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iPad Pro Should I sell my barely used Surface Pro 4 and get the new iPad Pro 10.5??

For the record: I have a Surface Pro 4 (i7 16GB RAM 512 GB SSD). The current version has no problems with sleep and wake up or battery draining during sleep. I also have the Surface dock at home with a 28" monitor and other peripherals connected. After upgrading to the latest firmware with a separate MS tool, I have no issues with the dock.

If I could have just one computer, it would be the Surface Pro 4. I can do everything with it where I need a computer, but it is not the best tool for everything, of course. Light gaming is possible, using it as a tablet for web browsing and book reading, too.

I mainly need a Windows PC for work (programming in Matlab, Visual Studio, accessing Company servers with Active Directory, etc.). For most of my personal stuff an iPad would be sufficient, but currently not the most effective tool for everything I do with computers in my spare time.

In the past I used just my MacBook Pro 15" with Windows installed in a Bootcamp partition, but today I need a genuine PC officially supported by IT at work, or I'm locked out of some company tools. For my home use I still have the MacBook for Lightroom photo management etc. But for surfing the net, looking up new e-mail, reading books and papers I prefer the iPad.

The OP has everything he really needs for his computer usage. I would only consider upgrading the iPad Air 2 to the new Pro version but keep the Surface, or upgrade this to a Macbook or Windows gaming notebook. I would not go iPad only at this time; even iOS11 is not sufficient to go iPad only, for me and in my opinion for the OP.
 
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whg said:
For the record: I have a Surface Pro 4
Click to expand...
I owned a SP3, and it was a nice computer, but it was used more as a laptop replacement, then a tablet. While I did use it in tablet mode (my kids used it more), the iPad provides a better experience in tablet mode.

Since the OP already stated he's barely using the SP4, and he enjoys the iPad more, then I think he mostly made up is mind, but came here for further justification on his desire.
 
Dude, that's a tough choice. Surface Pro 4, I have heard, is one beast of a machine.
Sure it may not match Apple's iPad battery life, but then you're running Windows !:D And even then it rivals the iPad in some merits.

I think that if you use the Surface to capture video for YouTube (I am guessing PC gaming vids for your channel), then I would recommend staying with the Surface. While the iPad has beyond far better editing tools (IMO), the Surface can actually play and record Windows based PC games.

While I would never purchase a Surface (haven't used Windows in 12 years), I have heard nothing but positive things about the line since the Surface Pro was released.
 
DNichter said:
If you want a tablet, go with the iPad. Easy choice. The Surface is a terrible tablet, if you can even call it that.
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Yes, the Surface Pro is definitely heavily skewed toward notebook-style usage. (that's the reason why none of Microsoft's ads for the Surface ever show the Surface without the keyboard).

There's a wide range of tablet use cases. For basic content consumption, the Surface is adequate. Using it in more moderate to advanced tablet uses, the Surface does indeed fall woefully short.

-10_____________0_____________+10
__|<------------+------------->|
_Tablet.....convergence......Notebook

I look at my search for the sweet spot of convergence on a scale. On this scale, "0" is "perfect convergence" (whatever THAT means... probably equal compromises on both ends), -10 is no-compromise tablet usage, +10 is no compromise notebook usage.

My goal is to find that device that is a "0" for me. That it can handle my tablet uses equally well as it handles my notebook uses. For me, the iPad Pro+ASK+Pencil gets a "-5" on that scale. The Surface gets a "+8".

For the iPad to get closer to "0", Apple would need to add support for pointing devices, file manager, and removable media, followed closely by apps with greater functionality.

For the Surface to get closer to "0", Microsoft would need to dramatically improve the Modern UI and a significant growth in the quantity of quality apps to make use of the Modern UI.
 
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You must not give up your Surface Pro 4. You have to get rid of Acer Windows laptop. Without Acer you will be forced to use Surface Pro more often and get used to it. 10.5 is nice but what will you need it for? Surface Pro have slight advantage over iPad is file management and Windows 10 got better now.
 
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I had the same model SP4 and liked it but ultimately returned it. It is great as an ultraportable but really lagged as a tablet. Windows just hasn't cracked that code yet. Windows 10 is a fine OS but it just isn't for tablet users.....at its core, it's a desktop OS with some touch features. One can argue though that the iPad suffers the same setbacks for those who desire a laptop. In the end, it boils down to what you need. My personal rig consists of the iPad Pro 10.5" (256gb) and a Logitech Slim Combo. Got a great deal on both. Now, all I need is a CAC card reader and I'm set. The difference for me? I'm already heavily invested in the Apple ecosystem and, I use the iPad for consumption about 75% of the time....therefore, the "tablet experience" is most important to me.
 
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I fit at the other end of the spectrum I guess. I keep upgrading iPad, thinking the next one will be "the one," currently an iPad Pro 9.7", but ultimately after the initial excitement and smell of something new wears off, I find they fall short of what I would like them to do and get relegated to second tier status. The iPad Pro is the least used of all my Apple devises, which includes iMac, MBP, iPhone, Apple Watch, Apple TV and a couple iPods.

I was starting to get wrapped up in the excitement of the new releases, looking at the upgraded 12.9", but decided to go a different route with the new Surface Pro, because what I really need is an ultra light laptop that can also function as a tablet.

I am on day 6 of a 30 day return window, so will see how it pans out, but so far I like it a lot. I think it will suit my own needs better than an iPad, baring some "gotcha" or deal breaker inside those 30 days. Time will tell :)
 
rowspaxe said:
16 paragraphs to ask a forum to advise you on a simple purchase decision?
Click to expand...

If it bothers you, don't read it. What contribution does your comment have that it was even necessary.


- To the OP, I think hang on to the SP4. There are several things that still cannot be done with the iPad Pro with external devices. You never know when that support will come in handy.
 
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pinhead4ever said:
I was in similar situation, bought SP4 few months ago. Returned SP4, then tried HP spectre x360. Returned spectre as well, bought ipad pro 10,5 256GB and 2017 macbook air to replace spectre. Air is for coding and content creation, ipad pro note taking and content consumption. Very happy now:)
Click to expand...
I'm considering the same (iPad 10.5 + Macbook) why did you choose 2017 MBA over 12" Macbook? I like MBA but that low resolution screen is just terrible.
[doublepost=1498599624][/doublepost]This is a very tough decision imo.
I'm myself considering iPad Pro 10.5 + Macbook vs Surface Pro.

Previously I had MBP and iPad Mini,but sold them and bought a 12" MB and plan to buy a 10.5" iPad Pro with Pencil,but at the same time I'm tempted to just buy a Surface Pro 4.(or the 2017 Surface Pro).

The reality is Surface Pro works better than iPad as a computer and iPad works better as a tablet.

Cost of owning both MB and iPad Pro is too much and in many cases un-necessary yet the iPad won't be able to handle some basic and essential computing tasks without real file management.
 
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Thanks everyone for the awesome advice!

I have decided that I won't be selling my Surface Pro 4 and will be keeping it because I really want to play some of my all time favourite classic games and so I have now ordered some of my all time favourite classic games The Simpsons Hit & Run and the Incredibles and The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe I haven't played these awesome games for a good 7-10 years ago(this was on the PlayStation 2 back in the day) and ordered a good game controller as well and I really really can't wait to relive some great and awesome memories playing these awesome games on my Surface Pro 4 haha!! :D:D

And you just never know in the future if I will be using my Surface Pro 4 for more things like video/photo editing that is if i do start making YouTube videos again or not in the future or all so I might need my Surface Pro 4 for work one day....

But I think it is big big shame that these old classic games like The Simpsons Hit & Run and the Incredibles, etc are not on the iPad tho, It would of been definitely awesome to play those games on the iPad.

And since I am keeping my Surface Pro 4 I will use my current iPad Air 2 for another year before upgrading to the next version and much better iPad Pro 10.5 in 2018, I just don't think the new iPad Pro 10.5 is not that much of a big upgrade to replace my awesome iPad Air 2 at the moment.

So I am waiting another year to upgrade my iPad Air 2 to the next version and much better iPad Pro 10.5 in 2018 and the iPad Air 2 will be used for casual things like web browsing, watching videos, playing iPad games, listening to music, etc.


Anyway I just want to say a MASSIVE thank you to those wonderful people who have given advice on what to do!! :D:D
 
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whg said:
For the record: I have a Surface Pro 4 (i7 16GB RAM 512 GB SSD). I also have the Surface dock at home with a 28" monitor and other peripherals connected. After upgrading to the latest firmware with a separate MS tool, I have no issues with the dock..
Click to expand...
The surface dock is incredable and innovative and no one ever talks about it--including MS.
 
ShaunAFC3 said:
Thanks everyone for the awesome advice!

I have decided that I won't be selling my Surface Pro 4 and will be keeping it because I really want to play some of my all time favourite classic games and so I have now ordered some of my all time favourite classic games The Simpsons Hit & Run and the Incredibles and The Chronicles of Narnia The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe I haven't played these awesome games for a good 7-10 years ago(this was on the PlayStation 2 back in the day) and ordered a good game controller as well and I really really can't wait to relive some great and awesome memories playing these awesome games on my Surface Pro 4 haha!! :D:D

And you just never know in the future if I will be using my Surface Pro 4 for more things like video/photo editing that is if i do start making YouTube videos again or not in the future or all so I might need my Surface Pro 4 for work one day....

But I think it is big big shame that these old classic games like The Simpsons Hit & Run and the Incredibles, etc are not on the iPad tho, It would of been definitely awesome to play those games on the iPad.

And since I am keeping my Surface Pro 4 I will use my current iPad Air 2 for another year before upgrading to the next version and much better iPad Pro 10.5 in 2018, I just don't think the new iPad Pro 10.5 is not that much of a big upgrade to replace my awesome iPad Air 2 at the moment.

So I am waiting another year to upgrade my iPad Air 2 to the next version and much better iPad Pro 10.5 in 2018 and the iPad Air 2 will be used for casual things like web browsing, watching videos, playing iPad games, listening to music, etc.


Anyway I just want to say a MASSIVE thank you to those wonderful people who have given advice on what to do!! :D:D
Click to expand...
Thanks for the update. As much as you appreciate this advice now, I think over time, you'll appreciate it even more. :) Enjoy!
 
rowspaxe said:
The surface dock is incredable and innovative and no one ever talks about it--including MS.
Click to expand...

The dock does make the Surface Pro into a quite competent but expensive desktop. Of course its the versatility you are paying for. For me the Surface Pro is decent as a laptop (not steady enough on the lap and lacks USB ports), decent as a tablet (Windows isn't optimized for touch screens and the app selection is low) and a decent desktop (the dock provides enough ports but the video card isn't for gaming).

Without the dock the Surface Pro can still be a desktop but will lack ports. But the quicker charging, added ports, ethernet hookup and dual monitor support makes the Surface Dock a very good accessory for the Surface Pro.

The iPad Pro is much better as a tablet and about as good as a laptop (sits on the lap better but lacks some functionality) but of course about useless as a desktop (Airplay to a monitor but you still have to use the iPad itself to interface and no added ports or any benefit other than a bigger screen).

I liked it but I like my combo of gaming desktop and iPad Pro 10.5 better.
 
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