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Note taking best tablet?

  • iPad Pro 11

    Votes: 112 84.8%
  • Surface Go

    Votes: 20 15.2%

  • Total voters
    132
  • Poll closed .
I haven’t found my Surface Go laggy at all. I run SAS, a Windows only statistical analysis package. Granted, I’m not running really long, complex programs with huge data sets, but it runs my programs really well.

I myself wanted to get a device to run Tableau. It's above the minimum requirements (2gb RAM, Pentium) but below the recommended requirements (8gb RAM, i3).

What the Surface Go offers is the premise of a lightweight device with alright specs (4gb RAM Pentium, 64gb storage). The bezels aren't the most aesthetically pleasing with viewing either. But then again, an iPad 2018 has large bezels too.

I don't feel too comfortable paying $450 to get the device w/ the keyboard, but then again my iPad has 4 year old hardware and is about 2 year old itself.

I feel kinda backed into a corner because nothing within 1-2.5 lbs w/ a 1080p display, 4-8gb RAM, 2 in 1 capabilities on the PC side outside of the Surface Go.

Longevity of the Surface line is important to me too. I don't want to get a device that will have problems down the road. The SP4 was an awful device because it couldn't hold a charge for me.
 
Clearing out original sliw SD based 64GB though? You'd want 128GB which is SSD. More RSM better graphics with 8GB also.

Or Lenovo, HP etc can save $ and offer better deal.
 
Clearing out original sliw SD based 64GB though? You'd want 128GB which is SSD. More RSM better graphics with 8GB also.

Or Lenovo, HP etc can save $ and offer better deal.

In terms of specs, sure, but the weight wise? Can't be used as a tablet with ease. 3-4 lbs would be too heavy for long term use for some. I saw a decent HP, but the screen is a 768p display and weighs about 3.9 lbs. Can't go with that. Lenovo is a maybe.
 
Consider the $799 Surface Pro 6 i5/8GB/128GB bundle with type cover and pen over the Surface Go.

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Guys one of the main question that would ease the decision making process would be the following

  • If I take notes on iPad Pro 11 using apple pencil on OneNote app, then does it detect words to enable search functionality through the search box?

Probably someone using iPad pro with pencil can confirm the above? This would be very very helpful.

I have NEVER managed to get handwriting recognition within OneNote. The functionality is not included in the IOS version of the app so am a little confused by those saying it works. There are other apps which have good recognition but not OneNote
 
Coming from a Surface Go myself I can tell you while it sounds good on paper and for sure you can do a lot more in Windows compared to iOS, the experience is just horrible.

First of all, its slow, period. Even wake from sleep is slow, it’s not like an iPad where it is instant.

Second, apps generally are not optimised for a tablet. I just feel the overall experience simply cannot compare to an iPad even though iOS definitely have its own limitations..

Slow? Is it because of the Pentium Processor? Or you’re used to an iPad and it’s just noticeably slower? One runs an x86 system and the other a lean mobile OS.
 
Slow? Is it because of the Pentium Processor? Or you’re used to an iPad and it’s just noticeably slower? One runs an x86 system and the other a lean mobile OS.
I had the 64GB/4GB RAM version of the Go (for about a week) and now the 128GB/8GB version. I wouldn’t call them slow. They’re certainly as fast as any <$1K Windows laptop. You can’t really compare speeds of full-blow W10 to iOS, in my experience.
 
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I had the 64GB/4GB RAM version of the Go (for about a week) and now the 128GB/8GB version. I wouldn’t call them slow. They’re certainly as fast as any <$1K Windows laptop. You can’t really compare speeds of full-blow W10 to iOS, in my experience.

Why did you upgrade to the 8gb RAM model? The 4gb model is fast enough for light PC usage, right? I am on a budget which is why I ask about the budget model.
 
Why did you upgrade to the 8gb RAM model? The 4gb model is fast enough for light PC usage, right? I am on a budget which is why I ask about the budget model.

I only upgraded because MicroCenter ran the 8GB model on sale for $499, so I figured it was worth the extra $100 for twice the RAM.
 
I only upgraded because MicroCenter ran the 8GB model on sale for $499, so I figured it was worth the extra $100 for twice the RAM.

It's an extra $150 for me, so I opted to go 4gb RAM model. $350 vs $500 is a lot for a secondary device that will be used with portability in mind and for mainly Tableau or media consumption.

It's fast enough for what I need with the boot speed and the opening of apps or programs.
 
The Surface Go 128GB/4GB w/ type cover & Surface Pen is: $678.98. Only a few $$ more than the base iPad Pro 11". Edit: Oops meant the old 10.5" pro, forgot apple is charging an arm, leg, and kidney for the new 11"

I would saw go with the 6th Gen iPad or Surface Go with type cover and pen. The problem is with the iPad 6th gen you will have to buy the old generation Apple Pencil.

The 6th gen iPad 128gb is $627.95 with Pencil and a logitech keyboard case. With the 32gb iPad 6th gen and same accessories, the price is: $527.95

I would say the Surfact Go 128GB is the best value.
 
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The Surface Go 128GB/4GB w/ type cover & Surface Pen is: $678.98. Only a few $$ more than the base iPad Pro 11".

I would saw go with the 6th Gen iPad or Surface Go with type cover and pen. The problem is with the iPad 6th gen you will have to buy the old generation Apple Pencil.

The 6th gen iPad 128gb is $627.95 with Pencil and a logitech keyboard case. With the 32gb iPad 6th gen and same accessories, the price is: $527.95

I would say the Surfact Go 128GB is the best value.

Surface Go with the 4gb/128gb SSD + type cover is less than that. it would come out to about $549 before taxes. With the Pen, it's $638. Is the $678.98 w/ tax or something?

Base iPad Pro 11" cost $799.
 
Surface Go with the 4gb/128gb SSD + type cover is less than that. it would come out to about $549 before taxes. With the Pen, it's $638. Is the $678.98 w/ tax or something?

Base iPad Pro 11" cost $799.
You're right, made a mistake and edited my previous post. thanks
 
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I use a Surface for work and absolutely HATE it. It is the bane of my existence.
[doublepost=1542585621][/doublepost]And Notes Plus is the best note taking app out there in my opinion.
Had a Surface Pro 3 for work and same, was the worst computer I have ever had ... replaced it with a stock Dell and it works well, but leave it at work and just remote in from iPad as needed ... thought about the surface go as a way to have a windows computer at home when I need it, which is sometimes ... I have parallels on my macbooks but sometimes it doesn’t work as intended and stressful at that ... for the right price will still consider it ... wish it was self upgradeable so I could upgrade ram and ssd as needed later on ...
 
The Surface Go 128GB/4GB w/ type cover & Surface Pen is: $678.98. Only a few $$ more than the base iPad Pro 11". Edit: Oops meant the old 10.5" pro, forgot apple is charging an arm, leg, and kidney for the new 11"

I would saw go with the 6th Gen iPad or Surface Go with type cover and pen. The problem is with the iPad 6th gen you will have to buy the old generation Apple Pencil.

The 6th gen iPad 128gb is $627.95 with Pencil and a logitech keyboard case. With the 32gb iPad 6th gen and same accessories, the price is: $527.95

I would say the Surfact Go 128GB is the best value.
Surface Go uses eMMC which is the interface and no slouch, add 256GB SDXC. $349 + $72 pencil, using existing BT keyboard and mice. It's better than I expected while the SP 8/128 was what my last one was and closer to ideal.

I think the day the Surface Go has Qualcomm's SnapDragon 1000 will go with that.

Surface is not a IPP but my 10.5 is fine for tablet consumption or use Tab S3. I'm still invested in iPhone and Android, Mac and Surface.
 
Yeap, I can also confirm this on my iPad Pro 11.
This is strange - it definitely doesn’t work on my 12.9. I’ve been waiting for drag and drop to be added to OneNote for years and not seen anything in the release notes. When I drag an image from safari into OneNote, nothing happens. Evernote, notability etc all support this and have since is 11, but I can’t get it to work in OneNote.
 
I have both the Surface Pro and the iPad Pro. My view is that if you’re committed to using OneNote, then the Surface Go is likely the better choice. They are both very captable devices but the difference utlimately comes down to the notetaking software and what you prefer. OneNote for iOS is not as good as OneNote for Windows, and you’ll get a better experience on the Surface Go if you are invested in the OneNote system.

Can you elaborate on the reasons why you think Onenote is better in Windows system than IOS ? Thanks for attention
 
I have both the Ipad Pro 11 and the GO (GO 128GB). I really like the Pen better on the iPad and it works fine in OneNote. I am however a heavy OneNote/Outlook user so I prefer the desktop versions of that software which I why I lean towards the Surface. If I didn't need Office/ Full Outlook/ and all the feature of OneNote I definitely would be using the iPad because of content (other than Office) content creation and viewing. The Apple eco system when you are also using the iPhone helps tilt the scale in the favor of Apple. I think for me the iPad Mini with a Pen could change the workflow. If I can have a small lightweight device that can fit in my pocket be my mobile notepad with mobile OneNote that would work for a lot of the meetings I am in and then the Surface GO/PRO can do the heavy work after than
 
I would highly recommend the iPad Pro above the Surface. I would also consider options other than Microsoft OneNote. There are some awesome note-taking apps for the iPad that are far superior:

GoodNotes 5
https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2019/1/goodnotes-5
https://www.macstories.net/reviews/goodnotes-5-the-macstories-review/

Notability:
https://www.macstories.net/ios/ipad-diaries-apple-pencil-notability-and-the-joy-of-note-taking/

LiquidText:
http://www.macdrifter.com/2018/12/taking-notes-on-an-ipad-with-liquidtext.html

One other thing I've noted from this thread. Almost everybody with a Surface uses it mostly as a laptop because it's just not a very good tablet. And if you think about it, that really just makes it an overpriced Windows laptop.
 
I would highly recommend the iPad Pro above the Surface. I would also consider options other than Microsoft OneNote. There are some awesome note-taking apps for the iPad that are far superior:

GoodNotes 5
https://www.macsparky.com/blog/2019/1/goodnotes-5
https://www.macstories.net/reviews/goodnotes-5-the-macstories-review/

Notability:
https://www.macstories.net/ios/ipad-diaries-apple-pencil-notability-and-the-joy-of-note-taking/

LiquidText:
http://www.macdrifter.com/2018/12/taking-notes-on-an-ipad-with-liquidtext.html

One other thing I've noted from this thread. Almost everybody with a Surface uses it mostly as a laptop because it's just not a very good tablet. And if you think about it, that really just makes it an overpriced Windows laptop.

That might be true for the bigger Surface versions but not for the Go. You can get a Go with the excellent backlit keyboard and trackpad for about half the money of the iPP 11“ with keyboard folio....

I take it with me in addition to my 12.9 iPP for the things I am not able to do with it because of the limitations Apple put on the iPads. If you are using the keyboard with trackpad or an additional mouse together with the Go it is very hard to go back to the iPad. A touchscreen together with a keyboard feels totally weird and uncomfortable...
 
This thread was a great read. Very informative reading about the true differences between these two devices. My vote goes to the iPad Pro 2018, if you need anything more than that I’d say buy a ultra thin and light laptop.
 
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