I feel that Windows 10 has an improved file explorer and file copying dialogs over Windows 7. In every other way I feel that I still prefer Windows 7 -- system stability, lack of apparent bugs, much more coherent settings functionality, lack of resource-consuming microsoft spyware (cortana), better built-in themes, messages from system are less annoying/"cutesy", ability to fully control updates, lighter and better built-in apps.

I think 7 still remains the peak of Windows and I agree with you that Windows 10 presents a lot of motivation to stick with OSS :)

Forced telemetry and forced updates at random times are both deal breakers for a lot of people.

I have an original surface book, and linux works more or less flawlessly. Running arch right now, and the only thing that didn't work out of the box was the touch screen. Fortunately, I never use touch screens for anything anyway!

The only interesting thing was getting dual booting set up. I goofed. I didn't realize bitlocker was on, encrypting the hard drive, and apparently didn't have a recovery key, which you apparently need if any boot setting is touched at all. As a result, I had to wipe + re-install the whole system, but that was no great loss since everything I really needed was backed up anyway.

In fact, I've had fewer problems running arch on the surface book than with my work's dell xps 13, though I'll admit that most of those troubles are due to the dell's USB-C port and linux support in USB-C docks / hubs.

I'm inclined to agree and I have Windows, Linux, and MacOS laptops today (as well Chromebooks). The Windows one is actually the most powerful one from a hardware perspective; it's a 17" Alienware. But I mostly prefer to work on my 13" MacBook.

I probably could configure the Windows system to be less annoying but the trackpad doesn't really work for me and I still find Windows a bit clunky comparatively. Perhaps if I spent more time with it day to day but I don't have the same feeling with Fedora even though I use it about the same amount.

I'm also skeptical about laptop/tablet hybrids. And that's not a comment on Microsoft.I've tried to use my iPad Pro as a laptop replacement when traveling and it really doesn't work for me.

iPad Pro is a far different beast from Surfaces. iPad Pro is still just a tablet.

I'm in the same boat. It looks like it can run Linux pretty decently (I might be tempted to give it a try):

https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Microsoft_Surface_Book_...

https://old.reddit.com/r/SurfaceLinux/comments/7kazwp/curren...

That's actually something I've changed my mind about.

Been a long time Linux user myself and kinda hated on Windows.

About a year ago I got a Macbook Air and while I appreciate the UI, that one really got in the way of working.

There's no apparent way of going up one folder in Finder and by default you don't even see full paths. Closing windows doesn't really quit the app, maximizing windows does a weird kind of maximizing, you need to install an app to get window snapping... Terminal is nice though!

Decided to give Windows a try again recently and with the WSL I don't see too much to complain about. System settings are confusing and weirdly hidden in different apps, updates are unnerving etc. yes but in terms of daily use no obstacles.

Have to use Windows at work as well and aside from updates nothing work-hindering.

Yup. Can't deal with Windows. MacOS or Linux or else I'm really not interested in the hardware at all.

Does it run Ubuntu?