by Bernie Goldbach in Clonmel
MY MOST VALUABLE tool for creating and curating content is the Microsoft Surface Book. I cannot overstate its value.
As many reviewers have noted, Microsoft's Surface Book is a leading Window 11 device. It's powerful enough to render a video using Camtasia while streaming audio on Spotify. Its stunning 3,000 x 2,000 display makes a big impression. When I've detached the screen from the keyboard many people think they're holding an iPad. And I'm love the rugged utility and feel of its brilliantly-designed Dynamic Fulcrum hinge.
DISCLOSURE: Unconstrained and Open Tech
My year-long use of the Microsoft Surface Book comes with an important user notice. Unlike all other devices on my university campus, my Surface Book is not locked down. I have full Admin privileges on it and that alone saves me countless hours. I can set up and run programs without queuing for tech support. This streamlined access has allowed me to test and tweak dozens of applications before setting them up for use by my students in higher education lab sessions.
[Walking around classroom with Surface Camera]
Beauty of Windows Hello
I'm up and running with my laptop without having to type in a user name and password. The Windows Hello service authenticates me locally. If I need cloud access, I get that through the MSFT Authenticator on my Samsung phone. I've set up several user accounts on the Surface Book so Windows Hello also works with my teenaged daughter.
[Back when I used a Thinkpad.]
Unfinished Business
As I approach the end of another academic year, I need to cross-check how the Surface Book has been automatically uploading content into my personal OneDrive and into the campus SharePoint services. There are gems inside specific folders that I will be able to revise and reuse as I prepare coursework for another cohort of students.
Before handing back the Surface Pro
[Bernie Goldbach teaches creative media for business on the Clonmel Digital Campus.]
