Reddit reviews UAG Microsoft Surface Pro 6/Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017)/Surface Pro 4 Feather-Light Rugged [Black] Aluminum Stand Military Drop Tested Case

OneDrive
Have it on your SP4, your phone, and make sure you can access it from your computer. Leave all your necessary school files and even draft files on it. If you need to print somewhere or your Surface dies when you're using it your work will be ready to continue on another device.

HDMI/VGA adapter
get a set if you do regular presentations

USB Hub
1 USB port will not be enough

Zagg 10-Key Bluetooth Number Pad
As an Accounting major this was the best purchase I made, see my review and link to purchase here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Surface/comments/2x3pwu/zagg_10_key_bluetooth_numeric_keypad_first/?context=10

UAG Case
If you're the type to get Otterbox's/LifeProof/UAG cases for your phone, definitely get this for the Surface: https://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Feather-Light-Composite-Aluminum-Military/dp/B016ATD48O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1483771384&sr=8-2&keywords=uag+case+surface+pro+4

Bluetooth Mouse
The Microsoft Arc mouse is a great compact mouse. Do not get a USB mouse you will regret using the port. Careful not to get the USB version of the Arc mouse btw. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=microsoft+arc+mouse+bluetooth&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Amicrosoft+arc+mouse+bluetooth

Screen Protector
I got a matte one for my SP3. If you plan on using the pen then this might not be desirable to you. I tried using the pen for notes and using OneNote for my first semester but it became useless as I type faster than I take notes. A Matte screen protector always feels good and you will rarely ever have to wipe and clean the screen.

I used a case for two years and never had to open my surfaces hinge.
I definitely recommend something like https://www.amazon.co.uk/ProCase-Surface-Microsoft-Compatible-Keyboard/dp/B0169X7WPW/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&qid=1549040494&sr=8-24&keywords=surface+case
or
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Microsoft-Feather-Light-Composite-Aluminum-Military/dp/B016ATD48O/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1549040453&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=surface+case&psc=1

The Surface Pro with LTE Advanced seems to match your needs. The LTE model comes with a nano SIM card slot so your AT&T 4G plan should work with it. With the current promotion, this model (i5, 256GB SSD, 8GB RAM) is $1250 so its only just outside your budget, if that's fine. Keep in mind though that you would need to buy the Type Cover for the Surface.

I've seen a few rugged cases on Amazon like this one from Kensington or this one from UAG so those should be fine. Here's the Microsoft Store page for the Surface itself. You can also buy some of the accessories bundled together (like the UAG case and Type Cover) by clicking on "SEE DEALS" and going to "Bundle and Save", although there isn't much of a discount.

Edit: You could probably go for an older used Surface Pro as well to save money, but be sure to buy the LTE model otherwise it won't have a SIM card slot.

I'm looking at this one now.

This case was pretty much made for the military:

UAG

If you get him a non-Core M3 SP4 though, the heatsink is behind the kickstand, and a case that allows the kickstand to open would prevent overheating.

Kensington Black Belt

I've used this rugged case for the past year: UAG Rugged Case. Pros: I could probably crush someone's skull with it if they attacked me during my commute. Cons: heavy (14 oz), the joint for the built-in stand is kind of flimsy, heat is not dissipated like it needs to be and the battery drains faster than normal. Looking at the other posts, I'll probably get a screen-protector and maybe a lighter case.


I find myself taking my SP out of the case quite often because I like the way it looks and the full range of positions with the SP stand vs the case's stand.

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Speaking from personal experience, I would go with this Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

I was in the market for a machine so my daughter could do her art without covering our house in the inane ramblings of an 8 year old, so I started digging into convertibles with pens. I finally settled on the SP4.

It's extremely lightweight, the magnet attachment for the keyboard and power are fantastic features, the pen is really great and accurate, and the display is absolutely beautiful. I really suggest the i5/8GB model, since you can't upgrade it, and I would suggest getting this UAG Case as well. I tested a number of cases first and landed on that one, as it allows the keyboard to snap to it without removing the case or having any other weird addition like the Otterbox one has.

Also keeping in mind that the Surface Pro Type Cover is separate, it is on the high end of your budget. But something that will last all day (in power saving mode), and be extremely easy to carry around with a good quality pen is well worth it.

If I can make a recommendation... The Kensington Black Belt Case allows you to use the kickstand on the Surface Pro, which is better than the one in the UAG case. Still works with the type cover, holds the Surface Pen, and is a bit cheaper.

(Yes, I am biased; I worked on the engineering team who makes it).

https://www.amazon.com/URBAN-ARMOR-GEAR-Microsoft-Feather-Light/dp/B016ATD48O/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=surface+pro+uag&qid=1571184055&sr=8-3#aw-udpv3-customer-reviews_feature_div

Hi, you meant this right? I wanted to get this but hesitated many times.

BTW, I use a SP4 i5 majorly for tether shooting and some office work (remotely) and been looking for a good surface case, can you recommend any? Looking at this UAG CASE

Thanks

Mine SP4 lives in the UAG (http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Feather-Light-Composite-Aluminum-Military/dp/B016ATD48O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1462397656&sr=8-1&keywords=uag+surface+pro+4) and occasionally comes out when I'm sitting on the couch surfing.

It's a great case - yes it'adds bulk but still way slimmer and lighter than my old laptop :)

(edit: and it get's a lot of positive comments regarding it's looks)

Cheers.

If you're talking about the case, This is the one I've seen

Btw if you want a cheaper one, while searching I saw some more cases with their own stands. The stand wasn't metal like this one tho, it was like a typical iPad stand where it folds to hold the device up. Just search for "surface pro 4 cases" on Amazon im sure you'll see it