12 tips to make the most out of Surface Pro 4

If you are anything of a tech lover, chances are, you got a new toy this season. Or maybe you're still planning on buying one while deals are still hot. And maybe, just maybe, you've got your eyes, and heart, set on Microsoft's not so latest but still current Surface Pro 4 "tablet that can replace your laptop". Whether you're already holding one in your hands or have booked an appointment with Microsoft Store, there are a few things you'd want to immediately do to start on the right foot with your new work, creativity, and entertainment partner.

Before you proceed with anything else, you'll want to run Windows 10's updates first. Chances are, there'll be a lot of them by now, so it give it some time. Not only does it get the repeated reboots out of the way as early as possible, it also gives you ample chance to put out fires, or get some help, if you run into issues early on.

When you're out and about running errands, you might want to add AAAA batteries to your list. These power the Surface Pen and, depending on where you live, might not be readily available. Of course, it might not be a good idea to have too much, so at least be aware where you can buy some when the day comes. When all else fails, there's always Amazon. Just be sure you have a spare or two handy, just in case.

The Surface Pro 4 was designed with the Pen in mind, even if you yourself don't end up using it a lot. That said, you'll be missing out on some of the best things about the device if you ignore it. In the Anniversary Update, Microsoft introduced the Ink Workspace to make the Surface Pen more useful even for those who doubt their artistic and creative inclinations. Whether it be doodling directly on the screen for annotations or scribbling a note to yourself (or to Cortana), the Ink Workspace promises the best of both digital and analog worlds at your fingertips.

Windows 8 introduced the duality of desktop and tablet in one OS but it was Windows 10 that refined it. Users have greater control in the experience they want, even on a tablet-like device like the Surface Pro 4. Whether you want to always be using it as a laptop or start out as a tablet, that choice is up to you. Of course, the magic happens when you let Windows 10 switch between the two modes as the occasion warrants.

The Surface Pro 4 has one feature very few Windows 10 PCs have, even the newer ones. It was the first to debut Microsoft's facial recognition authentication under its new Windows Hello system. It's definitely faster and feels more futuristic having you device open up at the sight of your glorious face. But don't worry, you still have a PIN to fall back on, in case the Windows Hello camera isn't able to easily recognize you. For best results, make sure there's ample light around you.

A personal computer wouldn't really be useful without software that makes it personal. For your new Windows 10 Surface Pro 4, you'll definitely want a team of Windows 10 apps to take you through the day. Admittedly, the list of Windows 10 "Universal Windows Platform" apps isn't that much yet, though it's certainly better than the last Windows platform. Fortunately, you can always install those "legacy" but still ubiquitous win32 programs. But for a roster of some particularly useful Windows 10 apps, here's a few to get you started.

• Todoist – There are tons of productivity tools and todo lists out there, but few offer a complete set of cross-platform apps like Todoist. Yes, it has a native Windows 10 app, not just a wrapper around a Web app. Microsoft's own Wunderlist comes a close second for those who worship lists.

• Nextgen Reader – Some might claim that RSS is dead, but news feeds still rule the Internet. Google Reader may be long gone, but Feedly is definitely more than capable of picking up after it. For Windows 10, Nextgen Reader is the next best thing for a Feedly client, offering similar keyboard shortcuts in desktop mode and a nice "Metro"/Modern design for the touch-friendly version.

• Latermark – Pocket is another popular Web service that sadly doesn't have a native app on Windows. No matter, because Latermark definitely fills in its large shoes. Although some features are hidden behind a paywall, the free version is more than enough for your basic "read it later" needs.

• Sketchable – For the more artistic types, Sketchable is the new kid on the block. Free but with in-app purchases for more tools and features, Sketchable is quickly becoming the poster boy for the Surface line of tablets. Bonus points: it works with the Surface Dial, which will be compatible with the Surface Pro 4 next year.

• Netflix – The Surface Pro 4 is more than just for creating content, it's also for consuming them. And what could be better at kicking back and chilling out than binging on Netflix shows. Fortunately, there's a Windows 10 app for that too!

• Flipboard – Although it has seen better days, Flipboard remains one of the biggest names in curated written content on the Web and mobile. And while there's a less than pretty Web browser version, the Windows 10 app truly brings out what made Flipboard popular: that flipping animation.

• Instagram – Yes, Instagram is finally on Windows 10! At the moment it's a bit limited, but word on the street is that it will soon allow uploading photos and images that aren't on your Windows 10 camera roll. Fingers crossed!