Microsoft Surface Pro vs Apple iPad 4

10. imsickwithsmartphone posted on 15 Feb 2013, 06:45 4 20

nevermine.....
GO APPLE!! GO APPLE!!

13. feres13 posted on 15 Feb 2013, 07:20 2 4

Should compare it to the 32 GB iPad since even that ipad comes with more storage than the 64 GB surface pro
So it's 599$ vs 899$

26. -box- posted on 15 Feb 2013, 13:46 1 1

You can easily free more storage, mostly by moving the recovery partitions to external storage. There's a LifeHacker article on it. You technically get more storage from a 128GB Surface than you do from a 128GB muckbook (by like 3GB from the factory, more if you move the unneeded files off the main drive)

33. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 07:34 0 0

Actually after a little cleanup you can get 40GB free on a Surface Pro 64GB. ALSO, you can add multiple other storage options to it. You can print without a special printer. You can add up SDHC 64GB cards. I have a 32gb in Mine now. My 128 has all my office productivity tools installed, including ADUC tool set, SDKs and Office. VPN Software, HEAT and ITunes and other stuff and I have 76.8GB free. Oh and all I had to do to print to my printer was call up word and click print. I didn't even have to install drivers - it found the device and did it for me. Freaked me out a little but yea. The USB port rocks, the file system. The HDMI out port and OS support for it. With a USB wireless Mouse and keyboard I bought for $14.99 I can control Netflix on my big screen from across the house.

Here is how I see it:
IPAD easy to use,not easy to use as a Business tool, Pricey for what you get.

Surface Pro - what I have DREAMED of for many years. Its an ULTRA ULTRABOOK.

-Posted from the Pro 128

14. PhoneArenaUser posted on 15 Feb 2013, 07:32 14 1

I chose Microsoft Surface Pro!

22. wp8forever (unregistered) posted on 15 Feb 2013, 11:58 1 0

phonearena understand this , it looks like a tablet , BUT IS NOT LOL, so don't compare a toy , to a full computer ,try to flash an android device , jailbreak and iphone , root , and so so so so so so on with and ipad or any android tablet , guess what is not happening .

11. alterecho posted on 15 Feb 2013, 07:03 3 0

Not to mention the fact that it can run Android apps using Bluestack, and ability to run older PC games and emullators. The iPad is also very capable though. I personally prefer a 4:3 ratio of the iPad for a tablet. 16:9 looks lame to hold. The main problem with the iPad is the dependance on iTunes for media transfer and file management.

27. -box- posted on 15 Feb 2013, 13:49 1 1

It may seem "lame" to hold, but after playing with one (Surface RT, mind you) for about a half hour at the local Best Buy, I think that the shape is preferable, as it works better with the OS, and when using for widescreen movies or side-by-side apps, there's more actual usable room.

That said, after using it, I'd still spend the extra dough for an Asus Tai Chi or some of the other ultrabook/tablet hybrids. As much as I'd be using the device on a counter or as a photo frame when it's not in use, the angle of the kickstand was less than perfect for multiple-height uses (though great if it's on a desk or table and you're sitting before it), where a laptop or an adjustable hinge angle is preferable

34. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 07:38 0 0

The pro is significantly 'BEEFIER' than the RT. Its about 2 Lbs. And Yea a Tai Chi though? What is the double sided screen about? When would I need that?

But I see your point. Hey man if an Ultrabook is what your heart desires, go for it and let us know what you got and how you like it and why. Would love to hear all about it.

• This comment is posted in response to #27 Show
• This comment is posted in response to #27 Hide

12. CardiWPfan posted on 15 Feb 2013, 07:17 3 0

I have one word for ya The Surface Pro 2 coming in October 2013!! Watch the evolution unfolds!!

30. Droid_X_Doug posted on 15 Feb 2013, 13:52 0 0

I am definitely watching to see what v. 2.0 of the Surface Pro looks like. Either SP v. 2.0 or maybe one of the hardware partners step up to the plate. Sony Duo v. 2.0 could be a contender, too.

Surface Pro concept could be the next big thing. They proved the concept could be produced. Now they just need to make it compelling.

35. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 07:40 0 0

If Microsoft says October 2013 that means February 2014. My case in point? The Surface Pro I am typing this on.

16. cornerofthemoon posted on 15 Feb 2013, 08:54 2 0

Unfortunately, MS has a way of f*cking up opportunities. However the Surface Pro may at the very least become a viable niche player. The RT platform is probably doomed however. It's a shame because I really like it.

28. -box- posted on 15 Feb 2013, 13:50 0 1

Not the first time. HTC Jetstream comes to mind.... Grossly overpriced for what it was.

15. haseebzahid posted on 15 Feb 2013, 08:51 3 0

my point exactly kids or teens buy toy oh iPad

other people get surface pro once they have enough money though :D

29. -box- posted on 15 Feb 2013, 13:51 0 1

True, but I think the Surface is for a niche market. I don't think they expect huge sales numbers, rather to be a benchmark for the platform, like a Nexus, if you will, for Windows 8. Not always the best value or highest-spec, but well-rounded and a good buy.

36. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 07:43 0 0

But that Laptop will weigh like 5Lbs. You are not going to get a better spec ultrabook in the 999$ arena. But I hear ya. Spend extra for what you want. So far this Pro is fast and a pleasure to own. I had some driver issues but I think "THINK" recent updates resolved them.

37. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 07:46 0 0

Right on. And Apple just lowered the price of the Mac Book Air 13 by 100$ after the Surface Pro launched. Coincidence?

41. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 08:36 0 0

Funny this sites comments don't support touch. My Pro 128 ROCKS dude. I am loving it.

40. Lumache posted on 17 Feb 2013, 08:34 2 0

You mean that apple was too greedy to provide in the first place?

42. nemesis4670 posted on 17 Feb 2013, 17:10 0 0

Yea pretty much. I just find it funny that the most important thing for Apple devices is a third party hack that allows users to completely change the interface and add features that are "coincidentally" features that Android devices have out of the box. Just get an Android phone!

I have no loyalty to any brand. I have owned an iPhone, Windows Mobile Phone, Windows 7 Phone, Android Phone & Tablet, and I am contemplating upgrading to a newer Windows 8 Phone.

The Surface Pro is a home run for Microsoft. People are so quick to finalize the Surface Pro not realizing that this is a full product lineup. There will be new versions of the Surface Pro and it will only get better from here. Compare this to the first iPad and it's a ridiculous night and day difference. This device is a HUGE leap forward for Microsoft and you will NOT be disappointed if you buy one.

Just make sure you get the 128GB model and the Type cover and you'll be set. When you receive it you will immediately feel that it was worth every penny. Not once did I say "wow this wasn't worth $1000". It LOOKS expensive and performs like an expensive gadget.

I still can't believe a self proclaimed "professional" reviewer would place the Surface Pro in portrait mode for all of the photos. It just boggles my mind that he wouldn't think to photograph it the way it's used 90% of the time.

Another thing he forgot is that the Surface Pro has the same magnet charger as the MacBook Pro. You simply place the charging cable near the side of the Surface Pro and it flies into place using the same magnets that attach the Keyboard covers. VERY useful as it prevents accidents if you trip over the cable.

Also compare MORE apps like eBay, Netflix, Newegg, and also note the apps that iPad DOESN'T have like uTorrent! You will see just how amazing the Windows 8 apps look in comparison to Apple apps. Apple apps all have that same boring menu bar at the bottom and it's getting OLD.

The iPad silver aluminum definitely does not look better than the black slate VaporMg casing either. I beg anyone who is choosing between the two to go hold the Surface Pro in person. It won't compare to the experience of getting a brand new one but it'll still be cool. The packaging for the Surface Pro is beautiful in itself and taking the plastic off a brand new one you will be amazed. You will spend 15 minutes just examining the device around in awe.

If you need some convincing that black slate VaporMg is better than silver aluminum, just look how every Apple device is being changed to the same black slate colored aluminum. The iPad mini is black slate and so are the iPods. So it's obvious the iPad 5 will also be changed.

The Vapor Magnesium Alloy is stronger, thinner, and lighter than aluminum too. It just feels better in your hands! NO CONTEST! Now let's just hope for a Surface Phone and the Surface Pro 2.

44. rayxxxray posted on 20 Feb 2013, 16:52 0 0

These are apple fan boys! What are you expecting? Probably get paid by apple also.

43. nemesis4670 posted on 19 Feb 2013, 05:08 0 0

The Surface RT was pretty pointless. I think they should have either put all of their research and development into the Surface Pro OR they should have released both products at the same time. They would have avoided the stain that the RT left behind, which probably hurt the Surface Pro sales. Even though it's sold out at most retailers it could have been even better.

Secondly I am guessing that by next year they will be able to fit the Surface Pro components inside the thinner Surface RT form factor. If they even keep the RT model in the lineup it will probably be even thinner than it is now. I don't see them updating it unless the Windows Store has quadroupled in size by next year.

Parts are getting smaller everyday. Intel has some new chips coming out that are incredibly power efficient and give off much less heat. So there are so many potential ways the Surface Pro can be improved in the next version.

Maybe add a 2nd USB 3.0 port or include a well designed portable USB hub. Also create a slot for the stylus to slide into, since you currently lose the magnet port while you're charging the device. Causing you to place the stylus off to the side. It can get lost really easily considering the battery life causes you to be charging quite often.

There are two extra connector ports next to the magnet port for the keyboard covers. Microsoft hasn't revealed what these are for and only calls them "accessory ports". Apparently Microsoft is going to create a new keyboard cover that will have an external battery inside to add battery life to the Surface. This is totally feasible since they designed those ports to transfer high voltage current between the surface and keyboard.

My ASUS Infinity had a keyboard dock that added 4 hours of battery life and was only a tiny bit thicker than the Type Cover. The actual battery inside the tablet itself was a pretty big 3380mAh battery, but was actually THINNER than the Surface Type cover. So they could definitely fit something like that inside the keyboard and potentially add another 4 hours of battery life. Maybe even more.

They could also redesign the kickstand hinge to have 2 different positions. Although I have had no trouble using the Surface Pro on my lap with the type cover at the current angle, I would still welcome a new viewing angle just so it's more versatile. The Surface Pro actually has a better viewing degree angle than the Surface RT did. They offset it a couple of degrees to make it more standard.

I could easily imagine a lock position directly in between the current closed and fully open position. But the hinge would have to be really sturdy so that it doesn't open all the way if you put slight pressure down on it.

All in all I LOVE the Surface Pro and I feel like I am ahead of the curve just by owning it. I recommend it to anyone. It has the build quality, attention to detail, and well designed apps that people want with a totally new approach and full Windows OS. A+