iPad Air vs. Microsoft's Surface Go: Which Is a Better Laptop Replacement?

[Mainsail]

One major grip of cloud computing is the risk of putting data on someone else’s computer. No matter how cloud computing service providers tout their offerings, the fact that your data is no longer solely under your control irks me still. If this is the sacrifice we have to pay to enjoy the convenience, some would not want to pay the price.
With all that being said, iPad still has tons of internal storage for people who needs them (1TB). Surface Go can attach to all sorts of USB drives and such to achieve the same. Users just need to keep that point above in mind.
It’s been a pleasure to start this discussion with you. Have a nice day.

I understand that this is a limitation of iOS 12, but doesn’t iPadOS/IOS13 solve most of the limitation related to connectivity with external drives, storage and other accessories?

 

[Shanghaichica]

Neither. Both are toys.


If I were forced to buy a Surface, I'd prefer to get the Surface Pro 6 or the Laptop 2.


On the other hand, I have a Toshiba from 2006 I upgraded with an SSD that works flawlessly today. I keep it in the garage to look up info when I'm working on something at the bench or doing repairs I could without taking ours cars to the dealer. Battery is shot, obviously, but the laptop hums along nicely on Windows 7. Screen looks good, keyboard is in shape. It's probably spent 10,000 hours in ON time so far.

Meanwhile, in Mac land, I've had more software and hardware issues with MacBook Pros in a 12 year time span than I care for. Anecdotes are just that.

I guess it’s all luck of the draw. My next computer will be a chromebook. I’ve had one before and it was flawless. My computing needs are quite minimal these days so I can get by with a chromebook.

 

[0388631]

I guess it’s all luck of the draw. My next computer will be a chromebook. I’ve had one before and it was flawless. My computing needs are quite minimal these days so I can get by with a chromebook.

I'd be too tempted to buy one and install Linux on it. Don't see the point of Chrome OS.

 

[Shanghaichica]

Thanks for your reply. Here’s some of my afterthoughts.
It is crystal clear that we are experiencing a clash of several distinct Trends of workflow here. One of them is people like me rely on “legacy” external storage device, full file system support and “legacy” desktop software to get the job done. Another is people get their job done using only basic online solutions (including email and limited use of cloud storage) and nothing much else. Another trend is people meeting their deadline with full support from cloud based solutions, such as cloud storage. Time will tell which workflow will eventually evolve into the next mainstream ones, though I think trends will emerge into a hybrid one: a bit of cloud computing and a bit of “legacy” computing (external drive and local processing).

The thing is, those MacBooks are built before 2016 or 2015, which are pretty much the best built MacBook as of today. For 2016 model, I doubt it lasts 3 years without any major problem, even minus keyboard issue. We are not even talking about 2017, 2018, 2019 model. So, does 2016 mac last 6 years till 2022? We shall see.

You are probably not using Windows right. /s
My windows laptop lasts 4 years already and it still works, albeit a bit slow. Windows 10 with 1803 update. I bet you are using Windows 10 Home/Pro with 1808/1905 right?

No they were older machines. Last one I had to was on windows 7 and before that XP and vista.

 

[Mainsail]

I see these devices as laptop replacements for people who don't need a laptop.

It really is that simple.

My mother still uses her 1st gen iPad Air (since 2013!) as a primary device, now in combination with an iPhone 8.

I know people that ONLY use their iPhone as a computing device.

Steve Jobs NAILED this with his analogy of cars and trucks way back:

I think the term “laptop replacement” leads to a lot of confusion because it really means different things to different people. For some people, it means they can go iPad only and not own or use a traditional computer. For others, it simply means that for their mobile computing needs they no longer need to lug around a laptop. They can work effectively with an iPad + Desktop Mac, and the iPad has “replaced” their laptops for mobile computing needs.

I worked for 33 years at a large research facility, and only did business travel a few time per year. So, an iMac + iPad would have been perfect for me. The iPad would be great for taking meeting notes, marking up documents, signing memos, responding to emails, editing documents, keeping calendar, etc.. The iMac would be the best tool for more intensive tasks. I really didn’t need a laptop. It would just sit docked on my desk to the monitor.

 

[Robnsn2015]

I'd be too tempted to buy one and install Linux on it. Don't see the point of Chrome OS.

You can buy Dell XPS or Lenovo Thinkpad "developer editions" that come with Linux pre-installed and pre-configured. That might be a good option for you.

 

[0388631]

You can buy Dell XPS or Lenovo Thinkpad "developer editions" that come with Linux pre-installed and pre-configured. That might be a good option for you.

I enjoy tinkering. If I were to go down your route, I'd go with System76.

 

[kingtj]

IMO, that's the real "elephant in the room" here.

If you're not wanting to spend the money for a full blown laptop but you want something cheaper that will work as close to one as possible? Why not just buy the Chromebook instead of EITHER of these solutions?

I really think the only reason more people don't go that route is the stigma Chromebooks still have as cheap machines for use by kids/teens in the classroom. Self-respecting adults trying to do "real work" feel silly carrying a Chromebook around. But really, it's going to be snappy, give you a superior keyboard/typing experience, be a bit more durable, cost less, and maybe even give you a nice intro to using the free Linux OS and its applications.

with the introduction of iOS 13 it is non sense to choose a surface most especially the GO

it is very slow, crashes many times and lags many times

not to mention the little difference it offers in terms of price.

i would rather get a snappy chromebook than a lagging surface go.

 

[chucker23n1]

I understand that this is a limitation of iOS 12, but doesn’t iPadOS/IOS13 solve most of the limitation related to connectivity with external drives, storage and other accessories?

Probably. USB-attached mass storage just shows up in the Files app. I don't have one in front of me, but I'm guessing it also allows direct write access, so you should be able to save documents straight to such an external disk.

 

[sracer]

I'd be too tempted to buy one and install Linux on it. Don't see the point of Chrome OS.

I have two chromebooks... a Pixelbook (that I'm keeping on Chrome OS) and an Acer Chromebook 14. I've blasted Chrome OS off of that and installed Gallium Linux on it. Love it.

If you plan on doing something similar, you'll be limited to which chromebooks to use because not all of them can be wiped completely of Chrome OS.

 

[Brian Y]

Tbh, although I'm waiting for a refresh, Surface Go + Linux is the perfect device right now.

 

[mistasopz]

Completely false. The majority of computer users don’t need very specific software or use cases. The majority of people need a computer for email, browsing, media consumption, managing photos and video, stuff like that. iPad is by far better at all of those things than the junk Go.
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We disagree. That’s okay too. You may need those legacy attributes, but many people have moved on and don’t. There’s room for both, but they are indeed legacy.



I get that. There’s a ton of people who can’t use an iPad, but forward thinking individuals and companies are moving away from your dated point of view. I’m happy to be looking toward the future instead of hanging onto the past.
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I totally understand your perspective. It is NOT for everyone, but it certainly doesn’t diminish my workflow and abilities as being somehow lesser than those who need the legacy things you mention.

My “dated” point of view is getting work done so I can eat and pay bills. These software programs don’t exist for the iPad. How hard is it for you to understand that I can’t snap my fingers and make them work on the iPad? Are you saying you’re so forward thinking and progressive that you can will them to work on a different operating system? Teach us your forward thinking magical ways wise one.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I think the term “laptop replacement” leads to a lot of confusion because it really means different things to different people. For some people, it means they can go iPad only and not own or use a traditional computer. For others, it simply means that for their mobile computing needs they no longer need to lug around a laptop. They can work effectively with an iPad + Desktop Mac, and the iPad has “replaced” their laptops for mobile computing needs.

I worked for 33 years at a large research facility, and only did business travel a few time per year. So, an iMac + iPad would have been perfect for me. The iPad would be great for taking meeting notes, marking up documents, signing memos, responding to emails, editing documents, keeping calendar, etc.. The iMac would be the best tool for more intensive tasks. I really didn’t need a laptop. It would just sit docked on my desk to the monitor.

For me iOS is different enough that I'd have to learn it.

However, with a laptop all my muscle-memory is there. The built-in screen stand and keyboard, etc. In addition, laptops have gotten so light that the weight difference is negligible for me when compared with the tradeoffs to switch to a tablet.

And Apple laptops have such a good trackpad that I really don't need anything else like a mouse (unlike ALL PCs I've tried out).

A 13-in Apple laptop and a monitor (maybe) is all I could need.

So for me the question is whether I need a Mac Desktop + iPad combination at all.

I'm set in my ways, I guess.

In my company they issue us 13" Thinkpad T470s, and we dock them to dual Lenovo displays via a single USB-C cable. The way I set up my station is that I use the laptop's keyboard and screen as a main, and the other two screens above it, with the mouse to the right of the laptop (I wish I could just use the trackpad, but...Windows).

This will be the setup I go to at home once my iMac and cMBPs give up the ghosts.

No in-between iPad required (not that there's anything wrong with that). I love the amount of options today!!!

 

[Robnsn2015]

For me iOS is different enough that I'd have to learn it.

However, with a laptop all my muscle-memory is there. The built-in screen stand and keyboard, etc. In addition, laptops have gotten so light that the weight difference is negligible for me when compared with the tradeoffs to switch to a tablet.

And Apple laptops have such a good trackpad that I really don't need anything else like a mouse (unlike ALL PCs I've tried out).

A 13-in Apple laptop and a monitor (maybe) is all I could need.

So for me the question is whether I need a Mac Desktop + iPad combination at all.

I'm set in my ways, I guess.

In my company they issue us 13" Thinkpad T470s, and we dock them to dual Lenovo displays via a single USB-C cable. The way I set up my station is that I use the laptop's keyboard and screen as a main, and the other two screens above it, with the mouse to the right of the laptop (I wish I could just use the trackpad, but...Windows).

This will be the setup I go to at home once my iMac and cMBPs give up the ghosts.

No in-between iPad required (not that there's anything wrong with that). I love the amount of options today!!!

Good points. For me, having a 2-in-1 laptop (or a laptop with a screen) really changed my perspective of the iPad Pro, and iPads in general.

 

[DNichter]

My “dated” point of view is getting work done so I can eat and pay bills. These software programs don’t exist for the iPad. How hard is it for you to understand that I can’t snap my fingers and make them work on the iPad? Are you saying you’re so forward thinking and progressive that you can will them to work on a different operating system? Teach us your forward thinking magical ways wise one.

And there is nothing wrong with that, just like I use an iPad Pro to eat and pay my bills. I have said over and over that it doesn’t work for everyone, but not everyone needs the same specific applications that you do. Some people have positions or work for companies that are embracing the cloud based solutions to be prepared for the future. I think my point has somehow gone over your head. Just because your methods are dated doesn’t mean they don’t work. They are just dated and aren’t needed by everyone anymore.

 

[dwig]

...
The short answer is no it didn’t replace my laptop for productivity. I was limited in the following ways:
1. The keyboard on Surface Go is slightly smaller than usual size and it flexes quite a bit increasing the amount of typing errors I made;

True when it is snaped in the elevated orientation, but if used on a flat surface and not snapped in the tilted mode it is a very stable keyboard. Still, it is a bit small, which is why I use a standard sized Logitech BT keyboard with mine when usinging it on the desk at home.

2. It was quite slow even with MS office apps multitasking was quite draining;

The basic model Go is a poor choice for those running multiple large apps or those demanding much disk access. The 8Gb RAM/128GB storage model work far better. More RAM for the multiple apps and much faster NVMI storage compared to the eMMC in the 64Gb model.

3. Full windows 10 apps don’t work well in tablet mode.

Duh, you said you bought the Go as a "laptop replacement" making Tablet Mode functionality an off-topic disucssion. Actually, I don't find Windows 10's Tablet Mode poor. The apps designed for that mode work well. Your problem is likely that you are trying to use Desktop apps in the Tablet Mode, something the apps were not designed to do. If you need to use Tablet Mode without keyboard and mouse/trackpad you should use appropriate apps.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

If you are going to move from a laptop/notebook to a tablet that functions like a laptop/notebook it would obviously be a surface since it can handle what most workplace need Office 365 and most compatible software for people who are accountants work most with mostly Microsoft.


iPad even though has iWorks and Microsoft Office programs that is pretty much what I can use it for as work related not the programs I need for work and if I could I remember how terrible it was when backing up from a Mac OS to Windows/Windows to Mac OS because you need to do some extra work in converting.

If only Apple and Microsoft could be more compatible friendly it would be great but limitations Apple puts on Softwares/Apps makes it difficult for companies to develop their programs for a Apple product.


So not really the time to drop from using a Laptop it can still do a lot more and the hardware is a lot more powerful than a Surface or iPad such as for those who are gamers.

 

[Breaking Good]

As potential laptop replacements, performance is really where the rubber meets the road, and Dan came away somewhat unimpressed with the Surface Go. He wanted to like its relatively full-fledged Windows 10 operating system, and it was fine for basic tasks like emails, web browsing, and document writing, but he found things bogging down a bit when trying to multitask.

With the iPad Air, you don't really get a desktop-class operating system, at least for now, but it generally works very well when you need to multitask, switching easily among Safari, Messages, Notes, Mail, iWork and more with no performance issues. And with iPadOS 13 coming later this year, the iPad will become even more powerful.

This is the part that always infuriates me with these reviews. The reviewers want to take a device like the Surface Go running a Pentium processor or a Windows on Snapdragon processor (WoS) and compare it to a device running an Intel Core i5 Processor.

If you need Intel Core i5 processing powern then get a device running an Intel Core i5 processor. If you are sitting in a Starbucks sipping a latte then chances are you don't need that power. So one of these devices, either the Microsoft Surface Go or any iPad, would be a good laptop alternative for you.

Here is the key, this class of device is an alternative to and not a replacement for a laptop whether it is running Windows 10 or MacOS.

If you need a Core i5 processor, then chances are you need two 27" screens, a full keyboard with 10-key pad and a mouse. Are you going to fit all that in your backpack or messenger bag to tote to your local Starbucks?

 

[chucker23n1]

If you are going to move from a laptop/notebook to a tablet that functions like a laptop/notebook it would obviously be a surface since it can handle what most workplace need Office 365 and most compatible software for people who are accountants work most with mostly Microsoft.


iPad even though has iWorks and Microsoft Office programs that is pretty much what I can use it for as work related not the programs I need for work and if I could I remember how terrible it was when backing up from a Mac OS to Windows/Windows to Mac OS because you need to do some extra work in converting.

If only Apple and Microsoft could be more compatible friendly it would be great but limitations Apple puts on Softwares/Apps makes it difficult for companies to develop their programs for a Apple product.


So not really the time to drop from using a Laptop it can still do a lot more and the hardware is a lot more powerful than a Surface or iPad such as for those who are gamers.

Office for iPad is more limited than Office for Windows, but I suggest you give it a shot.
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This is the part that always infuriates me with these reviews. The reviewers want to take a device like the Surface Go running a Pentium processor or a Windows on Snapdragon processor (WoS) and compare it to a device running an Intel Core i5 Processor.

Huh? They're comparing an Apple A12 with an Intel Pentium Gold. Not sure where a Snapdragon or Core i5 would come in.

 

[Four oF NINE]

No tablet can replace a well optioned out MacBook Pro. They simply don't have the structure, and the OS doesn't have the bones. But they're good to have for other reasons, such as art and certain PDFs

 

[Mainsail]

And there is nothing wrong with that, just like I use an iPad Pro to eat and pay my bills. I have said over and over that it doesn’t work for everyone, but not everyone needs the same specific applications that you do. Some people have positions or work for companies that are embracing the cloud based solutions to be prepared for the future. I think my point has somehow gone over your head. Just because your methods are dated doesn’t mean they don’t work. They are just dated and aren’t needed by everyone anymore.

DNichter, you have been fighting this fight for well over a year on this Forum, and I get it. There are definitely people that can be very productive in their jobs using an iPad, and they might not need a laptop or desktop at all. With iPadOS, I would have thought much of this debate would have ended...... but, it persists.

I had a job that involved lots of meetings. I never brought a laptop because it created a barrier for communication. My screen would be between me and the folks I am dealing with......horrible. Or, you see people just transcribing everything.....terrible. That’s not how you listen to your clients, staff, and managers. If your job involves a lot of “meet and deal” responsibilities, a tablet is a much better mobile solution than a laptop. Lay it down flat on the table. Jot an occasional note with Pencil while maintaining eye contact. Maybe diagram the problem with the client and get feedback. Show that you are listening. All of these things are immeasurably better on a tablet.

Not everyone needs to have a traditional computer everywhere they go. Some people are better off with a tablet when mobile. This should not be a surprise. Tablets use mobile operating systems so they are easy to use on the go and away from the office.

I will make one last point. People who have lots of “meet and deal” interactions usually have highly compensated jobs with significant responsibilities. They are using a tablet as an important tool to be productive......not as a “toy”.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

DNichter, you have been fighting this fight for well over a year on this Forum, and I get it. There are definitely people that can be very productive in their jobs using an iPad, and they might not need a laptop or desktop at all. With iPadOS, I would have thought much of this debate would have ended...... but, it persists.

I had a job that involved lots of meetings. I never brought a laptop because it created a barrier for communication. My screen would be between me and the folks I am dealing with......horrible. Or, you see people just transcribing everything.....terrible. That’s not how you listen to your clients, staff, and managers. If your job involves a lot of “meet and deal” responsibilities, a tablet is a much better mobile solution than a laptop. Lay it down flat on the table. Jot an occasional note with Pencil while maintaining eye contact. Maybe diagram the problem with the client and get feedback. Show that you are listening. All of these things are immeasurably better on a tablet.

Not everyone needs to have a traditional computer everywhere they go. Some people are better off with a tablet when mobile. This should not be a surprise. Tablets use mobile operating systems so they are easy to use on the go and away from the office.

I will make one last point. People who have lots of “meet and deal” interactions usually have highly compensated jobs with significant responsibilities. They are using a tablet as an important tool to be productive......not as a “toy”.

Excellent example demonstrating a tablet use case. There appears to be some people who seem to resent the existence of tablets and the fact that some people allude to the replacement of a laptop.

In the case of the iPad, this was NEVER Steve Jobs's intention. He made it very clear in interviews that "trucks" (traditional PC devices...i.e. non-iPad-style tablets) would probably still be around and necessary.

Too many people are raging against the machine over this. The bottom line is that one device does not replace the other inherently, and they're not designed to either! Today we can fit the right tool for the job at hand, and a tablet may be all you need (or prefer).

I do agree with some here that iOS is the future. It is easier to enable mouse support on a touch-based OS than the other way around (which is Microsoft's approach). Personally, I'm waiting for the day that happens, where I can use an Apple device either way and not have to choose between an iPad or a Mac.

 

[Homme]

It's kind of a mixed bag.

The CPU itself is 22% faster at single-core and dual-core, but Metal is 39% slower.

It comes with a better LTE modem and newer Bluetooth.

Its speaker system, display, and camera are all worse.

And it's $150 less.

"Tweaked" seems just the right word to me.
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Sure, but neither is the iPad Air.

Now if MR were comparing the Surface Go with the iPad Pro, that'd be quite weird.

I disagree that tweaked is the right word. Most of the features they both share the Pro is better

Also the Pro has some more features you forgot that makes it a tweaked version of the Air, promotion, 4GB RAM, Apple Pencil being better on a screen with promotion than 60hz screen, significantly better storage capacity, camera flash, USB 3.0 lightning port over 2.0 on the air

The list goes on and on

 

[Shirasaki]

I understand that this is a limitation of iOS 12, but doesn’t iPadOS/IOS13 solve most of the limitation related to connectivity with external drives, storage and other accessories?

Yes, kind of. iOS still has limited external drive support, albeit much better than iOS 12. For example, it does not support reading and writing NTFS drive or any Linux drive. iOS 13 also does not support reading and writing encrypted drives. No USB DVD player support either.

 

[Dave-Z]

Maybe not for everyone, but I run linux Manjaro 4.19 KDE on a GO (8GB) and so far it's been a joy to use.

How is it using touch screen only? I tried Debian 10 with Gnome on my 2-in-1 Lenovo and while in laptop mode it was fine, tablet mode was pretty horrible.