 tekmunkiTekmunkiPremium
join:2001-12-06
Lake City, FL | Surface Pro for Network Administration? I'm posting this here, because this will be used mostly for remote administration of my networks... I want something I don't need a bag for, that I can lug around all day without recharging.
I was using a Xoom for a while, being most of our tools are web based, or logmein accessible, but quite honestly, it's just not fast enough, it also lacks practical things like printing, usb ports, etc.
I want the power of a laptop, with the battery life of the xoom. I like the mobility, but need a real keyboard, the flimsy flip / clip keyboards don't really interest me. I also don't want the tiny screens of the minipc.
I've been considering a surface pro, but I'm a little hesitant- does anyone else use the surface pro in this fashion- I plan on loading it up with all my network monitoring, server management consoles, and hopefully attach a dongle for serial cables.
Am I asking too much of this tablet? I HATE windows 8 on the desktop but it may be much more tolerable on a tablet format. I guess I just want to know what other admins are using for mobile management and whether or not I'm going to be disappointed.
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TekMunki
"There are 10 types of people in this world, those who understand binary and those who don't."
www.tekmunki.com |
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| Ultrabook? I thought from reading on the Pro its battery life wasn't that great.
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How lucky am I to have known someone who is so hard to say good-bye to. |
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I agree with The WeaseL. I believe you want an Ultrabook, not a Surface Pro.
We have tested the Surface tablet, and while it is OK for most things, the battery life is only about 4 hours for us.
For about the same price (as the 64GB model Surface), you can get a Lenovo X1 Carbon with a SSD (non-touch screen). The only downside (possibly) in addition to no-touch capability is there is no physical NIC port on-board; you would need a USB dongle.
If Wireless-only is OK 99.9% of the time for you, then by all means, I think it will do well. |
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amungusPremium
join:2004-11-26
America Reviews:
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I'm a fan of my little Folio 13 at work. We got several for some road warriors, and I ended up with one 
Perfectly useful little unit, though I think they're discontinued.
The latest ones we've been getting are nice too, and very similar, perhaps better in some ways - »www8.hp.com/us/en/products/lapto···=5271146
Nice that these still have a regular RJ45 connection too.
As for any touch based work (have tried an iPad), I'm actually a fan of how the Citrix Receiver works after having recently set up a XenApp 'farm.' Not perfect, but certainly usable in a pinch.
Just couldn't see myself using a Surface for actual work, or anything really. Not a fan of iPads much either. The keyboard thing I have with it sucks, and it's just way clumsier than an ultrabook for actual work. |
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 MellowPremium
join:2001-11-16
Salisbury, MD | reply to tekmunki
I got tired of waiting for the Surface Pro and got the Sony Vaio Duo 11 back in November, I love this thing. I upgraded it to a core 7 and 8 gigs with 8 pro and 256 gig SSD, it handles anything I throw at it quite well. When at my desk I use the built in vga for my external monitor and have a usb keyboard and mouse. Battery hasn't been an issue yet but if it does Sony makes an external battery pack I can slap on it if needed.
Actually surprised that this slider doesn't get more attention from the media. |
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| I'll toss a wrench into the discussion. I have a Lenovo Twist and just got a MacBookPro. I can use LogMeIn on either and RDP on either. I'm a consultant with numerous small networks, so I don't RSAT on my laptop since I can be on numerous servers. I like the Twist since it's the best of both worlds and has a good amount of power. If you're running Pro it can be joined to a domain. |
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 dennismurphyPut me on hold? I'll put YOU on holdPremium
join:2002-11-19
Parsippany, NJ | reply to tekmunki
I'm eagerly awaiting my ElitePad 900 at work so I can stop traveling with a laptop ..... With the sleeves available for it, battery life won't be any issue. |
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