Windows Surface Pro 7 or Ipad Pro?

[ujio]

I was all set for getting an Ipad Pro 12.9, to replace my 10yr old Ipad 2, complete with fandangled pencil as I was looking to start drawing and designing recreationally primarily. However, at just over £1k (256gb), I've just realised that apart from the drawing bit (hence the larger screen size), I will be using it as a giant Iphone, but obviously some apps will be more useable than others in Ipad format.

My laptop is a 7yr old Macbook Air (still going surprisingly well touch wood), on which I run bootcamp as I need to use Windows 10 for work purposes (Office 365 and heavy excel doesn't work for me on IOS). So I spend more time on using Windows on it than native apple these days.

However, I've just realised that a better bet would be to get a 2-in-1 device that will hopefully do both recreational tablet work and more involved Windows10 work stuff. Seeing that I will probably not be using the Ipad Pro to anywhere near it's max potential, I'm thinking about the Windows Surface Pro but it has mixed reviews.

The 8gb, 128gb i5 version with stylus will come to around £1k. Has anyone got one, and has it met or exceeded your expectations? Or should I wait for the next evolution as apparently it hasn't changed much in 2yrs and due a revamp. Arghhh... decisions... decisions.

[sparkyhx]

if you are used to apple, are bought into apple (other devices), stick with apple, I see no compelling reason not to unless you need to work on the MS application stack.

..............thats coming from someone who would buy the Surface all day every day.

[ujio]

thanks Sparky. At the moment the only way I'm in the ecosystem is with my Iphone 7... so for that reason I was thinking that all I would be doing is replicating that on a giant screen for £1k more!

So, Windows would likely add more functionality/usability in that sense. It's just whether the Surface Pro 7 didn't deliver the good on either front, as opposed to being more than good for both!

[RumbleOfThunder]

I got a Surface Pro 7 a few months ago. I killed my 7 year old MBA and since I have a MBP for work, I wanted something Windows to keep my eye in. After flirting with HP Envy's and Lenovo's that packed in decent specs, but behaved oddly with thermals, I needed something different. I cannot tolerate laptops with audible fans when performing something as easy as watching Youtube.

For me the Surface is a great fit. On all but the highest config the 10th gen i5 is fan-less, so completely silent operation. For my usage this is fine. The back does get toasty while streaming 2k and 4k, especially while charging, but I haven't encountered any noticeable throttling. The 2k display is excellent and not usually a feature seen on Win devices of this price point. Battery is fine. Decent for a laptop but some way off an iPad or mobile device. The hardware build itself seems excellent and the inbuilt kickstand is a proper masterstroke, infinitely adjustable unlike some triple folding case affair. The provided 65w MagSafe charger has already died, and arranging a replacement looks to be a PITA. Thankfully it will charge over USB-C if you have a beefy enough charger (30w upwards).

Until recently I've used it as a tablet only device with no keyboard or stylus. It's a serviceable experience but Windows is clearly not iOS and absolutely benefits from a keyboard cover. The Windows offerings are pricey but worth it IMO. My only big reservation is the Intel chips at the heart of these. If the ARM based M1 Mac's have shown anything its that Intel's are extremely power hungry for the performance on offer and are no longer suited to mobile applications such as these. AMD are at least moving to a 5 nanometre process soon which might make a Surface feeling very old hat a few years down the line.

Edited by RumbleOfThunder on Wednesday 20th January 13:51

[BenRichards89]

I'd vote for the Surface. The Pro 8 is out soon IIRC

I've got an old Pro 3, it's only the base model i3 64GB but it's a brilliant little machine, still used regularly (though not my main PC), running the latest build Windows 10, and has held up really well.

[anonymous-user]

I bought a Surface Pro4 5 years ago and it's still going strong (i5 with 128gb SSD). Super reliable. Recently reinstalled Win10 on it and it's fast as you like for office work, running 2 additional 24" screens via the docking station. Probably the best PC/laptop I've bought.

Not used Apple stuff for work before, so can't compare to that, though.

[ujio]

Thanks for the input all.

I've decided to wait for the surface pro 8 as suggested (release should be imminent). Will do the keyboard and pen thing, just checked would also need to budget £220 for the docking station too (always use a dual monitor set-up for work stuff).

As I already ordered the Apple, it's now being sent back!

[Tycho]

ujio said:

Thanks for the input all.

I've decided to wait for the surface pro 8 as suggested (release should be imminent). Will do the keyboard and pen thing, just checked would also need to budget £220 for the docking station too (always use a dual monitor set-up for work stuff).

As I already ordered the Apple, it's now being sent back!

I'd go somewhere like CEX to get a 2nd hand dock TBH. They have the slightly older dock in stock for £75 which looks similar to the new dock but without the USB-C ports.