The Surface Pro's separate-purchase model for essential accessories is a cross-market frustration. One Chinese tech outlet's unboxing confirmed that the Surface Pro 12 ships without a power adapter — only a charging cable is included. The keyboard cover and Surface Slim Pen are sold separately. At the China market starting price of ~$950 USD, the full setup (tablet + keyboard + pen + charger) pushes well past $1,100 USD.
An international tech reviewer noted that while the keyboard cover's typing feel is "the most comfortable laptop keyboard I've used," the Slim Pen 2's flat design is ergonomically inferior to the older round Surface Pen: "the old Surface Pen's round, full grip felt better in the fingers. The Slim Pen 2's flat design, though more portable, becomes somewhat uncomfortable during long-term use."
PCMag characterized the 12-inch model as "a budget play with hidden costs," noting that once accessories are added, the price approaches premium ultrabook territory. CNET similarly flagged that the 12-inch model is "smaller, cheaper, longer lasting — but not after accessories."
Historical note: InformationWeek documented Microsoft's recall of 2.4 million AC power cords for Surface Pro 1, 2, and 3 due to overheating, fire, and shock hazards. This recall does not affect current models but is noted for completeness.