I’m considering getting a tablet to use as my everyday device mainly for taking notes with a pen, drawing, and sometimes as a second screen for my Windows laptop (Dell Precision 3560, 11th gen i7 with 16GB RAM).
Right now, I am looking at second-hand iPad Pros and a Surface Pro X SQ2 because of their screen sizes, but these could be overkill.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
This guy gets it.
Tablet? iPad
Computer? Surface
For what it’s worth, my needs are similar to yours.
My fancy Samsung tablet hardly get used.
I use my Surface every day
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
This guy gets it.
Tablet? iPad
Computer? Surface
For what it’s worth, my needs are similar to yours.
My fancy Samsung tablet hardly get used.
I use my Surface every day
I actually use an iPad for notes every day and bring a laptop since I’m in college. I have a lot of classes over Zoom, so Surface doesn’t meet my needs when I need to take notes during Zoom lectures. I think you should decide based on whether you need a computer to do something separate from taking notes, like during an online meeting, or if you just need one device. I’d go for the Surface if you don’t plan on joining Zoom meetings since it’s less to carry.
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
This guy gets it.
Tablet? iPad
Computer? Surface
For what it’s worth, my needs are similar to yours.
My fancy Samsung tablet hardly get used.
I use my Surface every day
I actually like my Samsung tablet for YouTube, which is a big deal since I watch it a lot. I can’t get revanced on Windows, of course. I really hate the desktop version of YouTube.
There are many apps I use that I can’t run on Windows. Not due to any special limits, just because there aren’t desktop alternatives for these apps. People don’t really need those options since desktops can just run ad blockers.
When I’m on my desktop and mess with YouTube, I feel like it’s way worse than on Android, in my opinion.
When I use my Surface, it’s mostly for Office stuff, where Windows has a lot more features than Android. Both work fine for voice typing, but typing with my hands is much better on Windows because of all the shortcuts and macros.
Gracen said:
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
This guy gets it.
Tablet? iPad
Computer? Surface
For what it’s worth, my needs are similar to yours.
My fancy Samsung tablet hardly get used.
I use my Surface every day
I actually like my Samsung tablet for YouTube, which is a big deal since I watch it a lot. I can’t get revanced on Windows, of course. I really hate the desktop version of YouTube.
There are many apps I use that I can’t run on Windows. Not due to any special limits, just because there aren’t desktop alternatives for these apps. People don’t really need those options since desktops can just run ad blockers.
When I’m on my desktop and mess with YouTube, I feel like it’s way worse than on Android, in my opinion.
When I use my Surface, it’s mostly for Office stuff, where Windows has a lot more features than Android. Both work fine for voice typing, but typing with my hands is much better on Windows because of all the shortcuts and macros.
You don’t need revanced on Windows my friend.
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
There are a few questions you need to ask yourself.
Do you need to connect to external monitors and use multiple screens?
Do you need desktop extensions, or do you want to run desktop versions of any programs?
Do you need LDAC or aptX?
Do you want to run Steam?
If none of these apply, the iPad probably makes more sense. It’s better for consuming content, and you don’t really need an x86 chip if it’s a content device. They aren’t that power-efficient.
But once you start needing word processing, ad blocking, gaming, or side loading, then it gets tricky.
It seems like the iPad should be better than it is because of its hardware. If they allowed dual booting with Mac or at least let the Pro versions avoid the app store limits…
It just seems wasteful to limit the fantastic 120Hz display and amazing hardware to just a content machine.
SeanKombs said:
You can’t go wrong with either for what you mentioned. But just so you know, the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
So it really depends on what you need more.
I pick Surface because I’ve had both and while the iPad is great with tons of apps, I mainly work in Microsoft Office, web stuff, and other desktop programs because I’m into tech. If I didn’t have a Surface, I’d need an iPad and a computer which means double the cost, double the stuff to carry, double the charging. No thanks. I chose Surface and sometimes I want a specific app but those moments are rare compared to my need for desktop features like desktop apps and multitasking.
But just so you know the iPad is a much better tablet and the Surface is a better computer.
You had my attention at first, lol
But yeah, I agree
If you are doing pure web browsing? Go with the iPad.
If you’re doing actual work, then choose Surface.
The iPad has some fantastic apps but it can be really annoying when dealing with files. The file system is limited; iOS lets you store certain file types in specific folders and that’s pretty much it. You might find yourself emailing files to yourself because Apple hasn’t provided a decent file management system.
Think of the iPad like a big phone.
The Surface may not have the same apps, but on the flip side, you have the full power of the web. You can find and install whatever software you want. Want to code in Python? Go ahead and install Python. On the iPad, you can find some apps to learn Python, but you can’t export your code.
Want to print from the iPad? Sure, if your printer is on the same network and Apple lists it as compatible. If it’s not on that list, you won’t be able to install drivers to make it work.
I own the original iPad Pro and the Surface Pro 7. I take my Surface to work. I use my iPad before bed to read.
For drawing and note-taking, I would say the iPad with Apple Pencil is better.
If you already have a laptop, an iPad should be enough
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I agree with your reasoning. The iPad and MacBook work well together, but buying both means having 2 devices. Refurbished Macs and either a second-hand or refurbished iPad would be the best option. Budget iPads are almost as good as Pros since iOS is a pain to deal with. But if you find a cheap iPad, it’s a solid device. Don’t overspend on latest models with high-end chips you can’t fully utilize.
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I agree with your reasoning. The iPad and MacBook work well together, but buying both means having 2 devices. Refurbished Macs and either a second-hand or refurbished iPad would be the best option. Budget iPads are almost as good as Pros since iOS is a pain to deal with. But if you find a cheap iPad, it’s a solid device. Don’t overspend on latest models with high-end chips you can’t fully utilize.
It’s all about your needs. For me, I didn’t mind the prices of both devices because they help me make money.
Having an amazing pen tool and fantastic laptop really pays off.
Max said:
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I agree with your reasoning. The iPad and MacBook work well together, but buying both means having 2 devices. Refurbished Macs and either a second-hand or refurbished iPad would be the best option. Budget iPads are almost as good as Pros since iOS is a pain to deal with. But if you find a cheap iPad, it’s a solid device. Don’t overspend on latest models with high-end chips you can’t fully utilize.
It’s all about your needs. For me, I didn’t mind the prices of both devices because they help me make money.
Having an amazing pen tool and fantastic laptop really pays off.
That’s good logic. It’s an investment on your business expenses
Whitney said:
Max said:
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I agree with your reasoning. The iPad and MacBook work well together, but buying both means having 2 devices. Refurbished Macs and either a second-hand or refurbished iPad would be the best option. Budget iPads are almost as good as Pros since iOS is a pain to deal with. But if you find a cheap iPad, it’s a solid device. Don’t overspend on latest models with high-end chips you can’t fully utilize.
It’s all about your needs. For me, I didn’t mind the prices of both devices because they help me make money.
Having an amazing pen tool and fantastic laptop really pays off.
That’s good logic. It’s an investment on your business expenses
Absolutely.
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I would struggle without being able to use any desktop extensions on an iPad Pro. No uBlock? Browsers are all based on Safari.
And no side loading. Having a MacBook makes things easier since they can use uBlock. But it’s frustrating that I can’t utilize external monitor support properly. I understand some limitations on the Mini, Air, or entry-level models, but charging $2,500 for an iPad Pro with max storage and RAM and still not offering full external monitor support is ridiculous.
Those issues are understandable for the less expensive models, but really they should let us fully utilize the pricey Pro versions.
Whitney said:
I switched to using a MacBook Pro and iPad Pro.
I’ve had every version of the Surface until the Surface Book 2. The problem is Microsoft doesn’t modernize their specs, so the MacBook ends up being next-gen with regards to processors and RAM while the Surface has older hardware.
Also, after Microsoft stopped using the Wacom digitizer, the Surface drawing features fell behind the iPad with its Pencil.
Switching between the iPad and MacBook Pro is really smooth, and I just use them for their specific tasks.
The Surface is definitely a better computer than the iPad, but if you want to do drawing, it’s not as good as the iPad.
For general tablet usage, the iPad wins.
If I had to choose one, I would take the Surface since I can’t manage with just an iPad and I find iOS quite limiting.
I would struggle without being able to use any desktop extensions on an iPad Pro. No uBlock? Browsers are all based on Safari.
And no side loading. Having a MacBook makes things easier since they can use uBlock. But it’s frustrating that I can’t utilize external monitor support properly. I understand some limitations on the Mini, Air, or entry-level models, but charging $2,500 for an iPad Pro with max storage and RAM and still not offering full external monitor support is ridiculous.
Those issues are understandable for the less expensive models, but really they should let us fully utilize the pricey Pro versions.
You’re right but for me, the only thing I need my iPad for is the Pencil.
I also watch movies during flights sometimes.
Davin said:
I’m considering getting a tablet to use as my everyday device mainly for taking notes with a pen, drawing, and sometimes as a second screen for my Windows laptop (Dell Precision 3560, 11th gen i7 with 16GB RAM).
Right now, I am looking at second-hand iPad Pros and a Surface Pro X SQ2 because of their screen sizes, but these could be overkill.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated
Waffle iron or griddle
Davin said:
I’m considering getting a tablet to use as my everyday device mainly for taking notes with a pen, drawing, and sometimes as a second screen for my Windows laptop (Dell Precision 3560, 11th gen i7 with 16GB RAM).
Right now, I am looking at second-hand iPad Pros and a Surface Pro X SQ2 because of their screen sizes, but these could be overkill.
Any suggestions would be really appreciated
iPad is a big iPhone and Surface Pro is a small PC