Ah, I did. The type cover/keyboard is necessary. It works well in laptop mode while on a table. It is harder to use in laptop mode on a lap, but possible with practice.

The price is worth it, I think -- I have a friend who I convinced to get one, and lo after his research group saw him using one handful of people bought them as well :)

You can use a USB keyboard on it, and a tablet is more ergonomic when its not attached to a keyboard so you can position them differently. I really like the better ergonomics of a magic keyboard from Apple, but its too expensive compared to a USB/BT keyboard you can positon anywhere. Tablets are actually better for positioning, since you end up bending your back when using keyboards. https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJQL3LL/A/magic-keyboard-...

Surface Pro 3 works great with linux when I used it, but you can't replace anything on it. If you just want to use a laptop you already have this is a good option. https://www.amazon.com/XP-PEN-Graphic-Drawing-Digital-Teachi...