I have the 11" with both the combo touch and the MK and in both cases it's heavier than my cellular 13" Thinkpad X1 Nano and than my 12" Macbook. Surface pro with keyboards are heavier indeed.
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iPad as a laptop replacement
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BhaveshUK
macrumors regular
That’s really interesting to hear about the 11”. How does the weight of the Surface Pro compare to the iPad Pro 12.9, given their similar dimensions and screen size?
Colleen Cox
Suspended
The weight of the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro 12.9 varies depending on the model and configuration. However, in general, the Surface Pro is slightly heavier than the iPad Pro 12.9.
For example, the Surface Pro 7 weighs between 1.70 and 1.74 pounds (depending on the configuration), while the iPad Pro 12.9 (2021) weighs 1.50 pounds. However, it's worth noting that the difference in weight between the two devices is not significant, and both are considered lightweight and portable for their size.
It's also worth mentioning that weight isn't the only factor to consider when comparing the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro 12.9. Other factors, such as performance, operating system, and app ecosystem, may also play a role in your decision-making process depending on your needs and preferences
As Colleen mentioned, the total weight of each device also depends on what configuration and keyboard you use. Though there are slight difference in weight, they are not really noticeable.
I have used both (iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen and Surface Pro 7) in parallel in the past. Beyond differences in OS, etc. I noticed that the battery lifetime was poorer on the Surface; also the pen accuracy on the iPad is much better.
The one annoyance that I had while using both is that the power off switch on the Surface sits, where the Volume increase is on the iPad … made me leave some visiomeetings in the beginning when I tried to increase the volume 😉
I have used both (iPad Pro 12.9 2nd Gen and Surface Pro 7) in parallel in the past. Beyond differences in OS, etc. I noticed that the battery lifetime was poorer on the Surface; also the pen accuracy on the iPad is much better.
The one annoyance that I had while using both is that the power off switch on the Surface sits, where the Volume increase is on the iPad … made me leave some visiomeetings in the beginning when I tried to increase the volume 😉
I find the weight difference between my i7 Surface Pro 7 and M1 12.9 + MKB to be insignificant and doesn't factor in the least in my choice of device to take on the go or travel.
But the big thing is that the ipad pro 11 has touch - we all know Surface Pros suck ass as tablets. With the detachable keyboard on the combo touch, it's every bit as good as a Surface Pro for usability minus the Windows OS. But a lot of people don't need to haul around a full windows OS all the time. So it depends on what someone prefers on the go, touch tablet use or full windows OS. Also Surface Pros are trash for battery life, so factor in the fact that you will need to lug around a USB-C battery pack too to go along with it. My USB-C battery is 1.4lbs so it turns the Surface Pro 2.9lb config (with the type cover) to a 4+lb portable laptop. While the ipad pro 11 with the combo touch is just under 3lbs. The lighter weight in this case is noticable.
This and the instant/always on of the ipad makes it a far more appealling device while on the go. You can put Surface Pro into sleep but it drains the battery and pretty fast. And windows doesn't always sleep properly, it's still cumbersome compared to ipad OS. And then you have to worry about accidentally blocking it's vents - don't have to worry about that with ipad. Used and had Surface Pros up until Jan 2022 for the past 8 years and I don't miss it at all since getting rid of it and replacing it with an ipad pro.
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I disagree with the "we all know Surface Pros suck ass as tablets" - "all" does not include me. Is my SP7 as good as my 12.9 as a tablet? No. But it does not "suck a**" in my book.
The 12.9" with Magic keyboard (since we are talking tablet with keyboards) is heavier than the surface pro with keyboard, but as other have said the difference is not night and day
I used to carry my cellular 11" iPad pro + MK as my on the go device until a year ago (and before that my 9.7 pro with Logitech Create)
While I enjoyed the experience most of the time, whenever I needed some desktop software or some serious file management I had to remote into my desktop/laptop. More than once the cellular signal was not strong enough to make it work. Since I got a cellular laptop (Thinkpad Nano) I am much happier. It's not only lighter and easier on my lap, but I no longer need to remote and I can do so much more, including, among other things using whatsapp to manage one of my business (yes I am in Europe where whatsapp is a business tool). And don't ask me to write tons of messages to my clients on my phone.... I hate it. And use desktop software even with poor cellular signal.
Battery life is plenty most of the time as most of the time I need just a couple of hours. When I know I could need more I bring a 400gr 20000mah power bank which makes it the same weight as the 12.9 + MK. The vast majority of the times I just don't need it and don't bring it. Stand-by time while sleeping is actually better than on iPad (my 11" pro with MK loses 10% overnight). I now bring the iPad only as a companion when I now I need a second screen (used a monitor for my thinkpad). Much happier with a cellular laptop than with a cellular tablet for work on the go.
The only good thing about the Surface Pros is the form factor. I always ended up keeping my type cover on since it windows OS isn’t optimized for touch. When I started using an ipad again for touch, there was no going back. For me, the main benefit to having a Surface Pro was when I would have to transfer files - something that the ipad still sucks for. Even the Surface Pen and One Note was far inferior to Apple Pencil 2. And this is coming from a pure windows PC user.
My experience with the SP7 has been positive. Just a matter of personal preference.
More people need to realise this. The Magic Keyboard is inherently weight inefficient because it needs some dead weight to balance out the iPad.
The 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard comes to about 2.4lbs. Apple and other companies can do some proper laptops with 2.4lbs. The 12" MacBook for example was only 2lbs. Bigger screen, actual laptop, and lighter.
That's why it's kind of disappointing that Apple hasn't done something in the 12"-12.5" range in a laptop, because with Apple silicon they could do quite a lot with 2lbs-2.4lbs.
Absolutely, while I bought a M1 Mac Mini I haven't bought any Apple Silicon MacBooks and I won't until Apple makes a AS version of the 12" Macbook (which could easily become 12.5 with current bezels) and ideally also gives it cellular connectivity.
Until then I'll stay on Windows (which I actually slightly prefer to MacOS, although a cellular 2lbs MacBook could make me change my on the go laptop)
That’s why I could never use any ipad as a work device aside from cloud work. But the ability to run apps on it versus literally no app selection on Windows OS is the big benefit. I still think for a mobile device, the ipad is pretty great. Windows OS has it’s own set of downfalls too.
I don't know what "apps" you refer to, but for me this is mainly something I value at home, not on the go. That's why I use the iPad at home most of the time and on the go I only take it if I know I'll have to read a book or PDF or use the pencil a lot (if I don't need to use it massively the surface pen of my cellular surface go will me more than fine), or as I said, as an extended display for my laptop (much more versatile than portable monitors because wireless, with battery and touch/pen enabled)
Ludatyk
macrumors 604
No doubt, I agree with you.
But I find it ironic… that as consumers we question Apple about why don’t they add a certain product to their lineup. However, on the flip side… users then question Apple about having too many choices to choose from within a product lineup.
FletchTopper
macrumors newbie
Hi everyone - first time poster looking for some advise.
I'm looking to upgrade from an Air 2 with a Logitech keyboard folio that has been my go-to device Since 2017. While I use my iPad regularly now, I'm looking to use my new one even more as a laptop replacement.
I've been considering going with the 12.9" for months but my wife suggested I could get by with the 11.
I've also been thinking I'd go with the magic keyboard, but I'm wondering if the smart keyboard folio would do the trick just as well.
With my current iPad, I use it for content consumption, social media, sports blogging and light gaming (mainly sports games: Madden, baseball, rugby, etc)
Any and all comments/suggestions/testimonies welcome. Thanks.
I'm looking to upgrade from an Air 2 with a Logitech keyboard folio that has been my go-to device Since 2017. While I use my iPad regularly now, I'm looking to use my new one even more as a laptop replacement.
I've been considering going with the 12.9" for months but my wife suggested I could get by with the 11.
I've also been thinking I'd go with the magic keyboard, but I'm wondering if the smart keyboard folio would do the trick just as well.
With my current iPad, I use it for content consumption, social media, sports blogging and light gaming (mainly sports games: Madden, baseball, rugby, etc)
Any and all comments/suggestions/testimonies welcome. Thanks.
prospervic
macrumors 65816
While sleeves are certainly lighter and slimmer, a bag has the advantage of a shoulder strap which allows you to keep both hands free. And there are several thin & light ultra book/tablet bags on the market.
prospervic
macrumors 65816
If laptop replacement is your intention, then the Magic Keyboard is the better choice — it has a trackpad and an actual computer keyboard (sans function row) with backlit keys. The Smart Keyboard Folio is for people who use iPad as a tablet-first device, but when typing prefer a physical keyboard over the virtual one. (It’s also for those who highly value lightness and portability.)
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FletchTopper
macrumors newbie
I had assumed as much but wasn't sure if anyone had gone with the folio over the MKB and enjoyed the experience. Thank you!
prospervic
macrumors 65816
You're welcome.
I actually have both. Love the SKF (grabbed it on eBay brand new for 1/2 price), but when traveling I often take the MKB so I can have a "laptop" with me while leaving the big, heavy 16" MacBook Pro at home.
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FletchTopper
macrumors newbie
I've considered looking on eBay for my keyboard, regardless of which I get - are there any tell-tale signs of what to look for?
prospervic
macrumors 65816
Well, my first choices are listings that say the product is "new" and "sealed". After that "open box" is acceptable, provided they post photos. I'm a little wary of listings that only use photos from the web (Apple marketing material, etc.).
Here's a good one for the Smart Keyboard Folio (New)
Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9 inch iPad Pro 190199569027 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Apple Smart Keyboard Folio for 12.9 inch iPad Pro at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
tinyurl.com
This is a possibility for the Magic Keyboard (open-box)
There are white keyboards available also...
Good luck!
bondr006
macrumors 68040
Hi there and welcome to MacRumors. You will easily be able to use the new iPad as your laptop replacement for your uses. As for the size, that is subjective. I have the M1 iPad Pro 11, and I use it to run my real estate businesses. It is big enough but still super portable. I use a Logitech Combo Touch for my keyboard case for mobile purposes and love it. The neat thing is now that iPadOS 16 is out, you can use the M series iPads with an external monitor, mouse/touchpad, and keyboard for a desktop setup. I use a Magic Touchpad because it just feels natural to control a touch device with a touch device. Have fun with your new iPad, and come here often.
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Beefbowl
macrumors regular
The Magic keyboard is the worst example ever of the Apple Tax but at the same time it's too good not to recommend. It does see occasional sales, I bought a white one for my 11" at about 25% off on an Amazon deal.
11 vs. 12.9 is a tough call. I have an 11" iPP and a 12.9" Surface Pro 8 and I find myself reaching for the Surface Pro as a manga reader and video playback tablet, while the iPad is my go-to for stuff like email, banking, word processing, social media and so on. If I wanted a single device and content consumption was a big part of my calculation, I'd go with the 12.9"... but the price difference IS pretty sizable and the keyboard would also be more expensive with the larger tablet.