64-bit x86 apps will not run in emulation and apparently even the Windows Store has a habit of recommending apps for the Surface Pro X that aren't actually compatible for it. Most games you'd find on Steam or the Epic Game Store are incompatible. Microsoft says that Adobe is committed to creating 64-bit ARM versions of its Creative Cloud apps, but there’s no timeline for when that’ll happen.' 'More intense apps like Photoshop do technically run on this computer, but they’re so slow they may as well not. The core of Windows runs just fine on the Surface Pro X, but performance doesn't match Intel systems at the same price point according to the Verge. Engadget reports encountering a significant number of bugs and crashes. Compatibility is limited to 32-bit apps and most games and benchmarks won't run on the system. The Surface Pro X's performance and software limitations make it clear that any dream of ARM replacing x86 in Windows PCs is still a long way off.

It's the other aspects of the system that fail to impress reviewers. The look, feel, and design of the Surface Pro X are clearly quite popular. If you buy the Signature Keyboard you get the new Surface Slim Pen in the box, otherwise it's a $144 add-on. The basic Surface keyboard is $139, while the new Surface 'Signature Keyboard' costs $270. There's no Thunderbolt 3 (not surprising in an ARM device), but either USB-C port can be used for charging.

Connectivity is limited to two USB-C ports, a microSD port, and a Surface Connect port. It's fanless and while there's no headphone jack, Bluetooth audio reportedly works well. CNET calls the redesign 'spot on.' The Verge waxes poetic, writing: 'It is a beautiful, well-made hybrid tablet device that looks better than any other computer I’ve tried in at least the past year.' Engadget says 'The Surface Pro X is a beautiful piece of hardware and the best Snapdragon-powered PC around.' Keep that last comment in mind regarding the long-term viability of ARM in Windows as we walk through the review. That's the general conclusion from three reviews: CNET (Opens in a new window), Endgadget (Opens in a new window), and The Verge (Opens in a new window).Įveryone loves the physical design of this hybrid machine. Unfortunately, the Pro X lags behind other tablets already on the market, held back by its use of an ARM chip as a primary SoC, the Qualcomm-powered SQ1. Microsoft's Surface Pro family has been due for a redesign and the Surface Pro X delivers one.

Microsoft sq1 processor review