Microsoft today released the Surface Pro 6, a step up from the Surface Pro before it, which went without the designation of '5'. The Surface Pro 6 is now a bit better than before, and is available in black.
Surface Pro 6: a bit better than before.
The Surface Pro 5 was pretty close to perfect when it was released, and since then, technology has only changed slightly. If you already own a Pro 5, there's no need to rush out to buy the new Surface Pro 6, unless you break your Pro 5 or really like matte black.
The only significant changes to the tech specs of the Surface Pro 6 are the inclusion of Intel's 8th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor with Intel UHD Graphics 620, a minor increase in battery life, and the availability of a black enclosure. The machine was previously only available in Platinum (silver).
Everything else is sold separately, such as the Surface Pen, Surface Dial, Surface Mouse, covers, sleeves, and the almost completely essential Type Cover keyboard.
Prices have dropped slightly in Australia, now starting at AU$1349; and the entry-level version is available in the US for under US$1000.
If you really want the black version here in Australia, your most affordable option is the 8GB RAM, Core i5, 256GB storage edition of the Surface Pro 6 which is priced at AU$1849. On top of that you'll also want the Type Cover at an additional cost.
Alternatively if cost is no barrier, you can configure the black Surface Pro 6 with 16GB of RAM, an Intel COre i7, and 512GB of SSD storage for a not so paltry AU$2879. That's double the price plus another AU$181 Australian kangaroo coins, before you buy the Type Cover.
The top of the line version is not available in black... we are crying already.
The Platinum, 16GB RAM, Core i7, 1TB SSD edition of the Pro 6 comes in at an eye-watering AU$3459 including 10% tax. Eek. On top of that, you're also going to want to shell out more koalas for the Type Cover, Pen, Dial, Mouse, Dock, or a carry case. While it's an excellent PC for the money, it's just a bit too rich. If you can afford it and want it, you'll be very happy.
Keep your wallet happy by choosing the 256GB storage option. The 128GB entry level SSD will fill up quickly and you'll run out of space, while the 1TB version is too expensive. Remember you can add on-board storage using a removable SDXC card really easily. Alternatively, store your files for free on OneDrive, or buy an external SSD.
When you do get your new Surface Pro 6 home, and turn it on, you'll love every minute of it.
The Dolby-branded audio solution will pump out sufficiently-loud Australian music choices, whether your preference is for Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Tina Arena, Jessica Mauboy, or Iggy Azalea (not Iggy Pop).
It'll sound just as good if you choose Adele, Sam Smith, Jamiroquai, or Beethoven.
Overall...
Overall, the new Surface Pro 6 is only slightly better than the Surface Pro 5. If you're moving from a Mac, then the Surface Pro 6 will give you the best portable Windows experience at a MacBook Pro comparable price.
Unlike Apple, both Microsoft and Michael Jackson will give you a choice of black or white, so if you really want to stand out, and love matte black, buy the Pro 6. It's portable enough for your black capricorn day.
Until next time,
Xavier Zymantas
XYZtech
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