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Windows 10 Technical Preview on Surface Pro 1 (my initial thoughts)
I took the plunge and put Windows 10 Technical Preview on my Surface Pro 1 that I recently put on the shelf after moving to the Pro 3.
The Technical Preview was a breeze to install.
You can download it from (here), as of October 1st. You will need to sign up for the Windows Insider Program to download it. The files are large so you need a nice fast connection to get it while you are young.
x64 : 4.0 GB
x86 : 3.1 GB
The download and install was a breeze. I just took the ISO over to the SP1 and mounted it and ran the SETUP.EXE while in the system. I choose the save nothing and let it run it course.
My initial thoughts
I just really sat down to play with it, but it seems more of a dot release than a full version release. I am sure the innards are where the big changes are but from a visual look and feel, it is pretty similar to 8. I don’t think that there will be any learning curve coming from version 8.1.1.
I had really gotten used to not having the Start button, so it looks strange. 
I liked the new desktop icons
The task view (on the task bar) is a touch friendly dream, very nice.
The search (on the task bar) is just ok, not a big search user. (why can’t I unpin it?).
No crashes, yet. Seems very stable.
No missing devices in Device Manager.
Windows Update did grab a Surface Hardware update (8/12/2014)
Also, there was a Technical Preview update as well. (KB3001512)
Installed the Wacom 720_10 without problem. Initial testing, inking is great in OneNote.
I was also surprised the System Center installed the Configuration Manager Client (corporate software management app).
Found that most of the software that I use installs. There are a few things that don’t, but that is expected.
- Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) (update – MS has released compatible version, AWESOME!)
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=44280 - DisplayLink for USB 3.0 Docking Station. I heard there was a work around. Will try that later. (update – just released compatible version)
http://www.displaylink.com/support/ticket.php?id=376
Overall. I like where they are going with it. Not a lot of surface (pun intended) changes, but good. I think Desktop users will be pleased, I guess. Are there any Desktop users left?
Microsoft Surface Pro – March 2014 Updates
Guess what kids? It Patch Tuesday!
Below is a list of the updates for the Microsoft Surface Pro System Hardware updates that will show up in your updates.
Windows 8.0 updates:
The following updates will be listed as “System Hardware Update – 3/11/2014” when you view your update history.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update (v1.0.323.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
Windows 8.1 updates:
The following updates will be listed as “System Firmware Update – 3/11/2014” when you view your update history.
- Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller (v14.69.24052.168) resolves wireless network connectivity issues.
- Marvell AVASTAR Wireless Composite Device (v14.69.24052.168) improves Miracast support.
- Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth® Radio Adapter (v14.69.24052.168) updated as part of a driver package that includes the Marvell Wireless Network Controller and Marvell Wireless Composite Device. There are no Bluetooth updates in this version of the driver.
- Surface Type Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Touch Cover 2 Firmware Update Device (v1.0.317.0) update improves multiple finger support on the touchpad.
- Surface Power Cover Firmware Update (v1.0.323.0) provides support for Surface Power Cover.
You can see a list of all the updates and previous updates here.
Surface Pro November 2013 Updates
Patch Tuesday. Microsoft released some updates to the Surface Pro, get details here.
November 2013 updates
Windows 8.0
Update to allow the use of Japanese Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2.
Windows 8.1
Update to the LifeCam driver to increase TrueColor fidelity.
Update to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth drivers to enable improved wireless display performance and to further enhance Wi-Fi network performance and stability.
Noted in the Device Manager the following updates.
Bluetooth – Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter
[NEW] 09/19/2013 | v14.69.24044.150
[OLD] 08/02/2013 | v14.69.24039.134
Imaging Devices – Microsoft LifeCam Front
[NEW] 09/17/2013 | v4.25.529.0
[OLD] 08/08/2013 | v4.25.525.0
Imaging Devices – Microsoft LifeCam Rear
[NEW] 09/17/2013 | v4.25.529.0
[OLD] 08/08/2013 | v4.25.525.0
Network Adapters – Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller
[NEW] 09/19/2013 | v14.69.24044.150
[OLD] 08/02/2013 | v14.69.24039.134
Windows 8.1 Product Guide from Microsoft
The official release of Windows 8.1 this last week.
In depth guide on the new features of Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 RT (here).
Update to DisplayLink software (7.4 M2)
DisplayLink just released an update dated October 11th, 2013. Version 7.4 maintenance release 2. These are supported drivers for the Lenovo ThinkPad USB 3.0 Dock.
Product Version: 7.4.51587.0
DisplayLink Core Software Version: 7.4.51572.0
Get the latest driver (here).
Read me / change list (here).
Updates:
- Improved application compatibility in Windows 8.1
- Improved Ethernet performance and stability
- Additional translations for all languages
- Critical bug fixes
How to access the BIOS on Surface Pro
Microsoft includes great instructions here.
I have found my perfect Tablet (for now)
I have been testing out some Windows 8 Tablets at work and I think that I have found my perfect Tablet (for now). In the last couple of months I have been testing the Samsung ATIV 700T and the Microsoft Surface Pro. While each have their pros and cons I kept going back to the Surface Pro.
I blogged sometime back about what my dream tablet was here. I am still looking for it, but the Surface Pro has bridged the gap for a while. It has some flaws (battery life, lack of multiple USB ports), which the newer Surface Pro 2 resolves at least the first (battery life).
For the last month I have went all in and traded in my work laptop (Dell Latitude E6420) for a Microsoft Surface Pro. Mind you I am still running my dual 22″ monitors at work through a USB 3.0 Hub (Lenovo USB 3.0 Dock, specs here). This dock allows me to power dual monitors, Ethernet, and additional USB slots all through the USB 3.0 connector on the Surface.
As for not having to lug the Dell Latitude it has been a real treat.
Surface Pro October 2013 Updates
Surface Pro just got an out of cycle update before the 8.1 release. Update notes include blurb to be sure and update before going to version 8.1. Well, that train has already left the station. I applied the update yesterday (10/07) and the only thing that found was the Graphics Driver was downgraded from 10.18.10.3282 to .3262. I have some details below on the specific devices that seemed to be affected with this update.
You can get the details on the Surface Pro page here.
- Windows 8.0 updates:
- No additional product updates were released for Surface Pro running Windows 8.0.
- Windows 8.1 Preview updates:
- All existing Windows 8.0 drivers and firmware were migrated to Windows 8.1.
-
Multiple updates that take advantage of improvements in Windows 8.1 including:
- Improved Wi-Fi.
- Optimizations for using Type Cover 2 or Surface Touch Cover 2.
- Improved Wi-Fi.
These are the devices in Device Manager that I noted changed after applying this update.
Intel® HD Graphics 4000
[NEW] 08/26/2013 | v10.18.10.3262
[OLD] 07/31/2013 | v10.18.10.3282
Bluetooth – Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter
[NEW] 08/02/2013 | v14.69.24039.134
[OLD] 03/05/2013 | v14.69.17064.93
Firmware – Surface Pro System Aggregator Firmware
[NEW] 09/18/2013 | v2.3.250.0
[OLD] 04/11/2013 | v1.4.18768.0
Firmware – Surface Pro UEFI
[NEW] 08/27/2013 | v1.5.50.0
[OLD] 07/05/2013 | v1.4.350.0
Human Interface Devices – Surface Type Cover Firmware Update Device
[NEW] 09/05/2013 | v1.0.271.0
[OLD] 05/03/2013 | v1.0.245.0
Imaging Devices – Microsoft LifeCam Front
[NEW] 08/08/2013 | v4.25.525.0
[OLD] 04/09/2013 | v4.25.523.0
Imaging Devices – Microsoft LifeCam Rear
[NEW] 08/08/2013 | v4.25.525.0
[OLD] 04/09/2013 | v4.25.523.0
Keyboards – Surface Type Cover Filter Device
[NEW] 08/21/2013 | v1.0.268.0
[OLD] not sure
Network Adapters – Marvell AVASTAR 350N Wireless Network Controller
[NEW] 08/02/2013 | v14.69.24039.134
[OLD] 05/14/2013 | v14.69.24026.106
System Devices – Surface Accessory Device
[NEW] 09/05/2013 | v1.0.271.0
[OLD] 03/14/2013 | v1.0.217.0
Universal Serial Bus Controllers – Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader
[NEW] 08/27/2013 | v6.2.9200.30166
[OLD] 08/29/2012 | v6.2.8400.30143 (questioning the date that I wrote)
Cameron Mergel 