Drawing on the Surface Pro 4 - First Impressions

I've had the Surface Pro 4 for a couple days now and here is my first impression of drawing on the device and how it compares to my Surface Pro 3 and my Wacom Cintiq.

If you want to know the configuration of the SP4 I got you can find that here:

[Bluestoneklutz]

Im too poor to afford the new ones so hearing positive reviews about the surface pro makes me happy

[Ahmedth]

I can not wait for your full review. I think you are the only person on YouTube who does full products review from an artist prospective. Keep up the good work.

[NihongoGamer]

Thanks! Fun, well edited and light-hearted video with plenty of great information that people want about surface. We really appreciate the time and money you spend on your gear to help other artists choose the right device. Subbed :)

[Snotnarok]

If you're going to buy one of these things, always try (key word try) to get a good one. Don't skimp out and get the core M version and hope you can get away with it. Save up and get the i5 version and not have to worry about better software gimping the usability of this device.
You can get a long time of use out of it if you just buy for some future proofing. ...That said don't go nuts and get something you don't need like the Surface Book.
The i5 version has been handling everything I can throw at it, really powerful piece of kit. If you have the Surface Pro 3, this is kinda an upgrade you can skip (unless thermal throttling is causing major problems) but SP4 is really solid in my Weird thing to put in the comments for another user but uh...hi :|

[EastyUK]

Thanks for the video mate. I never thought I'd purchase MS hardware. But I always try to keep on open mind and research a lot and buy the best thing out there at the time. The Surface pro 3 I7 has been a delight and adding the pro 4 pen and keyb just made it better. the Fact MS made these accessories backwards compatible makes so much sense. Cheers for the nice video.

[itsalexclark]

Can you use your Surface Pro 4 with an app like splashtop to stream your mac desktop and emulate what astro pad does. - I'm really interested in the surface pro but only if I can stream mac to it. I'm hoping there is a way!

[TheOriginalGraphicGod]

You actually convinced me to get my SP3. Thanks. Can't wait to get the 4.

[unusualacustomeria]

It would have been nice to see more of the device in action.

[jasphereRindou]

Can't wait to get your full review.
I read reviews of Core M model from other sites but none of them get into artist workflow. I am glad to have someone testing the Core M model for drawing experience.
I mainly uses SAI for illustration and PS for effects, which involves a lot of filters. I would appreciate if you can check how's the Core M performs when dealing with filters in PS.
Thanks in advance.

[obsu]

I'm a little late to the party, but can I put a SP4 pen nib into a SP3 pen and still have it work? I'm on my way to getting a SP3 because the 4 is just too expensive, but the rubbery pen nibs look REALLY nice.

[myowersname]

Hi! What with the lag (less, I hope) in PS? What are you impressions of the 1024 levels of pen pressure (compared with previous pen)? "Slow drawing" issue solved? Thx!

[shakifur]

Great information on the surface pro 4. Looking forward to the full review

[hamdiexile]

yes...been waiting your impression on surface and soon ipad pro. keep it up.

[roofoofighter]

There's no need to go in the registry on SP3 to disable the Windows button. Download the Surface app from the Windows Store and it has an option to turn off the Windows capacitive button. Personally it's never bothered me when I draw so I leave it on.

[ahumeniy]

You can use the SP4 type cover on a SP3. It's fully compatible.

[richard]

I'm considering either the i5 SP4 or the iPad Pro as a drawing tool. I'm really interested to know how the Surface Pen performs in Photoshop and Manga Studio, particularly with regard to jitter, hover distance, lag etc.
Looking forward to your review!

[preritkaji]

Hey Brad, i have been viewing your videos for understanding lot on illustration work.
i am a rookie and trying to get my hands on to such things.
I have a Dell inspiron 2 in 1, 7373 series. System is very well performing.
Question- I intend to buy a Surface pro 6 digital pen - I needed your feedback if it works the same way as it work on surface pro screen. I want to purchase it asap. Or any other pen which you think will help me start on my journey

[episodetuesday]

Hello Brad. What about slow straight lines? Are they possible with the new hardware? You showed that the SP3 was not the best for drawing slow straight lines in an other video

[CostaApostolou]

Can't wait for your full review, I'm waiting for the i7/16gb/256gb on November 20th, hopefully it ships early as I'm going crazy as my laptop died. I like to casually draw and I'm glad it's a good drawing tablet, obviously not better then a Cintiq. I also ordered the same type cover as you but it still hasn't shipped, hopefully I get it by time my sp4 shows up.

[FilipZywica]

Great review, Brad! Really looking forward to hear your feedback after you've had a proper run with this thing. You really nail it when it comes to typical user concerns!
I've recently bought a Wacom Cintiq 13HD after looking long and hard at SP3. One thing that put me off SP3 was what you mentioned in one of your reviews that SP3 makes it hard to work with illustrator (when using pen tool) - would be interested if Microsoft managed to somehow address that issue, another one - always wanted to own a cintiq! Must say, though - upon first attempts at setting it up and using it - all the "wireage" makes it quite clunky for casual drawing on the sofa and, when put up on the desk in a "proper" drawing position - one almost immediately starts wishing for a little extra screen real estate!
On going for the low end spec SP4 - I guess the performance shortcomings might become apparent when you try using software like After Effects - are you using that at all?