Should I keep ipad pro 32GB or buy Surface Pro 3 i3 64GB?

[DNichter]

Actually, what people want is what MS tried to do in Windows 8. Have a tablet based device with tablet apps, that can be switched into a desktop os easily when needed. Too bad they couldn't pull it off...

OSX isn't touch friendly and iOS isn't powerful enough, conundrum...

If they could layer iOS in OSX, make a macbook air with a touch screen that folds back like the Lenovo Yoga, I think they'd capture 90% of the PC market.

Haha yea. People want something like Windows 8, right. We all see how that turned out. Even Microsoft realized it and went back to a desktop OS with Windows 10. Yes, OS X isn't touch friendly as it is built for desktops and laptops and uses different input methods. iOS is very powerful, but I agree, has some software limitations that will improve over time. The type computer you are describing is full of compromises and is neither a solid tablet, or laptop.

 

[mi7chy]

$200 off tomorrow, but apparently it's the 128GB i3 model for $699 with a $50 gift card. I've seen cheaper laptops, but I'd sorta like to have a tablet too.

You just missed Target's 15% off making the SP4 Core M3/4GB/128GB $764 but $699 for i3/4GB/128GB is also a great deal for what is a better integrated MBA plus iPad Pro and it includes pen, kickstand, micro SD slot, USB port and mini display for outputting to external display. Doesn't hurt to try it since you can always return it. Too bad it doesn't look like you can buy an Office 365 subscription with the $50 credit though.

 

[username:]

If you want old out of date tech then get the SP3!

This is like the third thread you have started of comparing other brands to apple products. Why do you keep making comparisons and post about it in an apple forum? Do you honestly expect to get an unbiased opinion?

 

[bufffilm]

If you already own an iPad pro and the 6S, why not just get a cheap Windows laptop?

shouldn't be more than $450-$500.

 

[Steve686]

Dare I say try them both and make a decision then?

 

[LittleLuth]

I think you will be disappointed in the Surface... I bought one because I needed a Windows machine for some heavy Excel work (data analysis and financial modeling). I sent it back - for all the reasons mentioned here - it is a compromised laptop and a crummy tablet. As one poster mentioned, the rMB is the machine you want if you want to consolidate. Get the dongle and you're good to go. I have one and love it - it's as portable as an iPad Air, has a great keyboard, trackpad, etc. etc. And rumors of it being underpowered are greatly exaggerated. Admittedly I don't do the heavy data analysis I referenced with it - went with a Boot Camped Mini for that... Return or resell the IPP, add a couple hundred and get yourself an rMB.

 

[silverblack]

Needed inking on Microsoft Office, and needed it now. So I bought a Surface 3, and tried it for a week. It worked as it should, nothing fancy, but worked... until the crashes started. As the file got larger (6+ MB) with more inking, Powerpoint became very unstable and laggy, particularly when selecting a few inked equations for grouping. It was crashing so often that I had to save the file every few minutes to avoid losing much progress. But the slow eMMC SSD didn't help either, as every save was a good 4-5 second pause.

After a week, I finally gave in and traded it in for an i5 Surface Pro 4. It make a huge difference in the performance. Saving file is now a second or 2. It is less laggy when selecting a group of inked equations. It was overall snappy and enjoyable to use. But it still crashed, may be fewer times. This is my 3rd day using this SP4, and I already experienced once where it wouldn't wake from sleep. Had to force power down and reboot. By the way, the Surface Pen that came in the box was DOA, and had to go back and exchanged for a new pen. I could also go on about how weird things are sometime with Windows 10 running on this high resolution (2736x1824) yet relatively small 12.3" screen tablet. May be not now...

Why am I sharing all this on Macrumors?

Despite of all these trouble living with Windows, I appreciate Microsoft for their Surface/Surface Pro, their Powerpoint with inking capability, AND inclusion of a Surface Pen with their tablet. My experience with the Surface Pro 4 was actually quite pleasant when comparing to other Windows laptops I had used in the past (e.g., Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus, Samsung, Sony). I highly recommend the SP4 for any one that must use Windows, or software that only available on Windows.

For everyone else that could achieve what you need with Macs and iPads, appreciate how lucky you are. Run, don't walk, away from Windows as far as you can.

 

[blackoutz]

You should go to the store and test them for yourself. Don't bother to ask on a mac forum. Most people are extremely biased.

 

[Mcdevidr]

So much for $499. I don't think $699 is still a good deal on that i3 model especially without the keyboard.

 

[AttilaTheHun]

I bought a 32GB ipad pro, but now my laptop is broken. I'm a very light user (90% web browsing/movies/youtube + I use my phone for a lot of stuff) but occasionally I will need a USB port to plug in my printer, a SD slot to transfer pictures or a DVD drive to watch Redbox. I don't have a desktop - just cheapie windows laptop, ipad pro and iphone 6s.

I just so happened to see today that Microsoft will have the Surface Pro i3 on sale for $499. This seems like a fair deal, but I've never really looked into the Surface lineup.

Can the Surface really kill two birds with one stone by being my laptop AND tablet? Or....should I keep the ipad (which is nice) and save up for a laptop later...maybe an air or MBP?

As a tablet for browsing and movies - how does the Surface compare to my ipad? Nearly as good? Do you think it would work as well for everything else compared to say a Macbook Air?

My wallet is urging me to spend only $500 to have a device that may do everything I need. I'm also sort of a minimalist so if one device can replace two devices that's sort of a bonus.

Any error in my thinking?

As much that I like you to buy the iPad But I see you have budget problem.In your case buy a used laptop. the USB on the surface is useless.

 

[eddiehaskell]

think I might just buy this laptop: http://www.officedepot.com/a/produc.../?cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-CJ-_-1122587-_-11263938

$330 with a i5.

 

[bufffilm]

think I might just buy this laptop: http://www.officedepot.com/a/produc.../?cm_mmc=Affiliates-_-CJ-_-1122587-_-11263938

$330 with a i5.

There you go.

 

[QquegChristian]

Don't listen to anyone saying that the Surface Pro is a bad tablet. Clearly they are glossing over the fact that you said that you only want to browse the web and watch Netflix.

The iPad has a million apps that make it a better tablet, but let's not pretend that there is some secret sauce that makes the web or Netflix better on an iPad.

The web is fantastic on the Surface. I use my SP4 without keyboard and in portrait mode on the web all the time.

I also watch videos on it with the kickstand in bed.

I also use it without keyboard to take notes with the pen. (And I do Photoshop work like this, but that wouldn't concern you.)

For everything else, I use it as a laptop. Web and video are the only things I'd want a tablet for and I got exactly that with the Surface. I actually prefer the type cover 4 (which works on the 3) to my old Sony Vaio laptop's keyboard too. It's a great device. Is it an iPad? No. Is it a web and video tablet? Yes.

To the OP... I am a lot like you. Only I also do a ton of photo/video/design work on my Surface as well. I get my fill of all the App Store apps on my iPhone and Apple Watch.

 

[Mac Tyson]

Don't listen to anyone saying that the Surface Pro is a bad tablet. Clearly they are glossing over the fact that you said that you only want to browse the web and watch Netflix.

But it is a crappy tablet. It has really bad battery life and heavier. It doesn't have many apps and try using touch to close windows, scroll, etc. It's not as smooth as a tablet first device. Also there are far less apps and they are inferior to their iOS versions.

I had owned a Surface Pro 4, i5, 8GB, 256GB with keyboard cover. I returned after admitting it was just a laptop in a clever tablet form. Neither form excelling.

 

[silverblack]

Don't listen to anyone saying that the Surface Pro is a bad tablet. Clearly they are glossing over the fact that you said that you only want to browse the web and watch Netflix.

The iPad has a million apps that make it a better tablet, but let's not pretend that there is some secret sauce that makes the web or Netflix better on an iPad.

The web is fantastic on the Surface. I use my SP4 without keyboard and in portrait mode on the web all the time.

I also watch videos on it with the kickstand in bed.

I also use it without keyboard to take notes with the pen. (And I do Photoshop work like this, but that wouldn't concern you.)

For everything else, I use it as a laptop. Web and video are the only things I'd want a tablet for and I got exactly that with the Surface. I actually prefer the type cover 4 (which works on the 3) to my old Sony Vaio laptop's keyboard too. It's a great device. Is it an iPad? No. Is it a web and video tablet? Yes.

To the OP... I am a lot like you. Only I also do a ton of photo/video/design work on my Surface as well. I get my fill of all the App Store apps on my iPhone and Apple Watch.

I just got my Surface Pro 4 since Monday. It is alright when it's working. But I have been having so much problem with it. See my post above. The latest problem is it not waking up from sleep. It has happened yesterday, and today again. I lost all my unsaved data both times.

Do you have this problem?
There is a 14 page thread on it -

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...p/f9a73aca-c13a-4e26-a1bf-f409eed1a96e?page=1

 

[QquegChristian]

I just got my Surface Pro 4 since Monday. It is alright when it's working. But I have been having so much problem with it. See my post above. The latest problem is it not waking up from sleep. It has happened yesterday, and today again. I lost all my unsaved data both times.

Do you have this problem?
There is a 14 page thread on it -

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/...p/f9a73aca-c13a-4e26-a1bf-f409eed1a96e?page=1

I've got 2 SP4s in my house. None of the launch issues! It did take about a second for the screen to turn on, but it is instant after the last update. I push mine in Photoshop too!

My wife uses hers on two displays with no issue.

Had them since launch day. i5 8gb and i5 4gb.

 

[silverblack]

I've got 2 SP4s in my house. None of the launch issues! It did take about a second for the screen to turn on, but it is instant after the last update. I push mine in Photoshop too!

My wife uses hers on two displays with no issue.

Had them since launch day. i5 8gb and i5 4gb.

Thank you for sharing.

It could be my usage pattern. I use it on and off all day with my other main desktop at the same time, so it is going in and out of standby at least a few times every hour. Only if it had a more reasonable battery, I would have left it constantly on, instead of put it to sleep everytime. I hate Windows!!!

If you have time, please go to the above forum and report that your two SP4 are not having this problem. The working theory is that it is only a driver issue. But your experience clearly suggests a hardware problem for some (not universal), which is much more serious, since the 160+ of us should return the problematic tablets to Microsoft.

Speaking of this, I better return mine tomorrow.

 

[QquegChristian]

But it is a crappy tablet. It has really bad battery life and heavier. It doesn't have many apps and try using touch to close windows, scroll, etc. It's not as smooth as a tablet first device. Also there are far less apps and they are inferior to their iOS versions.

I had owned a Surface Pro 4, i5, 8GB, 256GB with keyboard cover. I returned after admitting it was just a laptop in a clever tablet form. Neither form excelling.

The NEXT line in my post was "The iPad has a million apps that make it better".

I was assuring the OP who specifically said he doesn't care about apps, that yes, you can use Netflix on a device that wasn't built by Apple. Yes, you can browse the web.

I love my Apple Watch, but I'm not going to argue that the Moto 360 can't tell the time.

 

[QquegChristian]

Thank you for sharing.

It could be my usage pattern. I use it on and off all day with my other main desktop at the same time, so it is going in and out of standby at least a few times every hour. Only if it had a more reasonable battery, I would have left it constantly on, instead of put it to sleep everytime. I hate Windows!!!

If you have time, please go to the above forum and report that your two SP4 are not having this problem. The working theory is that it is only a driver issue. But your experience clearly suggests a hardware problem for some (not universal), which is much more serious, since the 160+ of us should return the problematic tablets to Microsoft.

Speaking of this, I better return mine tomorrow.

Wait... Is that all specifically saying when the keyboard is folded back? I don't ever do that... I remove it and put it aside, or remove it and flip it backwards so I don't have to feel the keys.

Beyond that though, I also constantly use it off and on. Often as a notepad when I'm editing video on my desktop.

 

[silverblack]

Wait... Is that all specifically saying when the keyboard is folded back? I don't ever do that... I remove it and put it aside, or remove it and flip it backwards so I don't have to feel the keys.

Beyond that though, I also constantly use it off and on. Often as a notepad when I'm editing video on my desktop.

No, I didn't even have a keyboard.
As I said, please let others know your experience over in the Windows forum linked above.

 

[Badrottie]

Just give me your money ($500) and I will buy a Surface Pro 3 for you for Xmas present.

 

[sracer]

They have that already, it's called a MacBook. It's an iPad that runs full OS X and comes with a great keyboard. It even has a great input method, the trackpad, that can be used similarly to multi touch gestures on your iPad, but doesn't cause arm fatigue and get fingerprints all over the retina screen. It's pretty awesome, you should check it out

Ugh. You're not the first to say that and probably not the last, but the Macbook lacks the one factor (among others) that makes the iPad distinctive... a touchscreen. The Macbook doesn't support stylus (capacitive or active), cannot be used to view material in portrait mode (or would you advocate standing the Macbook on its side?). The direct interaction of marking up a PDF directly on the screen via touch and stylus is far superior to sliding a finger on a trackpad and trying to draw a circle or highlight. That's just one use case, there are many more where the Macbook isn't an iPad.

Never thought about the MB like that, but I guess it sorta is a ipad with a permanently attached keyboard (screen cover when shut) and full OS. It'll be a little funny if tablets evolve back into laptops. Hey - this new awesome thing doesn't make your arm tired or require getting your screen dirty! What is it!?! A laptop. Oh. LOL.

You never thought about the MB like that probably because it doesn't make sense. You've probably never thought about the MB as a wedge for splitting firewood either.

 

[maflynn]

Can the Surface really kill two birds with one stone by being my laptop AND tablet? Or....should I keep the ipad (which is nice) and save up for a laptop later...maybe an air or MBP?

I have a SP3 and love it, though I do wonder if the i3 64GB SP3 is just too hamstrung to use efficiently. I have the i5/256GB/8GB model and I think that's the sweet spot in the line up. Fast, enough resources so windows doesn't bog down and plenty of storage.

I think the Sp3 is what the iPad Pro is trying to be, but because its running iOS, is more limited.

 

[zhenya]

I would actually say that for someone who primarily watches video and browses the Internet on their tablet, the Surface is the better tablet. This is from someone who basically lived with an iPad as their primary device for years, and has spent much of that time defending the iPad as a reasonable primary device. However, the Surface Pro, especially the 3 which is adequately powerful and thanks to a year of updates, more stable than the 4, is a much better web browser than the iPad which even with additional RAM is likely to crash on large pages or reload your tabs at any time. Movie management is also of course much easier - and those two tasks are relatively light on the battery. Nope, it's not going to be as good as an iPad, but it's going to be good enough for most people.

 

[eddiehaskell]

Ugh. You're not the first to say that and probably not the last, but the Macbook lacks the one factor (among others) that makes the iPad distinctive... a touchscreen.

This part of his reply totally frames the Macbook/IPP comparison:

It's an iPad that runs full OS X and comes with a great keyboard. It even has a great input method, the trackpad, that can be used similarly to multi touch gestures on your iPad, but doesn't cause arm fatigue and get fingerprints all over the retina screen.

This was said as a follow up to me saying I'd like a IPP with OS X.

So to recap...if one wants a very light device (2lb or less), very nice screen, ~12 inch form factor, great battery life and isn't worried about missing ports - the MB and IPP are both on the table.

For some it may come down to their choice of operating system and desired input method.

The reason I'm considering the SP3 is the desire to have ONE device that does all I need. That's why I said it would nice if the IPP had OS X. It would be the Apple equivalent of the Surface which I believe is a great concept.

As of now, the closest thing to a IPP with OS X is the MB. If one chooses, the MB can be seen as a IPP with OS X and the input method totally changed. And heck, a lot of people put keyboard covers on their IPP so the only difference would then be trackpad vs more arm/hand motion. Trackpads are much more efficient as far as range of motion. Sure, things like drawing work better on a tablet, but I tend to think Microsoft's 80% (laptop)/20% (tablet) split is pretty accurate. If given a product that can function as both, on average it'll be used in its laptop form 80% of the time.

My guess is that the near future will be devices similar to the Surface, but even lighter and more powerful. I think devices that are strictly tablets will continue to decline as people drift back toward wanting legit trackpads/keyboards on their largest portable devices - not flimsy keyboards like you can attach to most tablets. I'm thinking something like the Surface Book with all the kinks worked out. Conceptually, a product in the 10-13"/<2lb range that functions as an awesome tablet AND awesome laptop would be great. For reasons people have mentioned, Microsoft may not be there yet, but hopefully they stick with it and get it right with the 5th or 6th edition. Or maybe another compny will beat them to the punch.