Got my Surface 3. Observations so far:

Setup is outlined with accompanying paperwork. Straight forward. No more need to be within update window to do windows updates. That was only for Surface 2.

Initial windows updates are going to take a while. Don't be alarmed if it takes an hour or more.

I had over 200 downloads and 18 must reads in SCL to download initially.

In Jepp app, when you click icon for updates, the page that pops up shows current date, date next update available and date next update effective. Totally different look. Looks like slider bars.

One big difference is after you setup your personal account and you sign out of personal account, you will not see the Delta pilot account as a sign in option. You will see"other account" and you sign into that one with Delta email and deltanet password.

So far battery life seems better than my POS "2" had. Extra battery is fairly big and has a charge port as well as two USB ports to charget surface or phone,etc.

You can switch between tablet mode and desktop mode .

There is a "crew links" icon on home page that has links to deltanet or icrew mobile.

It has bluetooth, cellular, mobile hotspot, gps (location), battery saver, airplane, etc modes.

Biggest pain in initial setup was time for Windows Updates to complete.

Otherwise easy. Hopefully it doesn't freeze up and screen go blank all the time like my 2 did.

 

Have used mine for 8 days of flying so far. The recommended technique is to use the battery pack to power the tablet during the day. I've done that, and as an FO, the cord only gets in the way of my drink. The tiller might be an issue for a captain (or stick for Bus drivers). If you use the battery pack, your only have to charge that each night. Seems much better than RT, quicker and less issues than the Dos...

 

On the 717, do you really need to keep the thing plugged into the battery during the day? Perhaps plug it in between legs (you know, when you have a 1:45 turn at SFO or the like...)

The company shipped me two of them. When I called IT to ask where to send the duplicate, they said to give it to the Chief Pilot.
"Here, Mr. Chief Pilot...I know you don't have other things to do...so take care of IT's problem for me, please."

 

Probably could use the tablet battery for most of the day. By using the pack, I only have to plug in one item to charge at night.

 

After just one day of use I like the S3 better already. It actually behaves like a real tablet. Issues I did notice were with the new placement of the power button. It takes great effort to put it in the window mount without accidentally turning it off. I am sure I will get better at that trick over time. Also, it seems to get turned on somehow every time I carry it around in my little black cooler bag. Thankfully with the extra battery this is not a big deal and sooner or later I will figure out how to stop that. So far I am giving 4 out of 5 stars but we shall see.

 

Nice writeup 53x11 (do you ride bikes btw?)

My experience with the 3 when I was still at SkyW was similar; overall good and the battery would last all day without much worry. I did have to manage it by not leaving the screen on all the time and/or fully shutting it down on long sits but otherwise it was great.

For those who have received yours, are you 777 or 717? I'm a new guy on the 717 and haven't seen the shipment info yet.

 

Yes, ride everyday I'm home usually. Just got home from a nice 45 mi ride. I'm 717 ATLB. UPS delivered mine Monday and contrary to company info, they left it at door without anyone signing for it. LOL I start next trip on Friday, so I'll see how it does. Like a poster above, the power switch is still in an odd position relative to the cradle clamps.

Hammer down!

 

Right on, I almost brought a bike with me to training but the logistics were tough. Looking forward to completing training and getting back on the bike.

 

It's an improvement. I agree with the previous comments regarding the side-buttons -- we need new cockpit mounts.

 

If you ever get the chance to bring your bike during any extended training, couple recommendations. Head up to north GA and go to Brasstown Bald. Highest point in GA. I think 4 or 5 bucks to get in park. Parking lot is huge and you can warm up making laps. If you keep the sticker they give you upon entrance, you can leave, go down the mountain and come back without paying again. I did it last Oct and the foliage was worth it. Don't do like me though. I forgot to bring my compact crank. HAHA Going up sucked!! Also, over in Athens (Watkinsville) they have a huge group ride on Saturdays.

I sacrificed riding for a while to get settled in and it was worth it. Now I'm catching up.

My son schooled me on new Surface. I noticed it had an option to download Windows updates from other computers/networks. He said aww dad that's a new W10 thing. If you are on your home wifi or some other secure network, it will pull windows updates from other W10 computers instead from Microsoft servers. I guess less server traffic. Also, if you have a hotmail acct, it will pull the homepage background from your main PC to surface as background. Dang kids.