All Things Surface Pro 4

chattoe

Hi, so I'm looking at replacing my iPad and MacBook Air for a surface pro 4.



I generally use my iPad for social networking, surfing the web and checking email. The MacBook is used for office tasks, photo editing and converting my ripped blue ray disks to be put on my nas drive. I also do a few other bits and bobs on the Mac too.



The iPad is what I use mostly though and it pretty much glued to me when at home.



I've been watching videos and reading reviews on both the pro 4 and mostly pro 3 (as the pro 4 isn't out just yet) so I've been doing my research.



The general size as a tablet has me a little worried with the surface but I'm sure I'd get used to carrying it around as a tablet.



The touch cover keyboard is also of concern as I use the Mac on my lap mostly and I'm concerned that the keyboard would be rocking all over the place while typing on my lap.



Generally I thing it makes sense to merge 2 devices into one and what with what MS have been doing I think it's finally time to move back to the Windows family, I have an Xbox and am also looking at ditching my iPhone for a lumia too but first on the list would be the laptop/tablet that needs sorting first.



Any users out there that have done what I'm thinking of doing or general thoughts or mini reviews would be generally appreciated.

Stampax

Yeah i'm thinking of doing the same actually. I use my macbook pro for work (i'm a teacher) where it is used practically all day, so I need to check it really really is a genuine laptop replacement and not a bit of a compromise. Having said that will probably keep the macbook pro, as being about 5 years old not worth that much to sell and i can store all my content on it as has a BIG hard drive.

The surface is possibly just a bit out of price range for me which is the slight problem - I could justify a grand, but the one i'd want (256 gig) is a bit over a grand, and then ridiculously they don't bundle with the keyboard cover so thats another 100 quid.... then i dare say there are one or two accessories i'd need as well.  

I had hoped the iPad pro was going to be the perfect tablet/laptop hybrid device (really want the stylus to be able to write on the screen) but with it running iOS and having no file system or USB it falls along way short of what i'd need.

Voucher

I can assure you that the Surface won't be rocking all over your knees - it is a lot more stable since the keyboard setting has changed with Surface Pro 3 keyboard that can fold against the screen to stabilise it.  I have a Surface Pro 3 and although I still use my iPad I only use it to read books now as the Surface fulfils all other needs/requirements.  Go for it - you won't regret it one minute.

chattoe

I've been to John Lewis twice in the last few weeks and went yesterday to play with the pro 3 again. The MS rep let me use his pro 3 while sitting down on a chair and I must say I'm very surprised at how comfortable it really is.

I hope the Apps situation sorts it's self out because there's hardly any that I actually use in the windows store

Voucher

The beauty of the Surface Pro 3/4 is that you do not need to worry about apps as you can install the program/application that you need in desktop mode. And also use desktop mode as a tablet....

chattoe

Wanted to use it in tablet mode for tablet and desktop when using as my laptop to be honest so I'd prefer the apps to be there

Voucher

Then you will have to stick to your iPad and Mac.

chattoe

I'm going to keep the iPad just in case but the Mac is definitely going for sure.

Stampax

My other issue is i've been all OSX and IOS for about 6 years - haven't used windows since XP.... i'm a bit scared..... (not trying to start a windows vs mac debate, just saying....)

Voucher

Nothing to fear it is one of the easier transitions to make. Easier than going windows to Mac.