The Surface Pro X is an astoundingly impressive looking and feeling Windows tablet – possibly the best yet in that department. Still, while we understand Microsoft's faith in its new ARM processor, we've yet to see an ARM-based Windows device perform to expectations for the price it will cost you.

Refinement of Surface Pro design; Fantastically bright and vibrant display; Brilliant Surface Pen implementation

ARM CPU is worrisome; No more microSD slot

The Surface Pro X is Microsoft's latest attempt at creating a 2-in-1 using the ARM architecture. ARM is traditionally used in mobile devices but more and more laptops using the technology have begun to emerge.

We spent some hands-on time with Microsoft's new Surface Pro tablet/laptop hybrids to discover its potential for designers and artists.

The Surface Pro X is the computer Microsoft has tried to make for at least seven years. It is the computer Microsoft hopes will be the platform on which the future of Windows 10 is built.

Beautiful design; New stylus; Good screen

App compatibility issues; Expensive; Too slow for the price; Battery doesn't impress

For everyone else, the Surface Pro X's capabilities don't justify its high cost, given what capable alternatives exist, even within Microsoft's own Surface stable. The similarly expensive Surface Pro 7 offers a Windows experience free of compatibility problems, and with nearly as good battery life...

Sleek styling; High-quality PixelSense display; Excellent camera quality; LTE connectivity via eSIM; Built-in kickstand; All-day battery life

Expensive; Keyboard and pen cost extra; Incompatible with some third-party apps and drivers; Impractical for lap use; No headphone jack

Microsoft Surface Pro X: A beautiful piece of hardware but the Surface Pro X has some pretty big limitations

Gorgeous 13in display; Upgradeable SSD; Built-in 4G

Expensive; Doesn’t run all Windows software; Slim pen only available in bundle

, Microsoft has updated its Surface Pro devices in a rather incremental fashion, adding a few small tweaks and updated processors. That was until it outed readers, is that the Surface Pro X is running a custom ARM-based chip rather than an Intel processor, which is quite a shake-up, though one that...

The Surface Pro X runs Windows 10, but not all Windows apps. It's a step up from previous ARM-powered 2-in-1s for the right people, though.

Microsoft's modernized Surface tablet can't overcome a rash of bugs and average battery life, though the integrated eSIM and cellular slot offer...

Lightweight and sturdy; Beautiful screen; as usual; An excellent typing experience; though not on your lap

App compatibility issues and some bugs; Good; though not overly impressive battery life; USB-C ports are late; and lack Thunderbolt

So, should you buy a Surface Pro X? The answer is, of course, 'it depends'. Microsoft has produced an excellent device for mobile workers, with a focus on Office and the web. That makes it an ideal tool for executives, for business analysts and consultants, for teachers and university research...

Sleek; fanless industrial design; Excellent 13-inch display; Capable ARM-based processor; Integrated 4G LTE mobile broadband; All-day battery life; SSD is replaceable

Windows-on-ARM ecosystem is still developing; Expensive (keyboard and pen not included); No 3.5mm headset jack; No SD card slot