Surface 2 + Windows PC vs iPad and Mac

[pierrer]

Hey guys,
I have come to a bit of a problem. I currently have a Windows 8.1 laptop w/o a touch screen, an iPad 2, and an iPhone 5. I have the opportunity to buy my friend's MacBook Pro 13 inch 2011 model with fully upgraded specs for the time, but I'm not sure whether I should buy it. The price he has given me is $450, which is crazy! I have recently looked into the Surface 2, and since it has great battery life, Microsoft Office and the amazing keyboard covers, I am seriously considering buying one as my primary tablet and moving on over to Microsoft world. The Surface 2 has all the apps I use on my iPad, and I don't really listen to any music on my iPad so my iTunes purchases don't really matter. Plus I am at school and currently use my iPad, but I feel the Surface would be much better. What should I do? Do I buy the Surface 2 or get the MacBook? I was planning to get an iPad Mini with Retina at the end of this year to use as my primary tablet in conjunction with the MacBook. So really there are two options. Windows PC + surface or iPad + MacBook.
Thanks everyone,
Pierre

 

[JamesWillson69]

Hey Pierre,

First of all, I think defiantly get the MacBook pro, and here's why. The battery life in the Surface tablets and in general across most windows pc's have a 'short span longevity', meaning that the longer hours of the battery are only capable for a limited number of battery runs before the amount of hours decrease. Naturally, this happens across all tech devices but the compound used in windows pc's speeds this process for the short burst of long hours. Secondly, looking into the future, the hard drive, processors and GPU's in the MacBook last longer due to the fact the MacBook was designed as a computer, while on the other hand the internals in the surface were designed for a tablet, meaning computer based programs running on a tablet wear them more quickly, slowing the tablet down faster than on the MacBook. Lastly, the MacBook has a sexy design. Plus, if lox is offering it to you for 400 bucks, just do it m8, do it!


James.

 

[alex2792]

Definitely go with the surface 2, I just got one and it's FAR better than iPad. It can really replace a laptop for the vast majority of tasks while the iPad is just a toy.

 

[nickchallis92]

Hey Pierre,

First of all, I think defiantly get the MacBook pro, and here's why. The battery life in the Surface tablets and in general across most windows pc's have a 'short span longevity', meaning that the longer hours of the battery are only capable for a limited number of battery runs before the amount of hours decrease. Naturally, this happens across all tech devices but the compound used in windows pc's speeds this process for the short burst of long hours. Secondly, looking into the future, the hard drive, processors and GPU's in the MacBook last longer due to the fact the MacBook was designed as a computer, while on the other hand the internals in the surface were designed for a tablet, meaning computer based programs running on a tablet wear them more quickly, slowing the tablet down faster than on the MacBook. Lastly, the MacBook has a sexy design. Plus, if lox is offering it to you for 400 bucks, just do it m8, do it!


James.

What a load of absolute tosh

 

[jonAppleSeed]

I'd say the Surface 2 would be better for you at school, it's almost a full laptop replacement.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

The surface beats any 13" Macbook, hands down. The one issue I foresee is that the Surface keyboard isn't a full size keyboard, so it won't be the same as using a laptop. having said that, the keyboard on the MBP isn't all that amazing compared to some PC's, so to each their own.

The MBP for $450 is a great deal if you're set on OS X, but the Surface 2 is a superb machine and if you don't mind the (lack of) dedicated keyboard I highly recommend it.

 

[sracer]

The surface beats any 13" Macbook, hands down. The one issue I foresee is that the Surface keyboard isn't a full size keyboard, so it won't be the same as using a laptop. having said that, the keyboard on the MBP isn't all that amazing compared to some PC's, so to each their own.

The MBP for $450 is a great deal if you're set on OS X, but the Surface 2 is a superb machine and if you don't mind the (lack of) dedicated keyboard I highly recommend it.

I have to respectfully disagree with the text I put in bold. I have the TypeCover2 on my Surface RT and the keyboard is exactly the same width as the keys on my 15" MBP.

 

[thejadedmonkey]

I have to respectfully disagree with the text I put in bold. I have the TypeCover2 on my Surface RT and the keyboard is exactly the same width as the keys on my 15" MBP.

I was going to respectfully disagree with your disagreement, but I Just put my touch cover over my desktop keyboard, and it was the same exact size. Maybe because it's a touch cover instead of a type cover, or maybe some other reason, but it just doesn't "feel" right for me. But again the MacBook Air keyboard doesn't feel all that great for me either... I prefer my clickity-clackity keys.

Yes, I admit, I'm a keyboard snob.

 

[sracer]

I was going to respectfully disagree with your disagreement, but I Just put my touch cover over my desktop keyboard, and it was the same exact size. Maybe because it's a touch cover instead of a type cover, or maybe some other reason, but it just doesn't "feel" right for me. But again the MacBook Air keyboard doesn't feel all that great for me either... I prefer my clickity-clackity keys.

Yes, I admit, I'm a keyboard snob.

I have a touch cover 1 (came bundled with my RT) as well. It's better than typing with the onscreen keyboard but that's about it. Honestly, the TYPE Cover 2 is amazing. Having actual keys, even with very little travel, makes all the difference in the world.

 

[Technarchy]

I love my MBA and iPad, but if I was cash strapped college student, I'd jump all over a Surface 2 RT, get a Type Cover and call it a day.

However, if money wasn't the main issue, I'd opt for my MBA and iPad Mini Retina.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

I wouldn't be getting RT anything at this stage since the ecosystem is absolutely dead.

If the Surface RT 2 proves to be even remotely as much as a flop as the Surface RT was, I don't think MS will be back for a third round of fail. You'll be left with a completely unsupported device not all that long after purchasing it (you know, like all those Windows Phone 7 people were).

You'd be better off with a Surface Pro 2, but then at those prices, i'd choose a Macbook Air over it anyways....

 

[laserfox]

I wouldn't be getting RT anything at this stage since the ecosystem is absolutely dead.

If the Surface RT 2 proves to be even remotely as much as a flop as the Surface RT was, I don't think MS will be back for a third round of fail. You'll be left with a completely unsupported device not all that long after purchasing it (you know, like all those Windows Phone 7 people were).

You'd be better off with a Surface Pro 2, but then at those prices, i'd choose a Macbook Air over it anyways....

LOL What a load of bull.
First off eve if Microsoft doesn't make a surface 3 the surface r and RT will still be supported with updates. its a windows pc just running on ARM chips. Windows update works the same way it works on every other of the millions of PCs out there.

Surface RT just got upgraded to windows 8.1 with tons of new features and Outlook RT was added for free. if that's not support I don't know what is.

Apple cuts off support for older devices all the time. how is WP7 any different? Microsoft still released a 7.8 update with the new start screen etc

Anyways to answer the OP question
The surface 2 is absolutely a great device for college. since you already use windows 8 and are aware of the ecosystem pros and cons - I recommend the surface 2 easily if you don't need specialized x86 software.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

Apple cuts off support for older devices all the time. how is WP7 any different? Microsoft still released a 7.8 update with the new start screen etc

It's very different because you'll find most apps won't be developed for WP7, the apps which get developed will be for WP8. The APIs differ significantly enough that there are serious doubts about whether developers will bother to invest all the extra time needed in accommodating the relatively small install base of WP7.

Anyways to answer the OP question
The surface 2 is absolutely a great device for college. since you already use windows 8 and are aware of the ecosystem pros and cons - I recommend the surface 2 easily if you don't need specialized x86 software.

The point is that they aren't the same ecosystem. RT is missing out on what is by far the biggest asset of Windows - the millions upon millions of legacy x86 applications.

 

[TPadden]

I love my MBA and iPad, but if I was cash strapped college student, I'd jump all over a Surface 2 RT, get a Type Cover and call it a day.

However, if money wasn't the main issue, I'd opt for my MBA and iPad Mini Retina.

...... and I got a Touch Cover for it's portability with the plan of waiting for the Power Cover for the real keyboard with moving key feel. Either keyboard will be redundant with the Power Cover but I rationalized that at least the touch cover will be a little different option ........

"Power Cover. Power Cover delivers the same great typing experience you get with Type Cover while extending the battery life of your Surface 2, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 by up to 50 percent to help you make it through that late-night meeting or the entire flight. Power Cover will have an estimated retail price of $199.99 and has a projected release date of early 2014."

 

[laserfox]

It's very different because you'll find most apps won't be developed for WP7, the apps which get developed will be for WP8. The APIs differ significantly enough that there are serious doubts about whether developers will bother to invest all the extra time needed in accommodating the relatively small install base of WP7.



The point is that they aren't the same ecosystem. RT is missing out on what is by far the biggest asset of Windows - the millions upon millions of legacy x86 applications.

and lots of apps for iOS later versions DO NOT work with earlier versions of iOS. Trust me I have an iPod touch.

Also you didn't highlight the part where I said if he doesn't need specialized x86 software!

 

[Technarchy]

The point is that they aren't the same ecosystem. RT is missing out on what is by far the biggest asset of Windows - the millions upon millions of legacy x86 applications.

Asset or albatross?

When I jumped to OSX from Windows 8 the absence of "millions upon millions of legacy x86 applications" had no impact at all on my computing experience. Same was true when we got a Chromebook and iPad.

Unless there is absolutely, positively something very specific you need that runs on Windows only, legacy compatibility dependence is unnecessary.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

Asset or albatross?

When I jumped to OSX from Windows 8 the absence of "millions upon millions of legacy x86 applications" had no impact at all on my computing experience. Same was true when we got a Chromebook and iPad.

Unless there is absolutely, positively something very specific you need that runs on Windows only, legacy compatibility dependence is unnecessary.

Well the applications seemingly hold a lot of value for some, particularly organisations - but like you, i'm adaptable.

I'm personally very glad that the stranglehold MS had on the computing industry is slowly receding and it's evident in all areas of their business except the enterprise.