Apple iPad versus MS Surface Pro 2

[Melensdad]

I'm a pretty happy iPad user.

Love the light weight, love the ease of use. Love the LONG battery life. Love the modest cost (not low cost).

But I have to admit that I'm not happy with the lack of some functions. It would be nice to have some expandability, some internal ports for SD cards (etc), multi-tasking, split screens, etc.

So I got to play with a MS Surface Pro yesterday, its not the "Pro 2" system, but it was piqued my interest. Enough that I looked at the Pro 2 because it offers much longer battery life than the current Pro. The Surface Pro has about a 3 hour battery life, which I find to be a deal breaker. But the Pro 2 offers a realistic battery life of 9 to possibly 12 hours of use.

Downside is that the Pro 2 costs a whole bunch of money compared to a Pro or compared to an iPad, especially if just looking for a Wi-Fi enabled device. And its a heavy little bugger given how small it is.

Upside is that the Pro 2 fixes most of the issues that I complain about with the iPad. At the expense of the less than intuitive MS Windows 8.1 OS, something that may be more powerful but is also much more complicated, convoluted and confusing.

Both iPads and Surfaces can add an accessory keypad. Both keypads are about the same price, both can be had with/without backlighting. Both devices are reasonable to use without a keypad and both offer better experiences with a keypad.

I believe that if Apple doesn't come out with a next generation expandable iPad, then even dedicated Apple users may seriously consider switching to the Surface at some point. I'm giving it some thought, but am not ready to change (my iPad still works, and my MacBook Pro is running strong) so currently I have no hardware reason to change. Yet.

Anyone else feel this way?

 

[Doc]

I was considering a samsung galaxy, mainly because it had expandable storage with an mini sd card.

It runs Android software. Jellybean. I think I prefer it over the windows offering but I have not bought anything yet. Still deciding and hoping for a sale.

Here are the stats on it:

This Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 SM-P6000ZWVXAR tablet features a touch-screen display that supports WQXGA (2560 x 1600) image resolution for crisp visuals. The 3GB of RAM and built-in Wi-Fi allow speedy Web browsing.

Tablet Buying Guide
Product Features
10.1" WQXGA TFT touch-screen display with 2560 x 1600 resolution

Showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
Android 4.3 Jelly Bean

Allows you to stay connected and productive on the go.
32GB available storage capacity

Provides plenty of space for your photos, music, movies and more.
Quad-core processor

With 1.9GHz processor speed for optimal performance.
Bluetooth 4.0 + LE technology

Easily link with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player.
Built-in 2.0MP front-facing camera

Makes it easy to share special moments with family and friends. The rear-facing 8.0MP camera allows you to capture high-quality images.
microSD card slot

Supports cards up to 64GB for storing or transferring media (card not included).
IR blaster

Enables use as a smart remote with compatible devices.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/galaxy-...090&skuId=2077006&st=samsung tablet&cp=1&lp=2

 

[Melensdad]

Doc, no offense, but you are a computer geek type.

I'm just a regular guy who wants something that works out of the box.

That said, the Apple is clearly the choice for me. I DON'T CARE about all the technical specifications that they put on the box. I know computer guys do. I'm not a computer guy. I may be more savvy than BigAl when it comes to computers, but I don't want to have to learn all new stuff just to use something like a tablet.

So for me, I'll bypass the Android systems. I'll bypass the Kindle system. I'll bypass the Nook system. Those systems may be EXCELLENT too.

But I think that many users, certainly those like myself, if they abandon the iPad, are looking for something that is going to still give them the SAME applications. I can have WORD and EXCEL and many other applications (albeit light versions) on both systems and on my main computer too. Essentially seamless integration and cross compatibility with minimal hassles. OK well Windows can be a hassle, but its uniformly a hassle for everyone and support is universal too.

And things like processor speed are almost pointless too. Because ACTUAL user's speed is dependent up what they do, how much memory they bought, how much bloat is in the OS and the program software code, etc

I know quite a few Android users (non-computer types like me) who swore by their Android phones until they got an Apple iPhone. I know some Kindle and Nook users who surf the web with their tablets who say its "almost" like an iPad.

I just want to open the box and do my stuff. Apple lets me do that. Windows is not such a foreign concept that I can't do that too.

As for displays, I don't think a slightly higher resolution is really going to be that much of a better experience than a slightly lower one. My "Retnia" display on my iPad looks about the same as my friend's older model iPad and about the same as another friend's Kindle display, etc etc etc. While technically one is superior and one is inferior all our eyes see them about the same way.

I have the same arguments about the open systems (Windows/Android) as the closed (Apple system). Basically it means NOTHING to me since I just don't write code, or apps, or whatever.

Does that make sense?

 

[NorthernRedneck]

I've got an android based tablet. I picked up the Asus EEE pad transformer with the attachable keyboard. It has slots for both regular and microsd cards as well as expanding the memory to up to 64GB I beleive. Did I mention the battery life. Just the tablet alone gives close to ten hours of continuous use. The keyboard attachment carries it's own battery life and doubles the life overall. The sweet thing is that when the tablet is plugged into the keyboard, it will draw power from the keyboard first so that when the battery in the keyboard dies, you still have another 9-10 hrs of steady use. I only charge mine about once a week right now.

 

[Dargo]

Lest someone think I am an "Apple Only" sort of guy since I absolutely, positively and totally despise Winders 8, 8.1, 8.2, 8.whatever, I actually find myself grabbing my little Kindle HDX over my iPad. The learning curve between the two is almost nill, and I've personally found that the 7" size seems to work out best for me. I can't ever see myself talking on a phone with a 7" screen (although I can with MJ), but the speedy HDX with 64gb gets more use now than my iPad.

The 'mayday' or whatever they call the immediate help window on the Kindle HDX really works! The two times I felt that I wanted help, I hit that button and in less than 10 seconds I was looking at and talking to a real live rep who walked me through what I needed! I could get telephone help with Apple in about 15 minutes or so and, when I had a Windows 8 machine, there was no such thing as support from Microsoft. Your only option was to spend hours browsing Windows 8 forums hoping someone may help you instead of laughing at you. You may want to remember those three things before you consider spending any money on something that is hamstrung with Windows as it's operating system.

 

[Doc]

Makes sense Bob. From my limited experience Android is very similar and about as easy to use as an iPad. I have had iPhones for the past 6 years and have tried out an iPad. The main reason I would go with Android (Googles) offering is the mini sd card option.

And I agree with Dargo that the 7" is the best size for me. The 10" ones seem bigger than what I need. For ease of carrying around the 7" has it's advantages. I'm also considering just going with the slightly bigger Samsung 4 phone. It's an inch or so bigger than the iphone but might be able to serve as phone and tablet.

 

[rlk]

I'm a pretty happy iPad user.

I believe that if Apple doesn't come out with a next generation expandable iPad, then even dedicated Apple users may seriously consider switching to the Surface at some point. I'm giving it some thought, but am not ready to change (my iPad still works, and my MacBook Pro is running strong) so currently I have no hardware reason to change. Yet.

Anyone else feel this way?

The lack of expandable hardware does not bother me. I have enough memory on my iPad and also have cellular, iCloud, and WIFI available to transfer files. So, again, I don't feel I need more hardware.

I do see 2 major problems with the iPad (I have never used an Android system so don't know if they have these problems or not.)

1. The iPad should support a version of MS Office. I really find it frustrating that I can not create a simple Word or Excel document. I realize there are Apps that allow me to create "off brands" of documents and spreadsheets, but I need to create files that others can review, update and send back to me.

2. Another problem with the iPad is the file management system. There is not a central repository, like Documents on Windows systems, and that presents a problem for me. Because each App keeps it's own files it gets very confusing. For example: if I download a PDF file with GoodReader, that file is only available to GoodReader. After many months of using the iPad, I have quite a few Apps, and I can't easily remember which App I used to download a file.

I guess overall I'm looking for the iPad to have similar functions as a laptop. It doesn't have to have all the features of a laptop, but at least it should address the 2 problems I listed above.

Bob

 

[Melensdad]

I do see 2 major problems with the iPad ...

1. The iPad should support a version of MS Office. I really find it frustrating that I can not create a simple Word or Excel document. I realize there are Apps that allow me to create "off brands" of documents and spreadsheets, but I need to create files that others can review, update and send back to me.

It runs Pages and Numbers. Both of which are compatible with Word/Excel. Both can read and write Word/Excel files. So it does MS Office, its just not called office.

2. Another problem with the iPad is the file management system. There is not a central repository, like Documents on Windows systems, and that presents a problem for me. Because each App keeps it's own files it gets very confusing. For example: if I download a PDF file with GoodReader, that file is only available to GoodReader. After many months of using the iPad, I have quite a few Apps, and I can't easily remember which App I used to download a file.

That is just the Apple system. The Windows system is different.

I guess overall I'm looking for the iPad to have similar functions as a laptop. It doesn't have to have all the features of a laptop, but at least it should address the 2 problems I listed above.

Bob

I too am looking for an iPad with the functionality of a computer, or visa versa.

The MS Surface Pro 2 does this. But it runs Windows 8.x, which is a pretty miserable system.