Surface Pro 4 or Macbook Pro

[ambreaux405]

I am needing to get a new laptop.
I have had both Mac and Windows computers in the past and I don't really have a particular preference, except whatever I do get will have to be able to run Windows as I need it for some work things.
Right now I am going back and forth between Surface Pro 4 and the 2015 Macbook Pro. When I price them out, the 256 GB 8GB RAM versions of each come out to be almost the exact same price (that is including the keyboard for the surface pro 4.)
I use my computer for a lot...from watching movies, research, and of course work. I travel sometimes, but both are an acceptable size for traveling. I've watched and read countless reviews of both and I just am not sure.
I am leaning towards the Macbook Pro, but I'm unsure about how Windows 10 is on it, whereas i know Windows 10 will be great on Surface Pro 4.
I am hoping someone here will have used both and can give me their opinion, especially those who use a Surface Pro 4 as their daily/only computer, and those who use Windows 10 on a Macbook Pro...your opinions will be invaluable!
Thanks for your help!
-Amanda

 

[Renzatic]

Considering what you intend on using it for, I'd say the SP4 or the new Macbook would be a better fit for you. The MBP can do more in a pinch, but it's also a heavier machine, and might be overkill for your needs.

I'd say it all boils down on what work for you entails.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

I am needing to get a new laptop.
I have had both Mac and Windows computers in the past and I don't really have a particular preference, except whatever I do get will have to be able to run Windows as I need it for some work things.
Right now I am going back and forth between Surface Pro 4 and the 2015 Macbook Pro. When I price them out, the 256 GB 8GB RAM versions of each come out to be almost the exact same price (that is including the keyboard for the surface pro 4.)
I use my computer for a lot...from watching movies, research, and of course work. I travel sometimes, but both are an acceptable size for traveling. I've watched and read countless reviews of both and I just am not sure.
I am leaning towards the Macbook Pro, but I'm unsure about how Windows 10 is on it, whereas i know Windows 10 will be great on Surface Pro 4.
I am hoping someone here will have used both and can give me their opinion, especially those who use a Surface Pro 4 as their daily/only computer, and those who use Windows 10 on a Macbook Pro...your opinions will be invaluable!
Thanks for your help!
-Amanda

I agree with the above poster, it all boils down to your needs.

I had a macbook pro for a good while, and just recently moved to a surface book, which is close to what you will experience with a surface pro 4. The surface book is the best laptop I have ever had the pleasure of using, and I have used several over the past few years (macbook pro 15, dell xps 13 infinity display model, hp spectra x360, lenovo x1 carbon, macbook pro retina 13, and now the surface book). Windows 10 is great, and the hardware on the surface is top notch. The touchscreen/pen input and dedicated gpu are just pluses. Battery life is equally good to my recent macbook pro retina 13, if not slight better.

Both are great machines. I can't personally comment on the surface pro 4. Go with your gut, and if you are disappointed, return it and get the other one.

 

[ambreaux405]

Thanks for your input! I actually opted for the surface pro 4 after I read that some were having issues running Windows on a mac even in bootcamp. I haven't really used OS X in years so I decided the Surface Pro 4 was the better choice for me. So far I am loving it!

 

[iMi]

Thanks for your input! I actually opted for the surface pro 4 after I read that some were having issues running Windows on a mac even in bootcamp. I haven't really used OS X in years so I decided the Surface Pro 4 was the better choice for me. So far I am loving it!

I know it's a dead thread at this point, but to help anyone else faced with this decision I can confirm that running windows via BootCamp has it's problems. If you work with any type of corporate portals, such as LowesLink or Sears IMA, you'll really want to have a native machine running Windows.

I had problems logging in and with the systems operating correctly. It's why I purchased the Surface Pro 4.

 

[newtonapp]

I bought a Surface Pro 4 and ended up selling it on eBay (it was out of the return period). I couldn't stand it. The only real selling point is the pen and it's useless. Enough though MacBooks haven't been updated in ages (UGH!), they're still better than the SP4. I use mine with dual monitors and honestly treat it like crap. It works like a beast. No issues. Ever. On my SP4 however, I had like 4 crashes in the first week.

 

[maflynn]

I have a SP3 and love it, I think windows 10 on the SP3 (and presumably on the 4), is rock solid.

I find the surface pro to be more portable, and functional then the MBP at this point. I still use my MBP, but my go to mobile machine is definitely the SP3. I'll be looking to take that on my next business trip over my SP3 - unless I opt to buy a Surface Book before my trip

 

[DaveOP]

I have a SP3 and love it, I think windows 10 on the SP3 (and presumably on the 4), is rock solid.

I find the surface pro to be more portable, and functional then the MBP at this point. I still use my MBP, but my go to mobile machine is definitely the SP3. I'll be looking to take that on my next business trip over my SP3 - unless I opt to buy a Surface Book before my trip

Don't do it! We purchased several to test out (I work in IT), and the Surface Book was nothing but problems for us. Wake from sleep issues, blue screens. These were the Maxed out i7/1TB/16GB Versions with dGPU. Having far more luck with the Surface Pro line. Also, I can not get used to your new avatar!

 

[BlueGoldAce]

Don't do it! We purchased several to test out (I work in IT), and the Surface Book was nothing but problems for us. Wake from sleep issues, blue screens. These were the Maxed out i7/1TB/16GB Versions with dGPU. Having far more luck with the Surface Pro line. Also, I can not get used to your new avatar!

I have to disagree with you.

When the surface book was out, it was full of problems. So was the dell xp 13, 15, surface pro 4, etc. What did these have in common? Skylake? I think that is why Apple never jumped on that train.

That problem has been fixed now. I run skylake on my surface book, pro 4, and newly built desktop....no problems, zero at this point in time.

The redstone update for windows was accompanied by extensively reworked intel drivers. The problems are fixed now.
My surfacebook (i5, 256gb, dgpu) is the best laptop I have ever used. Its the fastest, and most versatile. The battery is great as well.

I use my surface book for extensive adobe suite work, microsoft office work, and statistical calculations. I am in the science field.

Its a great device. It was plagued by skylake/first gen problems, but these have been fixed. I highly recommend it. I use mine along with a high end desktop, ipad pro 9.7, and, currently, a note 7.

 

[maflynn]

Don't do it! We purchased several to test out (I work in IT), and the Surface Book was nothing but problems for us. Wake from sleep issues, blue screens. These were the Maxed out i7/1TB/16GB Versions with dGPU. Having far more luck with the Surface Pro line. Also, I can not get used to your new avatar!

There were well documented problems early on, but from what I've read and seen from other users, those problems have been resolved.

 

[iMi]

My brand new Surface Pro 4 has been flawless. Works like a charm. I almost regret getting the new MacBook. Almost.

 

[DaveOP]

There were well documented problems early on, but from what I've read and seen from other users, those problems have been resolved.

I wish I could agree, but our models get checked now and then after firmware updates, and are still seeing enough issues that we can't rationalize using them. Mine is sitting on a shelf behind me collecting dust. I suppose it's possible that every one we received was defective?

 

[frankgrimes]

I think - and I know this is a Apple forum - in terms of tablets that have the power of a notebook MS is above everyone else with the Surface Pro lineup. I've tested it out a few times and it's a great device but of course it lacks some important stuff, like more ports (especially HDMI output) and has some software/hardware problems.

I think the next Surface Pro 5, maybe Surfacebook 2 will give Apple and Dell a run for its money.

A huge downside of this very compact design is the almost impossible DOY repairability, ifxit gave them a 3 out of 10 ouch.

 

[spinedoc77]

I think - and I know this is a Apple forum - in terms of tablets that have the power of a notebook MS is above everyone else with the Surface Pro lineup. I've tested it out a few times and it's a great device but of course it lacks some important stuff, like more ports (especially HDMI output) and has some software/hardware problems.

I think the next Surface Pro 5, maybe Surfacebook 2 will give Apple and Dell a run for its money.

A huge downside of this very compact design is the almost impossible DOY repairability, ifxit gave them a 3 out of 10 ouch.

It has a mini displayport, adapters to hdmi are cheap enough, they also have mini displayport to hdmi cables. This is actually more of an option than the macs and ipads.

 

[frankgrimes]

It has a mini displayport, adapters to hdmi are cheap enough, they also have mini displayport to hdmi cables. This is actually more of an option than the macs and ipads.

I know they are very cheap but still something to carry around, an extra HDMI port would have been a better option.

It's a great device like I said but MS needs to fix their software problems otherwise Dell and Apple are going to absolutely outlass the rest of the field in 2017

 

[iMi]

I know they are very cheap but still something to carry around, an extra HDMI port would have been a better option.

It's a great device like I said but MS needs to fix their software problems otherwise Dell and Apple are going to absolutely outlass the rest of the field in 2017

I think they have. I had no software issues at all. Window 10 Aniversary runs like a champ.

 

[joshwithachance]

I purchased a Surface Pro 4 (i5, 128GB) earlier this week and, shockingly, I LOVE it. Replaced my 12" MacBook with it.

 

[iMi]

I purchased a Surface Pro 4 (i5, 128GB) earlier this week and, shockingly, I LOVE it. Replaced my 12" MacBook with it.

I know that feeling. I didn't expect to like it and ended up loving it.

 

[BlueGoldAce]

I wish I could agree, but our models get checked now and then after firmware updates, and are still seeing enough issues that we can't rationalize using them. Mine is sitting on a shelf behind me collecting dust. I suppose it's possible that every one we received was defective?

I suppose, your call. That is not the narrative with everyone else.

I purchased a Surface Pro 4 (i5, 128GB) earlier this week and, shockingly, I LOVE it. Replaced my 12" MacBook with it.

 

[kis]

Bought another Surface Book yesterday in the hopes that Microsoft has now fixed the major issues with the anniversary update. And you know what: they have. Works like a charm, no crashes, no log-in problem, no battery issues. The thing is an absolute joy to use. Even Windows now looks very pretty. Most of the scalability issues are gone, fonts don't look weird anymore, apps are fast and stable. EDGE is very fast and most of the compatibility issues have been eliminated as well
[doublepost=1471675744][/doublepost]

There were well documented problems early on, but from what I've read and seen from other users, those problems have been resolved.

I can confirm that these have indeed been fixed. I'm not seeing any issues with my SB at the moment.

 

[iMi]

So, question to those of you who love the Surface.

Microsoft is said to be working on Surface Phone and an all-in-one desktop. Will you consider jumping ship and going all Window 10 on desktop, laptop/tablet and phone?

 

[BlueGoldAce]

So, question to those of you who love the Surface.

Microsoft is said to be working on Surface Phone and an all-in-one desktop. Will you consider jumping ship and going all Window 10 on desktop, laptop/tablet and phone?

Probably not, unless the app situation improves dramatically.

I find my android phone, and my past iPhones to a lesser degree, are easy enough to integrate together.

Cloud storage, Pushbullet, etc.

 

[j26]

I was considering the Lumia 950XL when it came out, but held off to see how the software platform is developing. It hasn't been encouraging. Windows 10 Mobile seems to be a dying platform - lack of apps is the key, and it seems that even some current app providers are no longer developing their apps. Unless Microsoft can address that I'm staying away from Windows Phones.

 

[iMi]

Probably not, unless the app situation improves dramatically.

I find my android phone, and my past iPhones to a lesser degree, are easy enough to integrate together.

Cloud storage, Pushbullet, etc.

App situation is to improve with the Universal app push Microsoft is working on, but I agree with you. App store is a problem. Can you tell me more about the way you implement the integration between Windows 10 and iPhone, or OS X if applicable?

That's the biggest challenge for me. I got iTunes on the Surface for Apple Music and iCloud to sync calendar and use OneDrive for all documents and work stuff. The biggest pain points are browser bookmarks and keychain passwords. Any advice?

 

[tbayrgs]

App situation is to improve with the Universal app push Microsoft is working on, but I agree with you. App store is a problem. Can you tell me more about the way you implement the integration between Windows 10 and iPhone, or OS X if applicable?

That's the biggest challenge for me. I got iTunes on the Surface for Apple Music and iCloud to sync calendar and use OneDrive for all documents and work stuff. The biggest pain points are browser bookmarks and keychain passwords. Any advice?

Easiest solution for the later two items is to switch to Chrome---can handle both, will just have to rebuild the keychain as there is no way to migrate passwords. I also recommend using a third party password manager like 1Password or LastPass vs relying solely on the browser.