Microsoft Touts Surface Pro 7 as 'The Better Choice' Over MacBook Pro in New Ad

[mr_jomo]

The closest equivalent SP 7 (i5, 8 GB/256GB) to the base macBook Air is approx. 35% more expensive over here if you include the Surface keyboard.

Even without the keyboard the SP 7 is still 20% more expensive.

The Surface Pro X in an 8 GB / 256GB configuration is 35% and 45% more expensive without or with the keyboard respectively.

Dunno, seems like a hard sell from purely a price comparison.

 

[quietstormSD]

I know a lot of us are poo poo-ing the ad. But, how many want a Surface or Surface-like device that runs Mac OS? I know I do!

 

[ashi.vyas]

Microsoft yesterday shared a new ad on YouTube titled "Microsoft Surface Pro 7: The Better Choice," in which the company compares its tablet computer to Apple's 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, as spotted by MSPoweruser.

The ad highlights the Surface Pro 7's touchscreen and included stylus as opposed to only a "little bar" (the Touch Bar) on the MacBook Pro. Other advantages of the Surface Pro 7 mentioned in the ad include the detachable keyboard, a cheaper price, and the claim that the tablet is "a much better gaming device" than the MacBook Pro.

Results uploaded on Geekbench show that the Intel Core i3-equipped Surface Pro 7 with 4GB of RAM has single-core and multi-core scores of 769 and 1,851, respectively. Additionally, the Intel Core i5-equipped Surface Pro 7 with 8GB of RAM has single-core and multi-core scores of 1,210 and 4,079, respectively. By comparison, the ‌M1‌ chip running on a 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB of unified memory achieved greater performance than both Surface models with single-core and multi-core scores of 1,735 and 7,686, respectively.

The 12.3-inch Surface Pro 7 starts at $749.99 with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM and increases to $2,299.99 with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. In comparison, the current 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro starts at $1,299 with 256GB of storage and 8GB of unified memory and increases to $2,299 for 2TB of storage and 16GB of unified memory.

Microsoft has long positioned its Surface devices as an ideal combination of both a tablet and computer experience. In years past, Microsoft has released several ads promoting its Surface lineup over Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPad lineup.

Article Link: Microsoft Touts Surface Pro 7 as 'The Better Choice' Over MacBook Pro in New Ad

Stop wasting money on hardware and advertisement. Microsoft never learned to stay away from Apple

 

[quietstormSD]

The closest equivalent SP 7 (i5, 8 GB/256GB) to the base macBook Air is approx. 35% more expensive over here if you include the Surface keyboard.

Even without the keyboard the SP 7 is still 20% more expensive.

The Surface Pro X in an 8 GB / 256GB configuration is 35% and 45% more expensive without or with the keyboard respectively.

Dunno, seems like a hard sell from purely a price comparison.

I agree. Furthermore, I think the surface's would be more compelling if the prices were lower.

 

[HandITOVER]

SMH.

 

[Knight101]

The whole "content creation" argument is so old, sorry. I've been a "professional engineer" for 20 years now, and 100% Mac the entire time.

This was a poor and desperate attempt at being a "Mac vs. PC" type advertisement. For that don't recall, PC bashed *himself* in those ads. They were amusing, yet truthful anecdotes of how life was back

The whole "content creation" argument is so old, sorry. I've been a "professional engineer" for 20 years now, and 100% Mac the entire time.

This was a poor and desperate attempt at being a "Mac vs. PC" type advertisement. For that don't recall, PC bashed *himself* in those ads. They were amusing, yet truthful anecdotes of how life was back then.

As a professional engineer there isn't any software like solidworks in Mac. My company uses PC purely because of lack of proper software in mac.

 

[mr_jomo]

I know a lot of us are poo poo-ing the ad. But, how many want a Surface or Surface-like device that runs Mac OS? I know I do!

100% agree - an iPad Pro 12.9 that runs macOS is my favorite, speculative device. Use the M1 equivalent A-series chip, couple it with the magic keyboard and support external monitors for macOS ... that would work for me 🥳.

Would be price, performance and feature competitive with the Surface Pro X.

 

[Steve686]

Microsoft.

Try remaking this add versus a 12.9" iPad Pro because that is a more on par comparison.

 

[nikaru]

Microsoft must be scared of the Apple Silicon wave coming their way.

It is pity move....When Apple was releasing PC vs. Mac ads, Apple was a small company fighting against the big Microsoft which had 95%+ market share. Now Microsoft uses the same marketing strategy but the situation is not even remotely similar. Its embarrassing for Microsoft to promote their products by throwing rocks against Apple. It is even more embarrassing for them knowing that the M1 is far superior than anything else they can put in a Surface.

 

[rfog]

There is even a worse thing: Surface Pro does not come with keyboard nor stylus. You have to add about 150 USD for keyboard and 100 USD for the pen.

I'm European, and at least under European law, this kind of commercial is illegal because it lies on that.

 

[chucker23n1]

Isn't the hardware about the same as the Intel MBPs? And it runs all the Windows games. Should be better.

I wouldn't recommend a 13-inch Intel MBP for gaming either.

However, this is IMO worse, because you have the detachable keyboard + kickstand setup. That's cute for when you temporarily want to use them, but it just doesn't make for a great gaming setup.

For casual gaming, an iPad would be way better (and, form-factor-wise, you might just get the iPad Air + Magic Keyboard and arrive at roughly the price of the Surface Pro, but with way better specs), and for 'serious' gaming, you're way better off getting a console or a PC desktop.

 

[chucker23n1]

There is even a worse thing: Surface Pro does not come with keyboard nor stylus. You have to add about 150 USD for keyboard and 100 USD for the pen.

I'm European, and at least under European law, this kind of commercial is illegal because it lies on that.

The ad is kinda wishy-washy on that, but what they're promoting is a deal where the keyboard and pen are included.

 

[aknabi]

The kickstand still makes it entirely impractical to use on a lap, unlike, y’know, a laptop.

yup... have one and a MB12... never use the surface as it's just a pain as couch/bed machine (and use a MBP16 or MP on the desk)... and now with Apple Silicon the lap machine has the HP for the desktop !

 

[aknabi]

People that say that have never used one. Tent structure is inherently more stable than teeter totter clamshell. Surface form factor is the future with versatility to transform from 1.7# tablet to 2.3# laptop with touch and pen inputs. Like with Apple being forced to move to phablets they eventually will have to answer with a Surface type form factor. Never going back to relic clamshell maybe unless it's super lightweight like 2# Thinkpad X1 Nano.

I've got both... the surface form factor is poor for a lap/bed experience... it's portability and movability is sacrificed... I gave my Surface to my wife who gave it back after a day... now collects dust in the cabinet (sometimes pulled out for using an older version of the Nordic tools).

 

[chucker23n1]

People that say that have never used one. Tent structure is inherently more stable than teeter totter clamshell.

Is it?

I just can't imagine that being true, due to simple physics.

This setup works well because most of the weight is actually in the bottom part; the laptop literally falls into her lap.

I couldn't find an equivalent photo for a Surface Pro, because of course I couldn't, because that would be ridiculous. Here's something that comes kinda close:

Keep in mind the bulk of the weight, here, is actually pressed against her knee; the keyboard is far too light in comparison. It sort of works because she has her knees clipped between the tablet and the kickstand.

But you can't convince me that this is comfy. It's barely a couch setup at all, nor is the actual lap involved.

I also found this dude:

Hope he has a replacement neck a few years down the road!

Surface form factor is the future

Maybe. Microsoft has tried for about eight years now, though.

with versatility to transform from 1.7# tablet to 2.3# laptop with touch and pen inputs. Like with Apple being forced to move to phablets they eventually will have to answer with a Surface type form factor. Never going back to relic clamshell maybe unless it's super lightweight like 2# Thinkpad X1 Nano.

Microsoft seems far less convinced that this is the future than you are. After the Surface Pro, they threw various other attempts at the wall: the Surface Book, where the weight is more evenly distributed and you don't have a kickstand (but it's still a tablet, because it can be detached), and the Surface Laptop, which, y'know, isn't a tablet at all.

You could argue that they're providing more choice, and that that's good, but you can't argue that they have a clear path to the future. They've been scrambling to figure it out. They took a long shot with the Surface and Windows 8, and that wasn't it; now they're trying a lot more things instead.

 

[jlc1978]

Just picked up a Macbook Air M1 16GB/256GB so I can compare with Surface Pro X. Now I can be an obnoxious new generation Apple fanboy. Still OG Apple II fanboy at heart though.

The Apple ][ was a hobbyist delight; and the GS was the first with a color finder, a fact that was fun to remind Mac users when they poo poo'd the ][ series.

Like the Hyundai Genesis, the car for people who want others to think they're driving a Mercedes at first, until they realize it's not. They were also playing ads saying their car has "the same kind of paint" as a Mercedes. What does that even mean?

I think we all are imputing too much in car buying decisions; a lot of people buy a car that has the features and quality they can afford; not because it looks like an X even if it's a Y.

(btw, I replaced my Mercedes with a Crown Vic cause the piece of junk kept falling apart)

The Police Interceptor is a great car.

I disagree. Microsoft does some GREAT hardware! Their keyboards and mice are some of the best available, and the Surface lineup is really well done. Where their hardware falls apart is the software. Windows.

If the Surface ran MacOS we'd all be shouting how innovative it is and rushing to buy it at 1.5x the price.

As a professional engineer there isn't any software like solidworks in Mac. My company uses PC purely because of lack of proper software in mac.

As always, software should drive the buying decision. When friends asked me about a machine for college, the first question is what are they studying and what software do they expect to run. A base Mac, even at a slightly higher price point, was often a good choice since their durability, the availability of AppleCare to address issues that may come up, and the run Office which is enough for most majors. However, if their major will require Windows specific programs then a Windows PC may be a better choice, unless they can run the programs satisfactorily in a VM.

There is even a worse thing: Surface Pro does not come with keyboard nor stylus. You have to add about 150 USD for keyboard and 100 USD for the pen.

I'm European, and at least under European law, this kind of commercial is illegal because it lies on that.

How so? Everything they show is available for a Surface and they don't claim all Surfaces come with the optional accessories.

...

Actually, once you get beyond the surface, advertising is much more subtle than that; smart advertisers rely on the psychology of decision making to write effective ads. If you look at the Surface ad we are discussing, it has resulted in us looking at the Surface's capabilities; which means we will remember it long after the ad is gone. Even if we don't like the specs the Surface now has some mindshare that may result in someone considering it at some future point and "take another look at it" when making a buying decision.

 

[2979382]

Who at Microsoft is so stupid to even come up with this ad?!? This is something I wouldn't have even pitched at an internal meeting! If they want to make a comparison, they should compare it to the iPad Air or the Pro, both of which would still win the comparison without any issue.

 

[chucker23n1]

If the Surface ran MacOS we'd all be shouting how innovative it is and rushing to buy it at 1.5x the price.

If the Surface Pro ran macOS, I’d still much rather get a Surface Laptop or Dell XPS.

 

[jlc1978]

If the Surface Pro ran macOS, I’d still much rather get a Surface Laptop or Dell XPS.

Fair enough; but I'd bet most MR readers would prefer a Surface running MacOS vs a Surface Laptop/XPS running Windows.

 

[chucker23n1]

Fair enough; but I'd bet most MR readers would prefer a Surface running MacOS vs a Surface Laptop/XPS running Windows.

Probably.

But, still, I wouldn't be particularly into that setup. (Much like a lot of people don't, say, particularly like the Touch Bar.)

 

[OwenW]

Microsoft yesterday shared a new ad on YouTube titled "Microsoft Surface Pro 7: The Better Choice," in which the company compares its tablet computer to Apple's 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro, as spotted by MSPoweruser.

The ad highlights the Surface Pro 7's touchscreen and included stylus as opposed to only a "little bar" (the Touch Bar) on the MacBook Pro. Other advantages of the Surface Pro 7 mentioned in the ad include the detachable keyboard, a cheaper price, and the claim that the tablet is "a much better gaming device" than the MacBook Pro.

Results uploaded on Geekbench show that the Intel Core i3-equipped Surface Pro 7 with 4GB of RAM has single-core and multi-core scores of 769 and 1,851, respectively. Additionally, the Intel Core i5-equipped Surface Pro 7 with 8GB of RAM has single-core and multi-core scores of 1,210 and 4,079, respectively. By comparison, the ‌M1‌ chip running on a 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB of unified memory achieved greater performance than both Surface models with single-core and multi-core scores of 1,735 and 7,686, respectively.

The 12.3-inch Surface Pro 7 starts at $749.99 with 128GB of storage and 4GB of RAM and increases to $2,299.99 with 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. In comparison, the current 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro starts at $1,299 with 256GB of storage and 8GB of unified memory and increases to $2,299 for 2TB of storage and 16GB of unified memory.

Microsoft has long positioned its Surface devices as an ideal combination of both a tablet and computer experience. In years past, Microsoft has released several ads promoting its Surface lineup over Apple's MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and iPad lineup.

Article Link: Microsoft Touts Surface Pro 7 as 'The Better Choice' Over MacBook Pro in New Ad

Rule #1: If you have to show the competition in your commercial then you've already lost the game

 

[dandare1975]

I have to suffer a surface pro 6 every day. My current customer insists I use it rather than my lovely new M1 MacBook Pro. I absolutely hate the surface. It runs Windows 10, which admittedly is less awful than previous versions of Windows, but not by much. It doesn't work well as a tablet. It doesn't work well as a laptop, the kickstand makes that impractical. Its ludicrously expensive. They don't allow me to use a generic docking station, I have to buy their docking station which is twice the price. I recently bought an ASUS ZenBook flip for my son (his school mandated windows) that cost less than half as much and works much better than a surface ever will as both a tablet and a laptop, works with a generic docking station, and it has just the same processor and graphics. I can't find anything a Surface is good at, other than perhaps as a door stop. They are charging Apple money for posh packaging and a product that's not even engineered or thought through as well as some budget brand products.

 

[wood1208]

With M1 introduction to MAC; everyone including Microsoft worried in computing business. Going forward, you will see many more ADs like this.

 

[nvmls]

Disagree. First, Microsoft is a company, not an OS. You mean Windows. Second, I have/use both and for me Windows > macOS. To each their own.

Even with all Microsoft products (hardware & software) put together, you wouldn't even reach an eighth of macOS experience level.

Sounds like you are living it on Windows though, enjoy.

 

[pankajdoharey]

The correct device to compare is iPad Pro with Keyboard vs Surface Pro, And we all know iPad will smoke the Surface in every Benchmark. What is MS thinking making this AD? Ideally they should just switch to a faster procesor first. Ohh well someone has to first make a competent ARM or X86 Processor to be able to compete with A* series or M1.