> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.sevenpens.com/drawtab/catalog/computers/microsoft/microsoft-surface-pro-9/microsoft-surface-pro-8-notes.md).

# Microsoft Surface Pro 8 notes

## Overview

If you want to run Windows desktop apps on a standalone tablet for note-taking rather than art, the **Surface Pro 8** is a good choice. Newer models are too, especially when paired with the Surface Pro Signature Keyboard and Slim Pen 2.

<figure><img src="/files/yd4RCH0WMwl9tjX00CuP" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/NM6QQF3g9asYpZU1YtHb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Basics

* <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_Pro_8>
* Release date: 2021-09-22
* Processor: 3 options
  * Intel Core i7-1185G7
  * Intel Core i5-1135G7
  * Intel Core i3-1115G4
* Memory: available with:
  * 8GB
  * 16GB
  * 32GB
* Storage: available with
  * 512GB
  * 1TB

## Display

* Size: 13"
* Native resolution: 2880 x 1920
* Pixel density: 267 ppi
* Aspect ratio: 3:2

## Included pen

The tablet does **not** come with a pen. You have to buy one separately.

## Compatible pens

* [Surface Slim Pen 2 notes](/drawtab/catalog/pens/microsoft-pens/surface-slim-pen-2-notes.md)

## Drawing experience

Context: Surface Pro 7 and earlier models do not have good pens for drawing. They show too much line wobble.

If you use the Surface Slim Pen 2 with the Surface Pro 8, the drawing experience has definitely improved. The wobble is much less, but still present.

Overall it is OK, but not in the same league as an iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab S series device.

While I think you can create art with this device, it is better suited for note-taking, marking up documents, and whiteboarding.

## Heat and noise

* 80% of the time it is quiet and only slightly warm.
* The remaining 20% of the time the fans are running aggressively and it can get quite warm.

## Ports

* 2 USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports

## Compatibility with docks

### Surface Dock 2

I connect it to the Microsoft Surface Dock 2 for power and network connectivity.

I use two Thunderbolt 3 cables from the Surface Pro 8 to connect two 4K 60Hz displays. One of those is a 4K pen display.

The Surface Pro can be used for drawing with its own pen. However I don't like drawing with the Surface pen. Instead, I prefer to use attached drawing tablets.

### CalDigit TS4 dock

Since about June of 2024, I've been using it with the CalDigit TS4 dock since that dock provides more ports than the Surface Dock.

## **Limitations on number of simultaneous displays**

Including the built-in display, I've only ever been able to use 3 displays connected to the Surface Pro 8. Even if I connect 4 through a dock, the Surface Pro 8 only uses a maximum of 3.

## Using drawing tablets with the Surface Pro 8

Because the Surface Pro uses its own pen technology, some people ask whether there is any problem using a traditional drawing tablet with it.

My experience is that the Surface Pro works seamlessly with drawing tablets once you install the tablet driver. The fact that the Surface Pro has its own pen features does not interfere with the drawing tablet. Nor does the drawing tablet interfere with the Surface pen.

I've used every brand of tablet successfully: Huion, XP-Pen, Xencelabs, etc.

I have extensively used these drawing tablets with my Surface Pro 8:

* Wacom Cintiq 24 (2025)
* Wacom Intuos Pro (PTH-860)
* Wacom Cintiq Pro 27 (DTH-271)
* Wacom Cintiq Pro 16 (DTH-167)
* Huion Kamvas Pro 19 (GT-1902)