OP, this is simply a problem with the Surface having the kickstand rather than the traditional joint between the keyboard and screen areas. I've had the same problem as you. A couple of things I do that I've found help:

• Don't use the tray, just put it on your lap in a way that works
• If using the table, use it at a slight angle so you can push it a bit farther away without the kickstand falling off the back

Or just leave the surface at home like me and travel with a real laptop. Seriously though I don't find the form factor as useful for most tasks. That's because, for me at least, I need to have the keyboard docked to get anything done, so why not just use a nice ultrabook with a touch screen.

THIS.

While I will likely buy one of these, the drawback is that it won't solve the OP's issue. These won't work in J.

I was thinking the same thing.

it won't work on AC J.

I wasn't sure if it willl address OP issue either. I was just saying thanks for let me know about this product

I was hoping when I do get one and fly in J to see if I can find sometimes to kattach this thing. I was also hoping to use this outside of airplane as well.

I did turn it a bit on the table but it makes typing awkward. When I put a magazine under it really helped.
Putting it on my lap sucks too because it's not perfectly flat and sometimes the keyboard gets unhinged. Sadly I probably have to edit three years to get a replacement and will get a real laptop then.

You can make it perfectly flat by closing the kickstand or by remembering it is a tablet by folding the keyboard back (or just ripping it off and cramming it into the seat pocket). Since it sounds like you're actually trying to type, I've never found typing at the height of those skinny trays to be acceptable anyhow.

I find it funny everyone here is calling it a "laptop". If that's what you have, then use it on your lap. Funny how a "laptop" is desired to solve the problem of resting it on a "tray". And incidentally, they are called notebooks, not laptops. The surface pro is a tablet, that happens to have a keyboard attached most of the time. Balance the actual "tablet" on your lap, and let the keyboard flop over your seatbelt. It won't get scratched like a metal notebook does.

I do miss being able to have my 15" screen behind the skinny J tray with keyboard under. Could easily type and trackpad gesture away while still eating, while keyboard/wristrest area fully protected from food spillage. Oh well, that's what happens when you forget your computer onboard. Hurry up Apple and announce the macbookpro refresh already!

This all reminds me of something I've wanted to do for years: Fly with this "Executive Computer" in "Executive Cabin"... well, when I first thought of it, it would have been "Executive First".

If anyone wants to take pictures of this thing in flight in action, and cover my TCON to make it happen, let me know. I have the computer. I don't have that smile.

But do you have that hairy chest and gut?
So executive!

I had a computer like that too. A Hyperion. Cost me about $5,000.
Took it to England for a sabbatical and had to get a custom made 20 pound power transformer thing.

I actually thought this problem was only with first and second gen of Surface Pros.

Doesn't the flexible stand on SP3/4 Allow you to support the back against the hinge better?

I think you missed the point made by the OP that the laptop was replaced with the surface tablet.

Funny because a lot of coworkers I know always complain about the inflexibility of laptops and always say "I wish I can have that instead of the ThinkPad"

Guess everyone is different.

This is a question for you?