New Surface Pro 4 Ad Takes on Apple's 'What's a Computer?' iPad Pro Campaign

[tkatz]

Shouldn't Microsoft advertise the features that Surface has instead of bashing out the competition?

It did. It showed that you can run Maya and the full version of Office. As I run Cinema4D and Office on my SP3 (and can't on my iPad) it looks like good features to me.

(I do enjoy my iPad, and really wish Apple would just release an OSX tablet that can run both OSX and iOS apps... but for now iPad + SP3 will have to do)

 

[jonnyo]

The only thing I think the iPad has going for it is the Stylus

I'd argue that the best thing the iPad has going for it is the huge assortment of high-quality touch-enabled apps available for it. Without those apps, a tablet has little reason for being. How often does the average Surface user actually use their device as a tablet versus running the same old keyboard+mouse apps that any ordinary Wintel laptop can manage? The closest thing to a killer tablet app the Surface has is OneNote, but it also exists on the iPad.

This problem isn't limited to the Surface, either: the Samsung Galaxy Note tablets suffer from the same problem.

That being said, I'm all in favor of Apple letting us do more "big boy" activities with our iDevices.

 

[tubeexperience]

Surfaces overheat way before an iPad would display that message. The thermal designs in the SP3 and earlier were nothing short of atrocious.

I can only assume you haven't had enough experience with Surfaces. Unless it was just a gentle dig. In which case, colour me apologetic

Surface Pro 4 has an improved cooling design that makes it runs much cooler than Surface Pro 3.

 

[BenTrovato]

Surface Pro is definitely more of a computer than the iPad. I wish Apple would stop trying to make the iPad a computer though. It's the best tablet in the world. Do more cool tablet things. Forget the PC.

 

[John Mcgregor]

I agree with everything in the ad. I'm actually a bit surprised it took Microsoft this long to put out an ad (or some would call it an attack) like this.

I'm also surprised by the reaction on this forum. I was expecting more people to defend Apple, I'm glad most people seem to agree with Microsoft.

If anything, an ad like this may force Apple to be more innovative, although doubtful.

Apple should do the opposite of microsoft that will ensure success.

 

[keysofanxiety]

Surface Pro 4 has an improved cooling design that makes it runs much cooler than Surface Pro 3.

That's why I said SP3 and earlier.

 

[vmachiel]

Agreed. Get over it Apple, I won't ditch my Mac for an iPad "pro" running iOS. Just make a damn solid new MBP, or switching will be back on the table.

 

[Derekuda]

Surfaces overheat way before an iPad would display that message. The thermal designs in the SP3 and earlier were nothing short of atrocious.

I can only assume you haven't had enough experience with Surfaces. Unless it was just a gentle dig. In which case, colour me apologetic

A little of both. I have a Surface 3 which has the fanless Intel Atom Processer. I run Starcraft 2 and LoL on it all the time which it amazingly handles very well. It does get pretty hot though but it's never caused any sort of crash. Seeing as the Surface Pro 4 has air vents and a fan, im sure it does VERY well with heat management.

 

[noveneerhere]

The awkward moment when Microsoft is right about everything they said in the ad...

Why would unnecessary power, trackpads and full apps – be important on an iPad? When there exists MacBooks Airs. With that logic, what are you doing on a Mac forum? Haha.

 

[iMi]

Looks like a great piece of equipment; only problem is that I would have to run Windows.

Sorry, been there, done that. Never again.

I have to admit that getting used to Windows 10 is taking some time. It works well though, especially after the Anniversary Update. I would say give it some time. I'm starting to feel very comfortable with Windows 10 and had no issues at all. Just getting used to it after well over a decade away from Windows is a little hard.

 

[Cscottrun]

Apple should do the opposite of microsoft that will ensure success.

I don't have the numbers but I am confident that the Surface is a success. I believe it has gotten some pretty good reviews.

 

[John Mcgregor]

I appreciate you implying I'm an idiot.

You know best.

 

[tubeexperience]

That's why I said SP3 and earlier.

And? Microsoft don't even make Surface Pro 3 anymore.

 

[Cscottrun]

Why would unnecessary power, trackpads and full apps – be important on an iPad? When there exists MacBooks Airs. With that logic, what are you doing on a Mac forum? Haha.

Why would you not want extra features? Why do you prefer a larger iPhone in the size of a tablet instead of a tablet running full Mac os?

Also, Macbook air is due for a full make over. Take a look at the XPS 13 9350. I recently purchased it (also have an iPad mini and Macpro with retina). XPS blows it away in all categories, especially aestethically. Only real issue is that it runs Windows 10 and there is a bit of a lack of continuity and elegance between the hardware and software with Windows. Although, I must admit, I have taken a liking to Windows 10.

 

[iMi]

A little of both. I have a Surface 3 which has the fanless Intel Atom Processer. I run Starcraft 2 and LoL on it all the time which it amazingly handles very well. It does get pretty hot though but it's never caused any sort of crash. Seeing as the Surface Pro 4 has air vents and a fan, im sure it does VERY well with heat management.

I can confirm that the overheating issue has been completely resolved on the Surface Pro 4 and the performance is fantastic. Microsoft seems very focused on improving the device. I am surprised by how much I actually enjoy it.
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Why would you not want extra features? Why do you prefer a larger iPhone in the size of a tablet instead of a tablet running full Mac os?

Or why do you upgrade every year to a new iPhone for incremental speed increases? Right?

 

[tkatz]

Who cares.

Can you do serious professional work on a 12" device? No!

Does the Surface has power to run an external 4K monitor at 60fps? No!

Your definition of doing serious professional work requires a 4K monitor at 60fps? You do realize many professionals don't even have those on their desktops?

On my Surface Pro 3 I regularly use Eclipse for development work. I run Tomcat and am able to run my code base with no issues, develop, test and check in to our git repository. I can't do that on my iPad.

I also regularly edit photos I've taken in Photoshop. Edit 3D models in Cinema 4D and send them to my 3D printer.

I've even edited some 4k videos from my P3Pro in Premiere. Granted its not ideal, but in a pinch it works.

I don't need a 4k monitor for any of that, especially on the go.

Edit: I've also done live show multi-channel audio recordings using my external USB AD/DA (RME UCX) in Adobe Audition... I can do that on the iPad, but I can't charge the iPad at the same time I have it plugged in, which makes it pretty much useless for long recordings.

 

[keysofanxiety]

A little of both. I have a Surface 3 which has the fanless Intel Atom Processer. I run Starcraft 2 and LoL on it all the time which it amazingly handles very well. It does get pretty hot though but it's never caused any sort of crash. Seeing as the Surface Pro 4 has air vents and a fan, im sure it does VERY well with heat management.

The Atom is a little kinder with TDP. But eventually your fan will clog up; just a matter of time. When you crack it open to clean it out (if you have the tools and patience), you'll be horrified just how piddly and pathetic the cooling system is.

I'm infinitely glad MS got their butts together and sorted the thermal system with the SP4.

 

[Dr. James]

The only little tiny problem: it runs Windows 10.

 

[paulsdenton]

I have to admit that getting used to Windows 10 is taking some time. It works well though, especially after the Anniversary Update. I would say give it some time. I'm starting to feel very comfortable with Windows 10 and had no issues at all. Just getting used to it after well over a decade away from Windows is a little hard.

Interesting. I left Windows in 2008. Why did you go back?

 

[jkev57]

Microsoft today launched a new commercial for its Surface Pro 4, comparing the tablet computer to Apple's iPad Pro and Smart Keyboard. The ad -- titled "What's a Computer? Just ask Cortana" -- was posted on YouTube today with a description claiming that "just because you call something a computer doesn't mean it fits the description." The new ad is clearly targeting Apple's new "What's a Computer?" ad campaign and "Super. Computer." slogan for the iPad Pro.

The ad centers around a party that Siri is holding for its new Smart Keyboard, telling the Surface Pro 4 "I'm a computer now, like you." The Surface Pro 4 responds, asking if Apple's tablet has an Intel Core i7 processor, full access to Microsoft Office beyond the mobile app versions, a trackpad, and external port options. Siri responds with, "Like I said, I just got a keyboard."

The ad ends with the tagline, "Surface does more. Just like you." The new ad today follows a similar anti-Apple theme of many Microsoft ads, which have previously focused on comparing the Surface Book and MacBook, and Windows 10 and OS X. For Christmas last year, the company released a more peaceful ad that centered around a group of Microsoft Store employees singing seasonal carols outside of an Apple Store.

The Surface Pro 4 starts at $899 for 128GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM, and going up to as much as $1,799 for 256GB of internal storage and 16GB of RAM. Comparatively, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at a smaller $799 for 32GB and maxes out at $1,099 for 256GB, with all models including 4GB of RAM.

Article Link: New Surface Pro 4 Ad Takes on Apple's 'What's a Computer?' iPad Pro Campaign

 

[iMcLovin]

Microsoft has a point. If Apple weren't so cocky and claim the iPad Pro is a full blown computer they wouldnt be mocked this way (1st with tim cook claiming he can do everything on an ipad and 2nd with their stupid commercial). The iPad is a consumer device with a bit of productivity capabilities. Its nice as an extension, for when you go on holiday or whatever. But to replace your computer with an iPad, then you dont really need a PC in general for the work you are doing, you could probably do the same stuff on a phone.

 

[kd5jos]

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.

You know, every time I hear this nonsense, it makes me laugh. Let's translate what you said into fact.

People use computational devices to accomplish something. My iPad mini 4 was more powerful than the Cray super computer in Sneakers. Then I traded it in on an iPad Pro that was twice that powerful.

My iPad Pro is about as powerful as an i5 from 2013. It can handle all the tasks I throw at it. Why do I know that? I'm an information security engineer by day, and college student at night. I work from my iPad. I create all my assignments, on my iPad. The docs I create for work, from my iPad. The "connection and manipulating components on the network...." From the iPad. And I don't use MS software either. Pages, Numbers, Keynote...

So I do REAL work everyday on my iPad. Because it has LTE built in, I can do it without a WiFi network. So when I'm on call, I don't have to panic if I am out doing things...

I tell you what, let's you and I do my job for 8 hours straight. You get a Surface 4, and I get my iPad Pro. Let's see how great things are going at the 3.5 hour mark? I bet you can't do ANY work, much less REAL work, without being plugged in.

You see, DOING work, is about being able to actually DO work, something that can't be done on a Surface from hour 4 on, in an 8 hour day.

So while you work part time, I'll cover you full time with my "toy."

 

[KPOM]

The awkward moment when Microsoft is right about everything they said in the ad...

OTOH the Surface doesn't get as good battery life as the iPad Pro since the Core i7 runs much hotter. It also has a fan except for the m3 version. And Microsoft continues to improve the mobile and iPad versions of Office.

 

[iMi]

You know best.

You literally know nothing about me... I don't call you names. If you cannot articulate your point of view without resorting to name calling then perhaps you aren't partially bright yourself.

 

[Zirel]

I work with Xcode on an old 13" white MacBook and love it more than my newer 21.5" iMac because I have noticed that I can concentrate better using one display than two displays.

Sorry, but

1. Your iMac doesn't come with two monitors

2. I really doubt it, 1280x800 isn't enough for GUI design in Xcode, it's also hard to use for diff's and two files at the same time, it simply doesn't fit! Even 1080p is small!