[gbl08ma]

I own a Surface Pro 3 with the SP4 type cover (i.e. the version before the one that just came out and which is basically the same). I thought I'd miss all the keys from my laptop and desktop keyboards. Turns out, there are lots of hidden shortcuts. I got used to doing Fn+Arrows for Home/End/PageUp/PageDown and now I wish I could use that on other keyboards too. To me it's easier than having to reach for those keys when they are to the right or to the top of the keyboard, so much that I think I type a bit faster on the type cover, as long as I'm properly seated and the keyboard is on a solid surface (e.g. a desk).

I find the keyboard very good (the right menu key is a bit useless, but you can remap that using many methods) and the touchpad is the best I've used too, although it's probably not as good as the ones in Macbooks.

If the keyboard is the only thing holding you back, rethink it. You should be more worried about the price and the kickstand which is not a problem for me but might be for you, especially if your legs are short and you intend on using it on your lap a lot.

[devereaux]

The keyboard is holding me up. I have shortcuts mapped to the keys above the left and right arrow. I use them extensively to navigate between desktop and tabs. A few years ago I read about using such shortcuts and now they are deeply ingrained into my workflow.

I don't think I could do without them, and they are one of the only reason I'm considering the XPS: a proper keyboard.

FYI, by default these 2 keys go to the next tab, when using the shift key right above: they go to next desktop, using the control or menu key right next to them they reorder the tabs, etc.)

For the tool I use everyday, price is not the problem. However, a bad keyboard is.