The Surface Pro 2 is loaded with Microsoft's Office 365 which seems like a bargain compared to Microsoft Office of the past. I also have loaded Global Mapper on it. Global Mapper works fine. I had trouble understanding how the pairing with my Garmin Glo Receiver worked, so pulled my hair out over it. Once our computer guy solved that, I am able to use it in the field, but not on the 4 wheeler yet.
It comes with a stylus instead of a mouse. You can also use fingers. I do find being able to touch the screen with my finger can be useful. I have the bluetooth mouse that I used on the toughbook and despite the good performance of the stylus, I still find cursor control when drawing maps is better with the mouse. I also bought the solid keyboard to go with it. The keyboard is a necessity in my mind although the on screen keyboard is available and I use it some. Since the solid keyboard has no moving parts, dirt should not be a problem. It has one USB port, so be prepared for lots of wireless operation. I have 2 wireless printers, so that is not a problem. The screen is small, so a good pair of reading glasses is a good thing for an old man like me.
Windows 8.1 has a much different feel than any other version of windows, but once you get used to it, it is not so bad.
I am disappointed that there is not a ruggedized box for it. It would be great if Otterbox came out with something. There is a Rammount. I want to run it on the four wheeler for sampling, without the keyboard of course. It looks like I might need to make my own box.
Setting it up has been a chore to me, but luckily we have a new guy on board who is very helpful with technology. Over all, I am very happy with the purchase. I would give it four stars out of five.
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