M1 MBP + Surface Book 3 or iPad Pro 12.9

[Jglez]

Hi there!
I currently own an M1 MacBook Pro 13" and a Surface Book 3 15" as well as an iPad Pro 12.9 LTE + Magic Keyboard.

I want to get rid of one of the devices but I would like to get some input from you as to see what you would deem the most beneficial.

My workflow includes programming and lots of browsing for creating/ editing documents, being in touch with colleagues and I like to do some gaming on my downtime.

The possible combinations I thought of were the following:

1. Macbook Pro M1 + Surface Book 3 without iPad Pro: I would use the MBP M1 for most of my office work and programming, then using the Surface Book 3 for Gaming and some tablet-like reading at times since I can detach the screen from the body. I would then be getting rid of the iPad Pro.
2. Macbook Pro M1 + iPad Pro without Surface Book 3: I would then be using my Macbook Pro M1 for most office work and programming, I would then sign up to a service like Stadia or GeForce now for gaming on the cloud with my Macbook and triple A games. To be appreciated here is the larger battery in the iPad Pro vs the Surface Book since one is powered by an Intel processor and the other by an ARM processor.
3. Surface Book 3 only: Less is more sometimes, I could easily do my office work, programming and gaming all in one device. I would very well also be able to use it as a table for the occasional ebook reading. The only downsides here are battery since the device is powered by an Intel processor and wont get more than 8-9 hours on a single charge or even less depending on the load and future-proofing since I see the M1 as being a beacon of innovation being one of the first capable laptops with ARM having incredible battery and performance all in a slim stylish form-factor.

Other combinations that I have not written of but you can think of are also welcome. Would love to hear your input. Thank you!

Best.

 

[Doug.b]

I would test Stadia or GeForce now before considering option 2, because you're going to not only be locked into their respective libraries but you'll also have to deal with latency, there's really no way around that. If it were me, I would choose option 1. Seeing as how over time you'll be able to run more and more iPad apps on your Macbook Pro, I don't see the benefit of an iPad Pro in that case since as you mentioned you can turn your Surface Book 3 into a tablet.

 

[nothingtoseehere]

That's a tricky one as one never has enough informations about the situations and needs of others. For example, we do not know what smartphone you have and how it is integrated in handling your other devices.

As you consider seriously to get rid of the Surface, it seems that you do not need Windows. In that case, from my personal experience, I would suggest to stay within the ecosystem. I really like to have everything in one system, same notes on all devices, Continuity, Handoff, music and so on. (Based on the assumption that you also have an iPhone.)

Another idea is not to get rid of any device

 

[Jglez]

I would test Stadia or GeForce now before considering option 2, because you're going to not only be locked into their respective libraries but you'll also have to deal with latency, there's really no way around that. If it were me, I would choose option 1. Seeing as how over time you'll be able to run more and more iPad apps on your Macbook Pro, I don't see the benefit of an iPad Pro in that case since as you mentioned you can turn your Surface Book 3 into a tablet.

Thanks for your input Doug. I have tried GeForce and Stadia before, my biggest complaint is the game libraries and resolution: The game you play needs to be supported by them and their highest resolution (with GeForce now) is 1080p. What this in turns means is that you cannot really play all that many games except what is trendy right now.

 

[Jglez]

That's a tricky one as one never has enough informations about the situations and needs of others. For example, we do not know what smartphone you have and how it is integrated in handling your other devices.

As you consider seriously to get rid of the Surface, it seems that you do not need Windows. In that case, from my personal experience, I would suggest to stay within the ecosystem. I really like to have everything in one system, same notes on all devices, Continuity, Handoff, music and so on. (Based on the assumption that you also have an iPhone.)

Another idea is not to get rid of any device

Thanks for your input.
I suppose not getting rid of any device is also an option but then I would not need to create this post

My phone is an iPhone