Surface Pro 11 - 5 Months Later ft. Adobe Premiere Pro & Davinci Resolve
Science & Technology
Introduction
After using the Surface Pro 11 as my daily laptop for about five months, I can confidently say that this 2-in-1 device has come remarkably close to perfection for my everyday workflow as a content creator. It handles various tasks with ease, from content consumption and drafting proposals to scripting, designing, photo editing, and even video editing. However, there are still a few quirks worth mentioning.
Performance Improvements
Performance has noticeably improved since my initial review. DaVinci Resolve is now officially out of beta and provides the full ARM version, making it smoother for my editing needs. Furthermore, Adobe Lightroom has become more responsive, and Adobe Premiere Pro is now available for download directly from the Creative Cloud app. Although we're still awaiting the official ARM version of Premiere Pro, it's expected to be released by the end of this year or early next year. There are also discussions about Google Drive's future availability on ARM laptops, which adds to my excitement.
Wear and Tear on the Flex Keyboard
Let's take a look at the wear and tear on the new Flex keyboard after five months of use. The stunning blue keyboard, as shown when brand new, has developed noticeable stains near the touchpad from resting my palms while typing. It also shows yellowish smudges in the area where it docks to the tablet, which I found odd since I don't frequently touch that spot. Additionally, yellowing has occurred at the bottom of the keyboard. While the blue color looks attractive initially, I recommend considering other color options to avoid potential staining and discoloration. If durability is your priority, the black version may withstand time better.
Battery Life
The battery life on the Surface Pro 11 has been impressive, often lasting through an entire day filled with tasks such as video planning, outlining, replying to emails, and streaming content. Typically, I get around 9 to 11 hours, which is commendable. I've seen some online claims of achieving up to 15 hours of battery life, but I haven't been able to reproduce this due to my 120 Hz display settings and brightness usually set between 40% and 60%. Intensive tasks like photo and video editing shorten battery life to about 5 to 6 hours, which is where the UGREEN Nexo power bank comes in handy. With a 20,000 mAh capacity and 130 W output, it fully charges my Surface Pro and other devices with ease.
Editing Experience
As a content creator spending around 70% of my time on intensive tasks, I noticed that the Surface Pro 11 has its challenges. For instance, it struggles with editing 10-bit footage, whether in H.264 or H.265 formats. DaVinci Resolve can be sluggish when handling these files, making playback cumbersome. If you primarily deal with H.265 or H.264 10-bit footage, I recommend switching to H.264 8-bit for a smoother editing experience. In contrast, Adobe Premiere Pro performs well with 10-bit footage, though some drop frames do occur.
The 16 GB RAM model performs adequately for short video editing; however, I advocate for the 32 GB RAM model if you plan on working with more complex 4K projects. When handling 1080p videos, the Surface Pro 11 operates efficiently, but note that exporting longer videos may not be optimal.
Additional Features and Experiences
The thermals of the Surface Pro 11 are impressive, staying adequately cool during regular use and only becoming slightly warm during video exports. The fan operates quietly, kicking in primarily during intensive tasks. There are, however, some quirks—including issues with the Flex keyboard not responding when the battery is low, problems with the blue light filter, and occasional display shut-off at startup.
On a positive note, the kickstand’s fluidity and sturdiness make it versatile, allowing for smooth transitions between tablet and laptop modes. The display is bright and usable in various lighting conditions, making it a strong choice for anyone seeking flexibility in a single device.
Conclusion
In summary, the Surface Pro 11 offers a balanced experience for many applications. It's especially suitable for creators looking to edit simple 4K videos or YouTube shorts. While there are some minor drawbacks, its 2-in-1 functionality makes it convenient and versatile enough for a wide range of uses.
Keyword
Surface Pro 11, 5 months review, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, content creator, battery life, Flex keyboard, video editing, performance, wear and tear.
FAQ
Q: How long does the battery last on the Surface Pro 11?
A: Typically, the battery lasts around 9 to 11 hours for regular tasks, though intensive activities like video editing can reduce it to about 5 to 6 hours.
Q: Is the Surface Pro 11 suitable for 4K video editing?
A: Yes, it's capable of handling simple 4K video editing, especially for projects like YouTube shorts or TikTok videos with minimal graphic effects.
Q: Are there issues with the Flex keyboard?
A: Some users have reported that the keyboard doesn't always respond when detached if the battery is low and some users have noticed yellow stains and discoloration over time.
Q: How does the Surface Pro 11 handle 10-bit video editing?
A: While it can edit 10-bit footage in Adobe Premiere Pro relatively smoothly, DaVinci Resolve may struggle, leading to sluggish performance. Switching to H.264 8-bit can provide a smoother playback experience.
Q: What are the build quality and thermal performance like?
A: The Surface Pro 11's build quality is robust, and it remains cool under normal usage, with the fan operating quietly even during video exports.