With respect to the list of my USB devices, I was in error with respect to the printer as it is networked and not connected by USB. The 2 scanners are necessary as one is a high speed document scanner and the other a photo scanner. The hard drives are each 3 tb set up in a Raid configuration for data security and are easily swapped out if they fail without data loss or downtime. Didn't find any Bluetooth speakers I liked. I could switch out the keyboard to a Bluetooth version but find connectivity inconsistent and frustrating especially for an input device. The monitor is a connected through the dislayport but must also have a USB connection as it allows for internal hardware calibration which s important for my work. I forgot to mention I also have a Wacom Pro tablet hooked up. Although this may be overkill for some, the point is that many of us using it as a desktop will have more than 7 USB devices hooked up.
I agree that this is overkill for most SP2 users and i did not initially intend to use it as a desktop when I bought it. Once i realized how powerful the SP2 was i quickly realized it easily handled my desktop tasks and used it accordingly. That's why I find the SP2 so unique. It can be used as a tablet, laptop and desktop. My point about the USB limitation in my originally post was in reference to the SP3 i7 models which Microsoft must intend to be used partially as a desktop replacement given its price and the newly announced docking station. At that price point it should be able to handle several peripherals. Obviously I don't need all of my peripherals on at one time such as the display clalibrator or SD transfer card but it is a hassle to have to unplug one peripheral when I connect another. I have never had this issue with any of the laptops I have docked in the past.
I really love the SP2 even with all of its quirks and was excited to see where this product line was going. I was motivated to write the original post as I was disappointed with the direction the SP3 is taking and how quickly it has come out. I do not have an issue with the new tablet and it's different form factor etc. it should have been announced as a new product, like the mini surface will be, not as an SP3. The fact Microsoft has called it an SP3 tells me they are going away from what I like so much about the SP2.
Knuck, you need not be apologetic for your use case whatsoever. As I read through this thread, I am totally surprised--and disappointed--by the responses that suggest your use case is overkill or that you need a desktop PC. Nonsense! Your use case is your use case and if you need to connect 10 scanners simultaneously, that's your business (process).
There is a reason that there are 10-port USB hubs; not because they are fake, but because they should and
do work. Now, understandably, there could be limitations imposed by certain specialty USB devices, but then that would not be a Surface or Windows issue. As long as the device is a standard USB device, then you should not be limited on simultaneously using other devices on the same hub.
Again, we all know that some devices do not play nicely when plugged into a hub--but that's a different issue, whether it is a 2-port or more hub. As long as a device
does work via hub, then using all devices simultaneously on the hub should not be an issue. And all I know is that it certainly hasn't been an issue for me, overkill use case or not.