BEST OF THE WEB

Surface Pro 2 users confused over Microsoft fix

Microsoft has apparently quietly released a fix for a questionable firmware update for Surface Pro 2 tablets some said caused havoc with the devices.

The firmware updated was pushed out Saturday – but it seems only went to those who installed a December 2012 Windows Update that caused the problem. Those who didn’t install that update, it seems weren’t notified of the fix.

The situation was outlined in a number of stories around the world.

When Microsoft got into the tablet market with its Surface devices, business users were in a quandary: On the one hand, the Surface RT wasn’t unreasonably priced – but it came with the Windows RT operating system so could only run RT apps.

On the other hand the more powerful Surface Pro devices that ran the full version of Windows 8 were significantly more expensive. Sales are behind expectations. The recently released Surface Pro 2 tablet was supposed to address that.

However, after the December 2013 firmware update was released by Microsoft [Nasdaq: MSFT], some users complained their batteries suddenly lost performance and their devices went in and out of sleep mode.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 Web site doesn’t list a January fix, only the controversial December update – which promised improved system stability. According to at least one report that caused confusion from some owners who wondered when they would get the latest fix.

But it would seem the fix was only received by those who installed the December update.

Read the coverage here and here.

Howard Solomon
Howard Solomon
Currently a freelance writer, I'm the former editor of ITWorldCanada.com and Computing Canada. An IT journalist since 1997, I've written for several of ITWC's sister publications including ITBusiness.ca and Computer Dealer News. Before that I was a staff reporter at the Calgary Herald and the Brampton (Ont.) Daily Times. I can be reached at hsolomon [@] soloreporter.com

Would you recommend this article?

Share

Thanks for taking the time to let us know what you think of this article!
We'd love to hear your opinion about this or any other story you read in our publication.


Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

Featured Download

ITW in your inbox

Our experienced team of journalists and bloggers bring you engaging in-depth interviews, videos and content targeted to IT professionals and line-of-business executives.

More Best of The Web