Surface Pro and Cad use

I use a Surface Pro 3 for Cad work almost daily. I run Civil3D 2015 on mine with no issues, other than the typical Civil3D issues. I have the dock and dual monitors, both at home and the office. I don't use the pen for Cad work, but use it to mark up pdf's and to take notes in the field and at meetings. The only downside is only 1 usb port, unless you get an adapter.

I tested Carlson on my Surface Pro 3 some time back... I think about a year ago. It seemed to work very well, although it wasn't something I used 8 hours a day, every day.

Similar to [USER=7041]@azweig[/USER], I have the dock, which provides an extra 3 USB 3.0 ports in addition to the one on the SP3 itself. Using the displayport adapter, I have a http://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-34UM95-34-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00JR6GCZA&apos ;">34" ultrawide 4K monitor attached (instead of dual monitors -- you can have one 4K monitor or two HD monitors with the SP3), which I suspect would be awesome with CAD.

Thanks for input. That's reassuring.
The Surface Pro sure are expensive over here though. Still mulling.

Wendell that's one wide screen.
I use dual large monitors and would be lost without them.

Like [USER=1]@Wendell[/USER] and [USER=7041]@azweig[/USER] combined, I have a Surface Pro 3 i7 8Gb with the docking station. I'm running Carlson (along with every other piece of software I need) with no issues at all. Wendell's right. It's awesome CAD. Set up with three monitors: 2-24" 1920x1080 and 1-40" 4k ultrawide. Using a StarTech displayport adapter. Only downside is I can't run all four simultaneously. The SP3 goes dark when it's in the dock. Sure have lots of real estate and I've used it all. Full screen video on the 4k is a bit choppy, but I just move it to one of the other monitors and it runs fine. Really like the flexibility of un-dock and go. Have everything with me when I get there.

Are you using the http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-us/accessories/pro3-docking-station&apos ;">official SP3 dock or one of those USB docks? Unless I'm missing something, I don't think you can connect that many displays to the official dock.

Note also that I have the i5 model SP3. After reading the reviews and speed tests, I decided that the i5 was fast enough (the difference is apparently negligible) and it mostly avoided the overheating issues many of the i7 owners were having. I'd be willing to bet, however, that the speed difference would be quite noticeable for those using CAD because the i7 model has a better graphics processor as well.

I'm using the official SP3 docking station with a http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JLRBC7S?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00&apos ;">StarTech display port adapter with three monitor outlets. The StarTech adapter runs from the mini DP on the dock to three DP outs. I use a straight DP to DP cable for the 4k monitor and two DP to HDMI cables for the other two monitors. The StarTech is a bit finicky, but it does work.

I just got a Surface pro 4 today, downloaded Carlson 2016, and when I run the .exe file nothing happens? Any suggestions?

Adam, post: 353132, member: 8900 wrote: I just got a Surface pro 4 today, downloaded Carlson 2016, and when I run the .exe file nothing happens? Any suggestions?

Can't imagine what the problem could be. The .exe download is a typical installation just like most any other program installer. Could it be hiding behind another window? Are you using dual monitor systems, or just a straight SP4? I've had windows want to pop up on a second monitor that end up in the e-stratus somewhere. Right clicking on the program icon in the task bar sometimes finds the installer window. Only other suggestion I have is to open the Task Manager and check the processes that are running. See if Carlson's installer shows up as a task. You might have to close it there in order to restart the .exe.

Let us know when you get it working and can give us a good review on the SP4. Sure liking my SP3. I use it every day - all day as my main computer. Multiple monitors running multiple software simultaneously with no issues at all. Carlson 2015 and 2016 both run just fine.

You might try running it as administrator.

[USER=8900]@Adam[/USER] what version 4 are you using please. Pro X?
I'm still holding off, but it's on my radar.
The laptop got a reprieve over Christmas as some more pressing expenses popped over the horizon.

Richard, post: 353167, member: 833 wrote: [USER=8900]@Adam[/USER] what version 4 are you using please. Pro X?
I'm still holding off, but it's on my radar.
The laptop got a reprieve over Christmas as some more pressing expenses popped over the horizon.

Richard...I believe its not, it has the 256/8 I7 processor. I downloaded the file from Carlson again and it loaded fine. I am out in hills a bit, sometimes interweb plays tricks on me.:-D

JBStahl, post: 353159, member: 427 wrote: Can't imagine what the problem could be. The .exe download is a typical installation just like most any other program installer. Could it be hiding behind another window? Are you using dual monitor systems, or just a straight SP4? I've had windows want to pop up on a second monitor that end up in the e-stratus somewhere. Right clicking on the program icon in the task bar sometimes finds the installer window. Only other suggestion I have is to open the Task Manager and check the processes that are running. See if Carlson's installer shows up as a task. You might have to close it there in order to restart the .exe.

Let us know when you get it working and can give us a good review on the SP4. Sure liking my SP3. I use it every day - all day as my main computer. Multiple monitors running multiple software simultaneously with no issues at all. Carlson 2015 and 2016 both run just fine.

Thanks JB, I have a question about the pen. In Carlson, I want to be able to zoom and pan on the fly just like with a mouse but with the pen. What say you?

Adam, post: 353176, member: 8900 wrote: Thanks JB, I have a question about the pen. In Carlson, I want to be able to zoom and pan on the fly just like with a mouse but with the pen. What say you?

Look for a thread about the surface pros from late 2014, Wendell had posted some good tips about the surface pro and cad if my memory is correct. I personally quickly switched from the pen to using a bluetooth mouse.