MacBook Pro or Surface Pro 3 for a College Student?

[JoeG4]

If you're in a major where you'll be typing a lot, get the macbook pro. If you're in a major where you'll be writing a lot, get the surface pro. I had a couple of friends over the years that had tablet PCs and grew somewhat jealous of their ability to write on their screen in class, but I stupidly kept buying my laptops. Finally I gave in when the surface pro was $500 and bought one for my last ~8 months of college.

It was the best freaking thing ever. No regrets. Why didn't I do it sooner?! Admittedly, it's a little weird to get used to, since there's a little bit of pen lag and it's not always perfect, and it's more complicated than just writing on paper with a pencil.

However, while I have a couple of boxes full of old notes, my two buddies? Everything in PDFs for every single class they ever took.

The downside is it's a sealed tablet. If the SSD fails or the battery dies, you're SOL unless you want to try breaking it.. and according to ifix you'll probably break the screen if you take it apart. I disagree about the build quality, it's not THAT good, but it's still decent enough. I think the SP3 finally addressed one of the nagging issues with the SP1/2's power brick. Even then, it's not as elegant as the one apple uses.

Still, it's a pretty cool tablet.

 

[2984839]

I would never choose a tablet over a laptop for university work, especially when lots of typing is involved. Tablets are light years behind even the cheapest laptops when it comes to writing papers comfortably.

 

[KUguardgrl13]

If you're in a major that involves a lot of typing, go for the rMBP. The keyboard and screen alone will make writing those late night papers a better experience. And the rMBP is very light and easy to transport. Not to mention, OS X

If you're thinking about the SP3 for notetaking, frankly it's easier to handwrite on paper with a pen. I don't have much experience with using a tablet for notes, but I tried for several semesters to type them, and found the internet access to be a distraction in boring 101 lectures. Unless your professor uploads powerpoints ahead of time, it's faster less distracting to take notes the old-fashioned way. Plus you save hard drive or cloud space, and you can always recycle the paper if you don't want to keep it. And of course a lot of professors in smaller classes have become wise and don't allow electronics anyway.

Perhaps it's because touchscreens were buggy and awkward when I started college in 2009, but I wouldn't trust one as my sole machine. I have an iPad mini that I use to study while I'm at my part-time job, but the powerhouse of my studying is my rMBP. So I'd strongly encourage you to have a laptop as your main machine (Mac or PC, doesn't matter other than Win8 is kind of lame without touch, and OS X is pretty solid IMHO) and a tablet as a secondary tool if you want something for notetaking and reading. Current iPads should be dropping in price sometime this Fall, likely October.

 

[maflynn]

I would never choose a tablet over a laptop for university work, especially when lots of typing is involved. Tablets are light years behind even the cheapest laptops when it comes to writing papers comfortably.

But the Surface Pro isn't just a tablet

Personally, I obsessed over replacing my rMBP with the SP3, but ultimately came to the decision the laptop is a better tool. I think in some situations the SP3 is a fine tool, and school/note taking is one of them.

 

[Codevine]

I don't really feel a difference between writing on paper or writing on the Surface Pro. Keep in mind, that the Surface Pro has a Digitizer for the Pen and also supports pressure levels, which makes the writing feel more natural - you can even rest your palm on the screen while writing.

"Normal" tablets like the iPad without a Digitizer just use a capacitive pen, which is like using your finger to write.

Plus you save hard drive or cloud space, and you can always recycle the paper if you don't want to keep it. And of course a lot of professors in smaller classes have become wise and don't allow electronics anyway.

I don't think this is a valid argument. The "hard drive or cloud drive space" you would save is pretty much nothing. Those files aren't big. You could even plugin a SD-card and store everything on it if you have problems managing the space on the device. The "digital space" you have is endless compared to what you could carry around in actual paper form.

I would really suggest going for the Surface Pro if you already take lots of notes using pen & paper and wanna continue on doing that - but with digital support.

If you are actually more looking for a notebook, don't get the Surface Pro, at least not SP1 or 2. As a notebook, it's just not a good experience using them - at least for me. Like I said, the touchpad is absolutely terrible. They improved it on the SP3, but it's just not there (compared with a MacBook).

 

[Justinhub2003]

MBPr by far.
More power, better GPU, better Trackpad (a touch experience just not on the screen), a better keyboard, better port selection, better resell value,

and the ability to run Windows, Linux and OS X on the same machine.

If you have an iPhone or iPad, then getting a MBPr makes even more sense espeically with Yosemite coming.

 

[chabig]

It really depends on what you want to use the machine for. For example, if you have a door that keeps swinging closed and you want to make sure it stays open, the Surface Pro 3, with it's integrated kickstand, will be a much better choice than a MacBook Pro.

 

[KUguardgrl13]

I don't think this is a valid argument. The "hard drive or cloud drive space" you would save is pretty much nothing. Those files aren't big. You could even plugin a SD-card and store everything on it if you have problems managing the space on the device. The "digital space" you have is endless compared to what you could carry around in actual paper form.

I'll admit that digital space is quite available, but my comment about professors not allowing electronics is very true. Many of my smaller classes haven't allowed them. Why buy a device for a task that you won't be able to do half the time?

Of course OP didn't even mention note taking. I made the jump since that's what a lot of students use tablets and hybrids over laptops for.

 

[kelon111]

I'll admit that digital space is quite available, but my comment about professors not allowing electronics is very true. Many of my smaller classes haven't allowed them. Why buy a device for a task that you won't be able to do half the time?

Of course OP didn't even mention note taking. I made the jump since that's what a lot of students use tablets and hybrids over laptops for.

None of my professors gave me a hard for using a tablet PC in class. In fact , some of the them were impressed. Keep in mind that this was 4+ years ago.

 

[Codevine]

I'll admit that digital space is quite available, but my comment about professors not allowing electronics is very true. Many of my smaller classes haven't allowed them. Why buy a device for a task that you won't be able to do half the time?

Yep, of course. If he can't use it, it isn't worth it unless he wants to do a lot of note taking outside of class.

Haven't run into such a limitation myself, though.

 

[sarthak]

I've owned the original Surface Pro (128GB) model. Just be aware that Microsoft service and support is really substandard.

The first unit I had failed within a few months (battery would last an hour as a picture frame). Had that replaced and the process was easy.

The second unit they sent me had a few scuffs on the back but nothing major. However, that unit failed after about 3 months of using it, SSD issue.

I went through the online process to do an advanced replacement for another unit and the case got lost in the system. They marked it as shipped and put a hold for nearly a grand on my card.. They started sending threatening letters stating if I don't return the old one they will convert the hold into a charge.

Went through CSR / telephone support hell (transferred through different countries, off shore support, managers, absolute HELL) and a month later they finally shipped it out. The 3rd unit, I received it with HEAVY scuffing and even some sort of GLUE gunk on the screen edges (as the unit was sealed up after repair but not cleaned off).

Sent back the unit with the gunk and the 2nd unit as advised by Microsoft. They sent me another so called "hand picked - clean working unit in excellent shape" that I received with HORRIBLE SCUFFING on the back. The screen was in excellent shape, that's about it.

Took nearly 4 months back and forth, complained even to the BBB (which Microsoft ridiculously suggested to call tech support), CSR HELL, no response from CARE team all sorts of nonsense... to get a 5th device and a free keyboard for the time they wasted.

All in all, major waste of my time due to their crappy off-shore support and false promises.

The Surface Pro 3 is great and I would buy one any day of the week if I didn't care about service and support... Device is great, support not so much. Once it fails, you'll be stuck with used / second hand / refurbished devices that are of substandard quality compared to Apple refurbished.

 

[Freyqq]

Depends if you need a touchscreen and stylus or prefer to type everything

 

[KUguardgrl13]

None of my professors gave me a hard for using a tablet PC in class. In fact , some of the them were impressed. Keep in mind that this was 4+ years ago.

It's not tablets specifically, but I've had professors who didn't allow laptops or anything similar. The one that comes to mind was freshman English where the professor was an older lady. I think if she could've, we would've written our papers on a typewriter

Anyway, it just seems to be common practice at my school that professors who teach small classes discourage the use of electronics. It's more common in gen eds than major classes where they know that when you have a computer you're on Facebook.

 

[Meister]

I really dont know why people who've used Mac OS would suggest the SP.
Windows is nasty. Why do you think those surface tablets have no resale value?

Dear OP, do yourself a big favor and get a rmbp. If you dont like it after 14days return it. I doubt you will

 

[maflynn]

I really dont know why people who've used Mac OS would suggest the SP.
Windows is nasty.

Don't mix up fact for personal opinion I personally like windows. Don't get me wrong OS X is great and I prefer that, but Windows is a solid, stable OS that does what I want it too. It has features that surpass OS X (and yes OS X has stuff that is better then windows).

Why do you think those surface tablets have no resale value?

No argument here, but I think the object is to get the best tool that fits your needs, not buy something to sell. I agree though that the SP doesn't hold its value like the MBP does.

The SP3 is a nice product that does some things well, and some things not so well.

OP, check out the SP3 at a local seller, check out the typecover because that's ultimately going to make/break the decision.

If it were me (and it was a few months ago), I'd opt for the MBP.

Think about typing on the SP3 for a second. The weight distribution is on the display not the keyboard, so with the kickstand (which is a cool feature) the weight distribution makes it feel awkward imo. In a laptop, the weight is on the bottom and keeps things much more stable.

The keyboard itself on the SP3 is inferior, the rMBP's keyboard is much better. Just keep in mind what you'll be doing and how it fits your needs.

 

[cg006]

From personal experience having one to test at work.....

I say go with the mac Air13.

The surface is a nice device...but.... these are some of the issues i got with it..
1-The scaling sucks!!! The screen is beautiful but win8 scaling makes the icons still look tiny.
2- The battery isn not as great as the Airs, although i think the Surface uses a very good cpu.
3- the removable keyboard still sucks and just doesnt feel right
4-(this was the DEAL BREAKER to me) The Windows 8 apps store SUCKS!!! Which negates half the reason youd want a surface. To use it as a "tablet", the win8 app store is severely lacking. Not even a spotify app in there or pandora. Some will argue...well just download it in desktop mode... and you know what you can do that...but when the device turns the screen of, all your music stops. Part of the reason i wanted one personally was to use it as a tablet like having playing pandora next to me or using apps like my citibank, like i use with my ipad... but this is not the case with win8 since the selection seriously sucks.This basically leave you using more like a traditional "laptop"+ pen input.
5- This one i am not sure..BUT... if the dock is like the surface 2... its a freaking joke. Doesnt even have a built in vga or dvi for the 200 youre spending. It has a mini displayport for which you need to buy a cable.

Looking at all this.... the Air will be better if pen input is not as important to you and you wont mind lugging another 1/2 pound. (SP3 is 2 pounds)
1-Awesome battery. if all youre gonna do is type.. should easily get you though the day with a good brightness.
2- Built in keyboard (remember thats an extra 130 YOU HAVE to spend to have a full experience on SP3). Also wont have no awkward lpacement like wirth the surface kick stand
3- 2 usb ports+ thunderbolt port. With the latest Airs you could probably drive a 27 inch monitor with it..
4- very Stable OS
5- Awesome trackpad. The surface was improved.. but still crap compared to the mac trackpads


Ps- if you can spring for the rMBP.. will be a bit heavier but the screen is BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!The OSX scaling on the retina is VERY good. Very easy to read. Currently using it with 2 x 27inch monitors- granted the experience is not buttery smooth..but it will drive them. With 1 its no issue or if you where to use monitors with lower resolutions

 

[EShef]

My opinion is that you can't go wrong with either! Both will do everything that you will need to throw at them for class. I'm a recent college graduate, and am starting law school. I found myself asking the same question... MPB or SP3. In the end, I went with my first mac product. Not disappointed - Love the 13" rMBP. However, I've always been a windows guy, and have heard great things about the SP3. My advice would be to visit a Best Buy, try the type pad (or w/e it's called) keyboard that the SP3 uses. Also keep in mind that the keyboard is not included, but an additional cost. I got a steal on my MacBook so it made my decision a bit easier.

 

[MrX8503]

I'm not sure why the SP3 doesn't have a real keyboard attachment option. Since you're doing a lot of typing, you'll want a laptop because it'll have a proper keyboard. A touch cover keyboard will drive you bananas for long reports.

 

[vpro]

What???

HAHA why are those two next to each other with an "or" in between? These are two totally different devices and universes Since you put the surfacepro or what ever that waffle maker of a device is in the question, you obviously will go for that, so enjoy it while it "lasts", that thing is fugggglyyy...

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I'm not sure why the SP3 doesn't have a real keyboard attachment option. Since you're doing a lot of typing, you'll want a laptop because it'll have a proper keyboard. A touch cover keyboard will drive you bananas for long reports.

It will have a proper keyboard and not that "handsome protruding kick stand", sarcasm here. The "kick stand" design is so fuggggglllyyyyy, some flimsy thing jetting out of the back of any device or cover is just fuuugggggglllyyyyyy design. Looks really cheap.

If OP want to say "or" they should go iPAD AIR with ZAGG KEYS COVER or MBP. That is more fair then at least aesthetically speaking !!!

 

[B...]

HAHA why are those two next to each other with an "or" in between? These are two totally different devices and universes Since you put the surfacepro or what ever that waffle maker of a device is in the question, you obviously will go for that, so enjoy it while it "lasts", that thing is fugggglyyy...

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It will have a proper keyboard and not that "handsome protruding kick stand", sarcasm here. The "kick stand" design is so fuggggglllyyyyy, some flimsy thing jetting out of the back of any device or cover is just fuuugggggglllyyyyyy design. Looks really cheap.

If OP want to say "or" they should go iPAD AIR with ZAGG KEYS COVER or MBP. That is more fair then at least aesthetically speaking !!!

I actually think the Surface Pro 3 is a very nice-looking computer.

 

[irnchriz]

Well for starters the SP3 dock has got 2 DP for 2 4k screens, an ethernet port and 3 usb 3.0 ports. The SP3 has also got a better screen resolution than a macbook air (1440p vs. 720p or 900p), as Tekzeke said the SP3 is better than a macbook air BUT the rmbp is better than both.

BTW the macbook air has NO advantage over the SP3 + Dock in terms of ports, the only thing it has that the SP3 hasn't is a thunderbolt port!

Erm, the MacBook runs OSX and can run windows, the SP3 just runs windows. Therefore ANY Mac > SP3

 

[Sheza]

Erm, the MacBook runs OSX and can run windows, the SP3 just runs windows. Therefore ANY Mac > SP3

Technically speaking, you can get a Hackintosh dual boot on the SP3.

 

[GoingDark]

I really dont know why people who've used Mac OS would suggest the SP.
Windows is nasty. Why do you think those surface tablets have no resale value?

A Honda Civic retains its resale value (as a percentage of the original purchase price) much better than a Mercedes S65, but I don't think you would hear anyone say that the Civic is the superior vehicle.

Also, even as an owner of a 13" retina MacBook Pro, I actually prefer Windows. So there are some of us out there.

Personally if I were a college student again, I wouldn't even look at the MacBook Pros at all. I would look at the 13" MacBook Air, or the Surface Pro 3. There's nothing the rMBP offers a typical college student beyond extra weight, heat, and less battery life. Performance difference on average college tasks won't be noticeable.

As for the SP3 keyboard, I've used it and it's perfectly fine even for long typing sessions. The real problem is the trackpad, which I think everyone can agree has never been that great on any Windows machine. You have the touchscreen though so you shouldn't need to rely on the trackpad that much anyway.

Personally I'd go with the Surface Pro 3. The OneNote capabilities alone make it a fantastic college machine.

 

[Meister]

A Honda Civic retains its resale value (as a percentage of the original purchase price) much better than a Mercedes S65, but I don't think you would hear anyone say that the Civic is the superior vehicle.

Also, even as an owner of a 13" retina MacBook Pro, I actually prefer Windows. So there are some of us out there.

Personally if I were a college student again, I wouldn't even look at the MacBook Pros at all. I would look at the 13" MacBook Air, or the Surface Pro 3. There's nothing the rMBP offers a typical college student beyond extra weight, heat, and less battery life. Performance difference on average college tasks won't be noticeable.

unless he majors in a visual art I agree that the mba is the better choice.
He just mentioned the SP3 and rmbp. Therfore my opinion would be: rmbp wihtout a doubt!