iPad Air 2 or Surface 3 ?

[Donoghan]

I have both, the iPad Air 2 and a 128gb Surface Pro 3. I hardly touch the Surface. As a tablet, it is too heavy and cumbersome, and gets hot. Then the fans kick in, and it gets noisy. As a laptop I guess it's fine, and for some who want an all-in-one it is a good quality device. I prefer Apple's approach to having different devices for different tasks. On that note, my iMac and MacBook are 6.5 and 5.5 years old, respectively, and since I treat Dropbox as my file storage system I rarely use anything but my Air 2 and iPhone outside of work needs. As Evilguppy stated, "it's that good."

 

[Newtons Apple]

The iPad is a much better appliance than the Surface. It has much more predictable battery life, and none of the headaches of managing Windows. With touchid it's much faster to log in to the iPad. There is never any guessing as to how much battery you'll have left after sitting for a day or two, or if the device will make it another couple of hours on low battery.

The Surface is better if you need Windows, will use the pen, or want a tablet that doubles as a laptop with the type cover. There is no doubt it is more powerful in some ways, but it's also limited in many ways compared to a mature tablet like the iPad.

The iPad is an Internet appliance while the Surface Pro 3 is a computer.

 

[ct1211]

For your needs I think the Surface 3 might be the better option. I just got the Surface 3 (4GB/128) a few days ago and I've been somewhat pleased with the device. It's not as fast as my early 2014 rMBP but I didn't expect that. I've been able to take notes using the pen during meetings, do research on my projects and do some very light gaming on steam. You have the full experience of a windows desktop. Watching movies in Netflix, Hulu or VLC is perfectly fine. The metro/tablet apps are a bit lacking and don't have quite the polish as the iOS versions. However, the desktop versions run fine. You'll need to get the type cover and I recommend the pen as well. This can get pretty expensive, but IMHO gives you a better overall experience with the device.

If you are ok with using windows, you should consider getting the surface. I really wish Apple would make a device like this. I would still get a rMBP for heavy stuff but it's really nice to carry around a smaller device that can give you the best of both worlds (iOS and OS X).

Heres the thing. I too bought a 4gb/128 Surface 3 (Keyboard, Pen Bundle @ Costco for $699.00) Going on a month. Im stunned! My iPad Air 2 ($799 for 128GB) is now a lovely (though expensive) photo viewer...

 

[sracer]

The iPad is an Internet appliance while the Surface Pro 3 is a computer.

Depends upon one's definition of "computer".

 

[Newtons Apple]

I guess you are right there but looking at both devices, one has way more capability than the other. At least in my opinion. The iPad is a great device but could be so much more if Apple allowed it to be. Just a simple file system to keep and store files would be great. But I fear that Aplle will not do this even for the new iPad pro.

 

[dyn]

I guess you are right there but looking at both devices, one has way more capability than the other.

The problem is that this applies to both devices. It highly depends on what you want to do. As stated before, if it is more on the consuming side of things than the iPad has more capability whereas the Windows tablets have more capability when it comes to productive things. You can't do extensive photo/video editing on an iPad whilst also running some virtual machines but you can do that on a Windows tablet.

The problem is Windows. Windows 8/8.1 has an ok tablet interface but it lacks when it comes to classic desktop/laptop use. Windows 10 addresses that but unfortunately degrades the tablet experience in doing that. I think the way Apple approaches it might be the best way at the moment: they acknowledge that tablets and desktops/laptops are different beasts and require different interfaces. Microsoft tried to combine but the users have shown that they are not ready for this kind of combination. It's just too difficult to switch between two different worlds. Microsoft went for something very innovative and ambitious whereas Apple stuck to something that works for most right now. Different strategies.

 

[zhenya]

I guess you are right there but looking at both devices, one has way more capability than the other. At least in my opinion. The iPad is a great device but could be so much more if Apple allowed it to be. Just a simple file system to keep and store files would be great. But I fear that Aplle will not do this even for the new iPad pro.

The thing is, and I was trying to get this across earlier, is that sometimes the appliance is the better device, no matter that it's more limited. This is what Windows fans often miss. Yes, the iPad is limited. But so are Windows devices, even great ones like the Surface. That's why my iPad still travels with me despite owning the SP3.

 

[skaertus]

I guess you are right there but looking at both devices, one has way more capability than the other. At least in my opinion. The iPad is a great device but could be so much more if Apple allowed it to be. Just a simple file system to keep and store files would be great. But I fear that Aplle will not do this even for the new iPad pro.

Agree. The iPad is beautiful, but I did not find much use for it. Much prefer a real computer.

 

[Meister]

You should get a surface to teach you a lesson: stay the **** away from windows!

 

[rowspaxe]

You should get a surface to teach you a lesson: stay the **** away from windows!

 

[rowspaxe]

OP use case is solidly in the ipad/ios wheelhouse--i would not recommend the surface
to this buyer, I own the surface 3 and really like it. there is nothing "wrong" with windows 8.1--
it is a hybrid tablet/desktop ui. It took me one to two minutes how to work with the ui(s) to
be productive--but it seems to overwhelm other users

 

[max2]

Thanks everyone for all the help!

 

[Shanghaichica]

The Air 2 will be prefect for the OP's use case. I have an air 2 and use it for similar things and it works great. To be honest although I have a macbook air I could pretty much do everything on my iPad air. I think the Surface pro 3 is a better hybrid at the moment but not a great tablet. However I think the new features that Apple announced in iOS 9 will really increase the potential of using the iPad for productivity based purposes. So I think even if i didn't own a macBook pro I'd still pick the Air 2 as my main computing device over the surface pro 3.

 

[masands]

I have an Air 2 and the new Surface 3. The idea behind the Surface 3 is great. A full blown Windows tablet with millions of Win programs that can act as your laptop. It's great the first 2 weeks but then it starts to downhill. Almost all of these programs are not designed for a tablet and are a real pain to use on a small screen. Then there are those that have background tasks and services running 24/7 and will fill up your 2/4gb RAM in no time. Others will kill your battery rather quick. In fact, I found the avaerage battery life of my Surface to be around 6 hours, which is half what my Air 2 gets. Standby battery life is non existent in comparison.

A tablet for me should be something I can pick up and start using in seconds. The Surface 3 took about 1 hour to go through all the updates and rebooting and more updates...

If you want a really great tablet, the iPad Air 2 is the best. If you want an underpowered laptop that can double as a tablet, then get the Surface 3. If you want a powerful laptop but is awkward to use as a tablet, then get the Pro 3.

Honestly, nothing beats a cheap iPad Mini + laptop combo.

 

[dyn]

And with Duet display you can turn that iPad into a second display for your laptop.

 

[David58117]

I have the Air 2, but I'm a little tempted to return it for a surface pro 3!

The stylus looks cool, but I love the size of the Air 2. I've had every iPad since the iPad 2, and the air 2 is just so perfect..

 

[Donoghan]

I have the Air 2, but I'm a little tempted to return it for a surface pro 3!

The stylus looks cool, but I love the size of the Air 2. I've had every iPad since the iPad 2, and the air 2 is just so perfect..

My Surface Pro 3 does an AWESOME job of holding down those few papers on my desk while I use the Air 2. I kid, I Kid.

 

[Dsching]

iPad. No contest!

 

[David58117]

This may be nuts, but I gave my Air 2 to the wife and bought the surface pro 3!

The Air 2 was almost too perfect - I found myself on it all the time. The form factor and speed was spectacular, and browsing reddit and rss feeds was just a pleasure (and something I may have become addicted to for awhile). I took it everywhere with me, and became addicted to time wasting apps (my fault).. I was reminded why I sold my Air a few months back.

Also, carrying around an iPad, a 15" Macbook, and kindle voyage seemed like overkill.

I'll be returning to school soon, and the pen input is a huge plus.

However - I really miss the apps that zoom in while you write. I also actually think I may be doing less work, as its more uncomfortable to load a PDF, lay on the couch, and read it.

Also, this battery goes way too fast, and I was greeted by a nice 2 hour update cycle upon turning it on.

But having a full OS is nice, and only carrying this and a kindle feels better. Also, my marriage may be saved due to its awkward size and uncomfortableness of laying in bed, browsing the internet while my wife tries to cuddle.

 

[RobAus]

Interesting commentary, I'd like to see if this changes at all when the new dual-display is released for the iPad, as I think that this feature will be a MASSIVE upvote for the iPad. Will stay tuned

 

[David58117]

Interesting commentary, I'd like to see if this changes at all when the new dual-display is released for the iPad, as I think that this feature will be a MASSIVE upvote for the iPad. Will stay tuned

Still can't use it for notes with an active stylus, which is what it would take for me to switch back.

Plus the screen width of the surface is much wider..I would think the iPad would be too cramped..

 

[Newtons Apple]

The problem is that this applies to both devices. It highly depends on what you want to do. As stated before, if it is more on the consuming side of things than the iPad has more capability whereas the Windows tablets have more capability when it comes to productive things. You can't do extensive photo/video editing on an iPad whilst also running some virtual machines but you can do that on a Windows tablet.

The problem is Windows. Windows 8/8.1 has an ok tablet interface but it lacks when it comes to classic desktop/laptop use. Windows 10 addresses that but unfortunately degrades the tablet experience in doing that. I think the way Apple approaches it might be the best way at the moment: they acknowledge that tablets and desktops/laptops are different beasts and require different interfaces. Microsoft tried to combine but the users have shown that they are not ready for this kind of combination. It's just too difficult to switch between two different worlds. Microsoft went for something very innovative and ambitious whereas Apple stuck to something that works for most right now. Different strategies.

Wait and get the Surface 4 as it is going to be MUCH improved. If the iPad pro does not give me a file system and USB port, the Surface 4 will be my choice for sure!

 

[skaertus]

I bought a Surface 3 in a recent visit to the U.S. I also own a 3rd generation iPad. While I don't have a more recent iPad, I can feel the difference.

The iPad is a neat device, but I feel it does very little. It is very well-rounded, and the experience is good. However, it is a very limited experience. I can use it to surf the Internet and to access websites, but anything beyond that is not easy to do and feels limited. I use Kindle on it, but not much anything else. My iPhone does everything the iPad does, and I don't feel the need to buy another one.

As for the Surface, it is different. The Surface 3 is a computer, just like a laptop. It has its pros and cons. It is slow and lags a lot. The trackpad is small, even though it works well. The keyboard is far from being the best, but it works fine to get the job done. To use it as a laptop is sometimes awkward, especially if you intend to work for hours, but it works very well to carry around and go to meetings with.

Overall, the Surface is a much more practical device. It doesn't offer the same level of "wow" experience and iPad does, but it is far more practical. It is a real computer and can do everything a PC can. The iPad is too limited and I don't think it is worth paying US$ 500 for one. The Surface offers better value (even though it is still expensive for what it is).

 

[akimoriRyuuji]

For your needs I think the Surface 3 might be the better option. I just got the Surface 3 (4GB/128) a few days ago and I've been somewhat pleased with the device. It's not as fast as my early 2014 rMBP but I didn't expect that. I've been able to take notes using the pen during meetings, do research on my projects and do some very light gaming on steam. You have the full experience of a windows desktop. Watching movies in Netflix, Hulu or VLC is perfectly fine. The metro/tablet apps are a bit lacking and don't have quite the polish as the iOS versions. However, the desktop versions run fine. You'll need to get the type cover and I recommend the pen as well. This can get pretty expensive, but IMHO gives you a better overall experience with the device.

If you are ok with using windows, you should consider getting the surface. I really wish Apple would make a device like this. I would still get a rMBP for heavy stuff but it's really nice to carry around a smaller device that can give you the best of both worlds (iOS and OS X).

I disagree entirely. My experience with Surface tablets is that they're not really suitable tablets. And they're not really great laptops either... they just kinda... suck.

OP will enjoy an iPad alot more because there are actually tablet-optimized applications. If he wanted a laptop, he would buy a laptop..

 

[David58117]

I disagree entirely. My experience with Surface tablets is that they're not really suitable tablets. And they're not really great laptops either... they just kinda... suck.

OP will enjoy an iPad alot more because there are actually tablet-optimized applications. If he wanted a laptop, he would buy a laptop..

No offense, but I think you're the person with an RT, which is completely different than what the surface 3/pro 3 are. It would be analogous to trying to give a review of the iPad Air 2 based on only owning an iPad 1.

Anyway -

I sold my 15" MacBook Pro and 11" air because of the Surface Pro 3.

It fit my needs and actually did much more for me than those MacBooks AND my iPad Air 2.

StaffPad is absolutely amazing, and after years of trying to make writing music on the iPad work - StaffPad blows it out of the water completely. Same for OneNote - I've used GoodNotes for years and tried to go paperless - until apple embraces a native active stylus - there's just no competition.

Same for PDF - if you're someone who needs to write on them and do markups - iAnnotate was my go to app on the Air 2.

Not anymore! Drawboard PDF is leaps and bounds better.

I don't really play games - but hello! Sudoku and crossword puzzles on the SP3 allows you to actually write on the game board.

One of my favorite uses for it is taking notes using split screen. I really kind of think splitscreen on the Air 2 will be a mistake (more so a gimmick).

The areas that make having split screen useful are too limited on the iPad, and the screen is way too small.