Microsoft’s Surface Pro 4, a popular 2-in-1 tablet, is often associated with Windows 10. However, many users are curious about the possibility of running Linux on this device. In this article, we’ll explore the experience of running Linux on the Surface Pro 4, including the pros and cons, and why it’s a surprisingly smooth and viable option for those who prefer the open-source operating system.

Preparations

Before we dive into the review, it’s essential to note that installing Linux on a Surface Pro 4 requires some technical expertise. You’ll need to follow a series of steps, including disabling Secure Boot, booting into UEFI, and installing a Linux distribution. If you’re not comfortable with these steps, it may be best to seek the assistance of a tech-savvy friend or professional.

Linux Distribution Options

The Surface Pro 4 is compatible with a wide range of Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Lubuntu. For the purpose of this review, we chose Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, which is a popular and user-friendly distribution. We chose the 64-bit version, as it is the most compatible with the Surface Pro 4.

Installation

The installation process was relatively smooth, with minimal hiccups. We used the Ubuntu 18.04 LTS bootable USB drive and followed the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. The process took around 30 minutes to complete, and the device was ready to use within an hour.

Performance

The Surface Pro 4 with Linux performed surprisingly well. The device handled everyday tasks, such as browsing, emailing, and office work, with ease. We experienced no significant slowdowns or lag, even when running multiple applications simultaneously. The device’s 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) proved to be a significant advantage, as it provided fast boot times and responsive performance.

Multimedia and Graphics

Multimedia and graphics performance were also impressive. The Surface Pro 4’s Intel HD 520 graphics card handled casual gaming and video playback without any issues. We were able to run popular games like Chess and Sudoku at high speeds, and even managed to play 4K video content without any issues.

Battery Life

One concern with Linux on the Surface Pro 4 is the battery life. However, we were pleased to find that the device’s battery life was comparable to Windows 10. We were able to get around 8-10 hours of moderate use, which is impressive considering the device’s power-hungry nature.

Conclusion

Running Linux on the Surface Pro 4 is a viable option for those who prefer the open-source operating system. While it may require some technical expertise, the process is manageable with some patience and perseverance. The device’s performance, multimedia capabilities, and battery life are all impressive, making it a great option for those who want to escape the Windows ecosystem.

Pros:

Smooth and responsive performance
Impressive multimedia and graphics capabilities
Decent battery life
Wide range of Linux distributions available

Cons:

Requires technical expertise to install
Limited compatibility with some Windows-specific software and hardware

Conclusion

In conclusion, running Linux on the Surface Pro 4 is a great option for those who prefer the open-source operating system. With some technical know-how, you can turn this 2-in-1 tablet into a powerful and efficient Linux machine. While it’s not perfect, the pros outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for those who are willing to experiment and take the leap to Linux.