SP6 vs MBP

[adamr7]

I currently have a 2013 MBP but am looking to upgrade. I've actually been considering for a while.

The Surface Pros have always intrigued me but i've been hesitant to go to Windows. I still prefer Mac OS.

However, the people I know with a recent MBP model have had the same issues that many have reported on here. (mainly cooling and keyboard)

I hesitate to pay for one of the new MBP models when Apple appears to have neglected such fundamental parts. Despite this the Surface Pro is the only Windows device I can see myself switching to. I really do like the ability to write on the screen for notes and having one device.

Either way i'm looking at an i7 model. I'm not a serious video editor or coder but starting to do more of that.

It's possible that the SP6 suffers from the same flaws as the new MBPs. Maybe the MBP issues have gotten overblown? Can anyone with experience with both devices shed some light?

 

[maflynn]

I've owned a Surface Pro back in the day, I actually forget if it was the SP3 or SP4 in all seriousness.

Here's my perspective, your mileage may vary:
The Surface Pro is a tablet that can function as a laptop, and as such it has a number of design choices that you need to be made aware of. For instance the center of gravity is not on the bottom of the keyboard, but the display. That is the display has all of the weight, the keyboard is light. Typing on the SP on your lap is not that enjoyable. Its doable but not great.

Performance, I think the MBP will beat out the SP6 due to the lower power intel variants being used.

Port selection, while the MBP only has USB-C, you get more ports.

Don't get me wrong, i think for many situations the SP6 could be a very good computer, and I'm kicking around the idea of getting the SP6 or a Surface Go (though I'll wait to see what MS releases later this year). I found replacing my MBP, it just wasn't up to snuff.

 

[Queen6]

Very different hardware, if video editing is becoming a factor I'd recommend the Surface Book as it has a dGPU and will be far better for the task. MBP is just a clamshell notebook that runs macOS the SP6 is a competent 2in1.

i7 over i5 10%-12% performance increase at best, if the chassis can allow the higher boost clocks for extended periods of time. Personally I wouldn't sweat it and go with the i5 and put the money into the storage or the Surface Book. Modern processors are far more performant than many think.

Currently I'm traveling with two systems on a hex core i7 the other a duel core i3 for basic productivity there's no real differentiator as the i3 can hold a solid 2.7GHz all day long which is good enough. The i7 is obviously far more powerful, equally I don't always need that level of performance, so no need of both systems being spec'd the same.

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

I have a Surface Pro 5 (2017) and really like it a lot. It is a "go to" for travel since it is lightweight, durable, works well on seat back trays and can be charged via 12v in the car. I haven't found a situation where I was unable to configure the kickstand to work, including my lap, but as mentioned it isn't ideal in the lap. The keyboard doesn't have the rigidity of traditional laptop design and of course, can separate.

If you are looking to do a heavy photo/video editing or gaming, of course, the Surface Book has the powerful dGPU that make it a better match the Surface Laptop is more your traditional laptop design. That said, if I could do it all over again I would buy another. I really do enjoy the machine.

 

[dwig]

...

It's possible that the SP6 suffers from the same flaws as the new MBPs. ...

No, not at least the two major MBP issues, the keyboard and the display flex cable.

The SP is a 2-in-1 where the display and all circuit boards are in the same panel with no flexing. This eliminates any issue like the MBP's "Flexgate" display problems.

While it is possible for the SP's keyboard to have dirt issues, traffic in Surface orientated forums doesn't indicate that there is any issue with any of the keyboards for current or past Surface or Surface Pro models. Also, if anyone experiences any problem with a Surface or Surface Pro keyboard it can be user replaced for substantially less cost than servicing a keyboard problem with a MBP.

 

[SDColorado]

No, not at least the two major MBP issues, the keyboard and the display flex cable.

The SP is a 2-in-1 where the display and all circuit boards are in the same panel with no flexing. This eliminates any issue like the MBP's "Flexgate" display problems.

While it is possible for the SP's keyboard to have dirt issues, traffic in Surface orientated forums doesn't indicate that there is any issue with any of the keyboards for current or past Surface or Surface Pro models. Also, if anyone experiences any problem with a Surface or Surface Pro keyboard it can be user replaced for substantially less cost than servicing a keyboard problem with a MBP.

Yeah, they keyboard doesn’t seem to have any issues with reliability. I pack mine in my motorcycle panniers and take it down dirt roads, use it camping where it gets dirt, dust and ash. I didn’t care much since I figured it would probably eventually need to be replaced and they keyboard covers are relatively cheap, but going on 2 years later it still works fine.

Obviously no issues with flex cable, T2 crashes and the like.

They do have the same zero repairability issues /zero upgradability issues as the MBP. But Surface Complete is cheaper than AppleCare+ to begin with and has reasonable co-pays vs Apple.