We're all aware (even if we don't always like it) that the big data companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon are monitoring our online habits and hoping to capitalize on them... But we'd all be naive to think that other corporations aren't interested in trying to monetize our actions...

When you are watching your TV, are you sure it isn't watching back? Vizio (and other smartTVs to a lesser extent) have been caught monitoring and reporting viewing habits, with the intent to sell that data to advertisers. Vizio has gone so far as to put into its terms of service that it  “may combine this information with other information about devices associated with that IP address.” In other words, your “smart” TV is smart enough to hunt for other devices that connect to the local network and to sell that information." There are laws in place that control what cable and video companies can do with the data users stream, but Vizio's legal team claims there business manufactures products and is not subject to those laws. 

Vizio's now the only one... XBox One was under fire before its release for its intended requirements to be always on (even when off) and to have a steady Internet connection to function, with the supposed intention of monitoring what went on in and around the device for targeted advertising (thanks to the built in camera and microphone). Verizon is unashamedly selling information to advertisers. And the list goes on and on.

It used to be that the trade-off for getting something for free on the Internet was that our information was going to be sold. Now it seems like the trend is to steal and sell our information regardless of whether or not we have paid for something.

The Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book was released a few weeks ago and the initial reviews are positive. If you are looking for a high-end Windows tablet that can also function as a laptop, then these devices definitely deserve a look. Though they come at a high price point, that price buys you some sturdy engineering and some good hardware. 

That's not to say that there aren't issues. Here is a list of problems (and potential solutions) mentioned by early adopters and review sites. It is important to note that these are new devices (and in the case of the Surface Book, first generation devices) so some issues out of the box are to be expected.

If you have any experience with a Surface Pro or Surface Book, please be sure to share your experience in our comments section.