UPDATE: Pressing deadlines are impeding my ability to test gear and software and file regular posts. But Paul Thurrott just wrote about his experiences with the Power Cover and the original Surface Pro here: http://winsupersite.com/mobile-devices/surface-pro-surface-power-cover
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The long-awaited $199 Power Cover from Microsoft arrived at Casa SurfaceProArtist this afternoon and it's charging up as I write this.
It doesn't photograph particularly well, but I offer these pics to illustrate a couple of points worth highlighting.
In the meantime, I've been asking Twitter followers for recommendations on how to test its battery life claims.
I can leave it powered on at High Performance from 100% to 0% on both the Surface Pro 1 and 2 and compare that to running times with standard machines. And I could also run comparisons with full motion video running from 100% charge to zero. But it seems to me that those are somewhat artificial measures. Surely you tax a system differently as you're working on a real world project, accessing the network and saving and loading from your drives. But I've never worked on a project non-stop for 10- or even five-hours, have you? A typical work day is filled with stops and starts, especially while traveling, where eight-hours of work can easily be stretched out over 10-, 12- or even 16-hours. (You international jet-setters know what I'm talking about).
It's a puzzlement. So until I figure this out, enjoy these lousy pics!
Like other type covers, the Surface Power Cover is housed in a box with a highly reflective clear plastic sleeve. The back of the sleeve contains an ominous warning: "Battery has limited recharge cycles and cannot be replaced." I obviously didn't expect to replace the battery but I'm hoping the number of recharge cycles isn't too limited. There's no other mention of this in the documentation, which is a warranty pamphlet.
The Power Cover is nearly identical to the Type Cover. At the top is a label warning not to let the power adapter come in contact with the cover's connector. To charge the Power Cover, you need to charge your Surface Pro as well. Here's where I worry: my SPs are connected to power more often than not; will this adversely impact the Power Cover's lifespan?
The Power Cover (left) is about twice the thickness of the Type Cover. It is noticeably heavier too, but in no way would I describe it as "thick" or "heavy."
