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The only rebuttal I can think of is this:

iOS apps optimized for iPad: over 1 million.
Windows apps optimized for Surface: don't know, but far less than a million.
But how many optimized for Windows? I think that's a key feature of the SP line. Running actual desktop software versus running an application for a mobile device. Or running a web app on an actual browser versus hoping that the sites developer has a version that is optimized for mobile web (or a companion app).
 
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I'd rather have 5 full-featured productivity apps like Photoshop, Office, and Final Cut than a million throw-away apps that were developed in 3 days and do things like turn on the LED to mimic a flashlight.

Not withstanding the fact that the only iPad to have a flash is the newest iPad Pro 9.7-inch, so I don't think any of those particular gimmicky apps for iPad exist, I agree with you.

I've owned several iPads. I don't own one today, and I will not buy another one until Apple makes some serious usability improvements and allows developers to do more with their apps. Right now, it really is a glorified iPhone.
 
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This is not a fair comparison. The MS Surface is more like a slim laptop than it is a tablet. The iPad is more a tablet than it is a laptop replacement.

The Surface is very portable—for a laptop. But as a tablet it is not comfortable to hold. Is the Surface fast? Yes. But it also gets hot. If you need a PC you can travel with, the Surface Pro is a good option.

Do you need a device for checking email, browsing the web, playing games, and being creative? The iPad Pro shows its superiority over the Surface Pro.

If you are a hardcore PC user then the Surface Pro is the clear choice. But if you already have a good laptop and you are just looking for a supplemental device, the iPad Pro has to be the better option.
 
But how many optimized for Windows? I think that's a key feature of the SP line. Running actual desktop software versus running an application for a mobile device. Or running a web app on an actual browser versus hoping that the sites developer has a version that is optimized for mobile web (or a companion app).

If it's a traditional Windows app, chances are using it will be a much better experience with a normal mouse or proper trackpad. The fact that you can pair a bluetooth mouse to the SP is a huge plus though.
 
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Comparing hardware specs is meaningless. Even though Apple is clearly a better value on that measure. It is the form factor and OS that matters to each user. You can do a bunch of things on an iOS or MacOS device you cannot do on Windows and visa versa. Many business apps only run on Windows.

Possibly the best overall solution is to get a Mac and run one of the platforms that allows running Windows on it. One large benefit to that is you can concurrently run 3 versions or instances of Windows and one instance of MacOS.
 
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Microsoft are aiming their SurfacePro at people who need a computer as a replacement for a computer. Apple are aiming the iPad at those who don't need a full computer but a device to browse on and do occasional light work.

Tablets arn't the answer to a replacement to a full computer if you need one, they are however a replacement for those who don't need a full computer which as it happens accounts for most people.
 
Windows apps optimized for Surface: don't know, but far less than a million.

Well, there's Microsoft Edge. That fabulous browser.

Can't wait for the Microsoft ad where they take you through what to do if Edge doesn't open.

"It's quite simple! Just open Powershell and delete all these hidden folders! Then run another lengthy command to download all the components again, which will take upwards of a couple of hours if you're not on a Gigabit Internet connection. All on your touchscreen device!"
 
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Well, Surface Pro 4 can run ransomware and the iPad Pro can't

windows-ransomware-teslacrypt.png


I don't like where this is going...

You don't know what you are talking about. That only affects legacy PCs without Secure Boot.
 
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Apple pulled a Microsoft with the iPad. In 2010, there were no desktop processors which could work in a tablet device and give necessary battery life, so the iPad had to be a glorified iPhone. They underestimated Intel in this aspect. Now Apple is stuck with apps that are just phone apps on a bigger screen, while Microsoft has a platform that lets you do real work. Sorry to say, Tim Cook won't have the guts to abandon the iPad on iOS and keep dumping resources into a platform that's a toy.
 
I can't believe people are still upgrading their iPads. I bought an iPad 3 when it came out, and an iPad 4 for my wife when it came out. We don't really use them at all anymore since they are just big versions of our phones. We use our phones because they are more convenient, and when we need to do stuff our phone can't do, we use a computer because an iPad can't do it either.

I keep watching them come out with new iPads hoping they'll release something that will compete with a Surface, but so far, it's just a big iPod.

Wait till the next iPad Pro loss its headphone jack and goes on diet to become even slimmer. I'm not sure WHY Apple is so obsessed in slimming their devices when consumers want more battery capacities.

I agree with you on this, most of the people I know including me don't use the iPads anymore unless it's for gaming. Most of the time our large Phablet phones already does most of the task as it is more convenient.

I really wanted to like the iPad Pro but I couldn't justify Apple hiking up the price for it. Especially when it's priced almost close to a price of a laptop. And why don't they bundle the pencil? And why is the keyboard pricier than the Surface Type cover which seems to do more (trackpad, backlight)? And how, in what way does this Pro differentiates itself from the existing iPad line other than adding a keyboard and pen?
 
Actually, you can run a surface Pro 4 to a 4k monitor. It even worked with the surface pro 3. ANd if your using photoshop, then fps is irrelevant. It would only matter if you were trying to play a game.

It IS relevant. Specially when you're using sliders or masking, or using the pen tool, etc...
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Well, I do some professional work on my Surface, I guess it's not "serious" enough for you...

On a 12" device? I bet you do some great "professional" work then....
 
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Most ransomwares don't install in the boot record.
I do engineering work and I have to write my own code, compile software, not to mention the ton of Windows line-of-business apps. The fact that the iPad is locked down makes it completely unusable. So I have to be able to run arbitrary code, ransomware, or else it's a toy. Not every professional is a media editor.
 
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Surface has the same problem now that it has always had: the mobile tablet part of the experience is inferior, so why not just buy a lightweight laptop? Notice that MS isn't even trying to compare the stylus input, as the Apple Pencil has blown the doors off the competition right out of the gate.
 
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