If you prefer, there’s the option of a built-in eSIM and instant access to international plans via Windows’ Mobile Plans app. The available services will vary based on where you are and, in many cases, it could be cheaper to get a SIM with an international data plan. Performance is good, although obviously network-dependent. I’d recommend ensuring that you mark your cellular connection as metered, so it doesn’t download updates or sync large amounts of OneDrive data.
The Surface Pro X is also Microsoft’s first device to make the shift to USB-C interfaces, with two ports on the right under the volume control. You can use these to charge the tablet via PD-capable power supplies or batteries (a useful way of getting power on the go). There’s also a Surface Connect port for the bundled power supply and other Surface accessories, including the Dock. A surprising omission is an SD Card slot, something that’s been part of the Surface Pro since launch. I’d recommend investing in a USB-C portable dock for on-the-road connections, especially if you want to use Ethernet rather than wireless connectivity.
One downside to the Surface Pro X’s design is its black finish, which is something of a ‘fingerprint magnet’. Fingerprints can be removed with a microfibre cloth, but in practice you’re going to have to get used to them — or buy a skin. If you’re using it as a tablet, you’re more likely to get fingerprints on the screen in landscape mode, as the bezels are narrower on the short edges.
There are a lot of nice touches in the Surface Pro X. If you get the Signature version of the new keyboard with the Surface Slim Pen, the flat pen will charge in the keyboard. Put the pen into its slot upside down, and the built-in magnets will flip it to align it with the charging coils. It’s a bit disconcerting the first time you watch the pen move on its own, until you realise that it’s doing just what it should do.
Conclusions
Image: Microsoft
So, should you buy a Surface Pro X? The answer is, of course, ‘it depends’. Microsoft has produced an excellent device for mobile workers, with a focus on Office and the web. That makes it an ideal tool for executives, for business analysts and consultants, for teachers and university research staff, and for writers like me. It’s not a machine for designers, gamers, or for developers — yet.
That ‘yet’ is a big question mark, as it depends on software companies and developers producing ARM64 versions of their applications. If Microsoft wants to make this new device type a success, then it needs to find a good way to bring key applications beyond its own to Surface Pro X. It’ll be interesting to see if it can rise to the challenge.
Another big question mark, as ever with Surface Pro devices, is the price. The 16GB RAM/256GB SSD model reviewed here costs £1,449 ($1499), but that’s without the keyboard or the stylus. You can get a Signature Keyboard with Slim Pen bundle for £259.99 ($269.99), bringing the price up to £1,708.99 ($1,768.99). That’s expensive enough, but a Surface Dock (£189.99 in the UK) or a third-party USB-C dock will lighten your wallet even more.
Copenhagen, 22.10.2024 – COBOD International, the global leader in 3D construction printing technology, proudly introduces the BOD3 3D Construction Printer for 3D printing of real concrete. Equipped with an extendable ground-based track system, the BOD3 advances the construction process by eliminating printer downtime between multiple buildings on the same site, setting anew benchmark for productivity and efficiency. The BOD3 is the most advanced solution for high-volume low-rise construction and a very effective alternative to conventional construction methods.
The heart and key feature of the new BOD3 3D printer is the advanced extendable ground-based track system. This system enables limitless extension along the Y-axes (length), expanding the printable area to cover 2 or 3 buildings, and reducing setup time to a single installation for multi-building projects. It’s a game-changer, allowing continuous, uninterrupted printing across large sites, increasing efficiency for high volume and mass production at an unmatchable scale.
Render of COBOD BOD3 3D Construction Printer.
The BOD3, COBOD’s third printer model, is the outstanding achievement of years of dedicated research, development, and close collaboration with customers. It is a vital advancement in automated construction technology, directly addressing the urgent global demand for faster, smarter, more efficient and sustainable building solutions. Like every COBOD 3D printer, the BOD3’s modular design offers customization, allowing it to easily adapt to any customer’s size wishes in addition to complying with the various sizes of construction sites anywhere in the world.
The BOD3 follows COBOD’s vision to build smarter through automation. Its operational stand combines the control and monitoring of both the 3D printer and supplementary equipment in one user-friendly system. The Advanced Hose Management System (AHMS) transports 3D printable material from the materials delivery system to the printhead via hoses secured within E-chains, minimizing physical labor and optimizing material flow. With the addition of the dual dosing system for additives, operators can better control the concrete and adapt it to onsite environmental conditions. By introducing additives directly at the printhead, the system reduces drying time between layers, speeding up the overall construction process. Designed for easy operation and precision, the BOD3 can be operated by a small, trained, and certified team, reducing the costs of projects.
Incorporating the innovative Universal X-Carriage, the BOD3 is ready for future COBOD advancements and technologies, like the introduction of additional tools for the printer aimed at insulating, painting, sanding, etc. This ensures long-term versatility and performance that will keep the BOD3 at the forefront of the industry for years to come.
Universal X-Carriage with Printhead.
Already deployed to the global market, the BOD3 is currently active in Indonesia, by Modula Tiga Dimensi, Angola, by Power2Build, andBahrain, by Ab’aad 3D. The customers report faster project execution with near-zero downtime between individual buildings on the same site. The projects showcase the BOD3’s ability to speed up construction and print with real concrete, with 99% locally sourced materials and 1% of innovative D.fab, a co-developed solution by COBOD and Cemex to make concrete 3D printable.
Henrik Lund-Nielsen, Founder and General Manager of COBOD, commented on the BOD3: “The global housing crisis demands a more efficient construction solution that is faster, more efficient, and scalable. The BOD3 is our answer to this challenge. Drawing on years of research and expertise, we’ve designed the BOD3 with innovative features, making it our most cost-effective and efficient model yet for multiple low-rise buildings. Its design supports high-volume, linear production of houses, enabling mass production without compromising quality. The fact that six units have already been sold before its official launch speaks volumes about the BOD3’s market demand and the trust our customers place in our technology.”
Michael Holm, Chief Innovation Officer at COBOD, states, “The advanced ground-based track system was developed as a response to our customers’ needs to increase efficiency and productivity. Now the 3D construction printer can be easily extended, and multiple consecutive structures can be printed with minimal repositioning and zero downtime between projects, making 3D construction printing more efficient than ever before.”
The BOD3 is now available for purchase worldwide; for more information, please visit our website, www.cobod.com, or contact us at info@cobod.com.
COBOD stands as the global leader in supplying 3D printers for the construction sector, with over 80 printers distributed across North and Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific. Driven by a mission to revolutionize construction through multifunctional robots based on 3D printing, COBOD envisions automating half of the construction processes to achieve faster, cost-effective, sustainable results with enhanced design versatility.
From residential, commercial, and public buildings, COBOD’s 3D printers have been instrumental in erecting 1- to 3-story structures across all six inhabited continents. The innovative technology also extends to fabricate large-scale data centers, wind turbine towers, tanks, and more.
Embracing an open-source material approach, COBOD collaborates with global partners, including customers, academia, and suppliers. The company, backed by prominent shareholders such as General Electric, CEMEX, Holcim, and PERI, operates from its main office in Copenhagen, Denmark, and regional competence centers in Miami, Florida, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. COBOD’s dynamic team comprises over 100 professionals from 25 diverse nationalities.
ABOUT MODULA TIGA DIMENSI
PT Modula Tiga Dimensi is a joint venture between Bakrie & Brothers (BNBR) and COBOD. BNBR focuses on offering and providing solutions for housing backlog problems currently encountered by the country.
Teaming up with COBOD International, the company is now set to adopt the latest 3D printing construction technology and is ready to offer the Indonesian market a new and better solution to housing obstructions.
ABOUT POWER2BUILD
Reshaping the construction sector and adapting it to urgent human needs.
Power2Build is a technology company for the construction industry, prepared to establish partnerships with private, public, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) so that they can make the transition to Build 4.0 through 3DCP.
We offer our clients value-added services and high-quality projects, always with a multidisciplinary approach that brings together the necessary experience to deal with complex issues.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Artificial intelligence‘s recent rise to the forefront of business has left most office workers wondering how often they should use the technology and whether a computer will eventually replace them.
Those were among the highlights of a recent study conducted by the workplace communications platform Slack. After conducting in-depth interviews with 5,000 desktop workers, Slack concluded there are five types of AI personalities in the workplace: “The Maximalist” who regularly uses AI on their jobs; “The Underground” who covertly uses AI; “The Rebel,” who abhors AI; “The Superfan” who is excited about AI but still hasn’t used it; and “The Observer” who is taking a wait-and-see approach.
Only 50% of the respondents fell under the Maximalist or Underground categories, posing a challenge for businesses that want their workers to embrace AI technology. The Associated Press recently discussed the excitement and tension surrounding AI at work with Christina Janzer, Slack’s senior vice president of research and analytics.
Q: What do you make about the wide range of perceptions about AI at work?
A: It shows people are experiencing AI in very different ways, so they have very different emotions about it. Understanding those emotions will help understand what is going to drive usage of AI. If people are feeling guilty or nervous about it, they are not going to use it. So we have to understand where people are, then point them toward learning to value this new technology.
Q: The Maximalist and The Underground both seem to be early adopters of AI at work, but what is different about their attitudes?
A: Maximalists are all in on AI. They are getting value out of it, they are excited about it, and they are actively sharing that they are using it, which is a really big driver for usage among others.
The Underground is the one that is really interesting to me because they are using it, but they are hiding it. There are different reasons for that. They are worried they are going to be seen as incompetent. They are worried that AI is going to be seen as cheating. And so with them, we have an opportunity to provide clear guidelines to help them know that AI usage is celebrated and encouraged. But right now they don’t have guidelines from their companies and they don’t feel particularly encouraged to use it.
Overall, there is more excitement about AI than not, so I think that’s great We just need to figure out how to harness that.
Q: What about the 19% of workers who fell under the Rebel description in Slack’s study?
A: Rebels tend to be women, which is really interesting. Three out of five rebels are women, which I obviously don’t like to see. Also, rebels tend to be older. At a high level, men are adopting the technology at higher rates than women.
Q: Why do you think more women than men are resisting AI?
A: Women are more likely to see AI as a threat, more likely to worry that AI is going to take over their jobs. To me, that points to women not feeling as trusted in the workplace as men do. If you feel trusted by your manager, you are more likely to experiment with AI. Women are reluctant to adopt a technology that might be seen as a replacement for them whereas men may have more confidence that isn’t going to happen because they feel more trusted.
Q: What are some of the things employers should be doing if they want their workers to embrace AI on the job?
A: We are seeing three out of five desk workers don’t even have clear guidelines with AI, because their companies just aren’t telling them anything, so that’s a huge opportunity.
Another opportunity to encourage AI usage in the open. If we can create a culture where it’s celebrated, where people can see the way people are using it, then they can know that it’s accepted and celebrated. Then they can be inspired.
The third thing is we have to create a culture of experimentation where people feel comfortable trying it out, testing it, getting comfortable with it because a lot of people just don’t know where to start. The reality is you can start small, you don’t have to completely change your job. Having AI write an email or summarize content is a great place to start so you can start to understand what this technology can do.
Q: Do you think the fears about people losing their jobs because of AI are warranted?
A: People with AI are going to replace people without AI.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration said Tuesday that it would provide up to $325 million to Hemlock Semiconductor for a new factory, a move that could help give Democrats a political edge in the swing state of Michigan ahead of election day.
The funding would support 180 manufacturing jobs in Saginaw County, where Republicans and Democrats were neck-in-neck for the past two presidential elections. There would also be construction jobs tied to the factory that would produce hyper-pure polysilicon, a building block for electronics and solar panels, among other technologies.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on a call with reporters that the funding came from the CHIPS and Science Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in 2022. It’s part of a broader industrial strategy that the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, supports, while Republican nominee Donald Trump, the former president, sees tariff hikes and income tax cuts as better to support manufacturing.
“What we’ve been able to do with the CHIPS Act is not just build a few new factories, but fundamentally revitalize the semiconductor ecosystem in our country with American workers,” Raimondo said. “All of this is because of the vision of the Biden-Harris administration.”
A senior administration official said the timing of the announcement reflected the negotiating process for reaching terms on the grant, rather than any political considerations. The official insisted on anonymity to discuss the process.
After site work, Hemlock Semiconductor plans to begin construction in 2026 and then start production in 2028, the official said.
Running in 2016, Trump narrowly won Saginaw County and Michigan as a whole. But in 2020 against Biden, both Saginaw County and Michigan flipped to the Democrats.
