Work tablet - surface go? suggestions

[joshcowin]

We run Microsoft on PC's in the office.

I am after a device I can use on site (literal building site) to pick up emails, view PDF's do some very basic spread sheets etc ...

The surface go looks excellent for this anyone have any thoughts/ experiences on what work for them?

Any recommendations are welcome, I am not tech savvy or up to date at all!

[joshcowin]

Laptop is not an option. I want a tablet with a detachable keyboard.

I would be looking at and replying to emails, viewing pdf’s (not altering or creating them), keeping a spreadsheet updated and creating basic spreadsheets. Would the speed of the basic surface go really be noticeable.

I would pair it to my phone for data.

It would be used maybe 3-4 half days a week maximum!

Money wise I don’t want to waste money, but I want a devise that will last.

If am i pad is a better option I will go for that!

Thanks so far for the detailed replies it is appreciated!

[joshcowin]

zedx19 said:

Ipad or Android tablet will do all that, sounds like that's more what you need? I have an Android tablet I use for meeting minutes, emails, drawing reviews, spreadsheets etc and I also work in Construction. I have a Huawei Mediapad M5 which I picked up for £260 off ebay, brand new. You can get keyboard cases but I find the onscreen keyboard works fine for my needs. I did buy a stylus to use with it to mark up drawings, work great. You can get the Pro version of the Media M5 which comes with a dockable keyboard and pen, but it's quite pricey still.

Great, thanks for the specific recommendation!

Sounds like we would be using it for the same purpose!

[joshcowin]

desolate said:

Personally I wouldn't be too bothered about the processor but 8GB Ram is a big improvement even for pretty basic office stuff.

Would I see the difference between 8 and 16 when all I’m doing is switching between email (outlook) and excel?

I have no tech knowledge and at present use an iPad for personal use but want something sperate for work!

[joshcowin]

desolate said:

joshcowin said:

Would I see the difference between 8 and 16 when all I’m doing is switching between email (outlook) and excel?

I have no tech knowledge and at present use an iPad for personal use but want something sperate for work!

Possibly.
8gb with an SSD is definitely snappy enough for office tasks including some pretty large excel workbooks.
4gb is noticeably less so.

16gb will definitely be better.

We are now pretty much all in on office 365 so the limiting factor is any internet connection - I now don't use any product for work reasons that isn't 365 and I have to say the experience is pretty seemless be it on laptop or (android) mobile.


edited to add: my requirements are very much common or garden stuff so even the large spreadsheets aren't massively complex, even if they have a lot of entries.

Great info, also office 365 here I believe!

The excel sheets are extremely basic, and usually (99%) on one sheet! Basically a small family firm with no excel training who use excel as it lays out information in an easy to read and alter format!

[joshcowin]

So looks like I can get a decent deal on the 2017 version of the surface pro 12.3 inch.

Is it worth getting?

[joshcowin]

Got it for about £650 with keypad, I didn’t want the pen.

Thanks for everyone on here who helped, looked at a few different ones but for the money the surface seemed a no brainier!