Surface Pro 3
 

I am an IT dinosaur. Apart from the fact that a Surface Pro 4 is in the offing, is there any reason why I should not choose a Surface Pro 3 (I5, 128G) over a MacBook ....

And should I wait till Windows 10 is released or go for the current Windows 8.1 with a free upgrade?

All advice appreciated .... preferably in simple terms! THANKS!

The Apple iPads are very easy to use and are great when you have a fast Internet connection available. Apple have their own way of doing things which can take a bit of getting used to. You cannot just cut and paste between documents or move files around as you can in Windows. Generally speaking the way the Apple operating system is locked down means you are less likely to be affected by computer malware. Each application is isolated from the others, so a malware attack only gains access to the currently running app.

The Microsoft Surface Pro runs the same software and programs as desktop and laptop systems as far as the user is concerned. That makes it a lot easier to switch between devices. The downside is that the same issues that plague any Windows computer also appear on the Surface Pro. If you are used to Windows and need to swap files and data between your other computers, then go with the Surface Pro. The Surface Pro operating system does take up quite a bit of memory compared with the Apple iOS system. You will probably find quite a lot less memory available for storage once the operating system and all your programs are set up. On the (very) positive side, Microsoft Office works exactly as it does on desktop and laptop systems.

So Apple iPad if you want to browse the Internet and don't need to transfer data backwards and forwards between Windows computers. Microsoft Surface Pro if you like Windows and have other computers that you swap data to. Make sure the anti malware software on the Surface Pro is kept up to date and you shouldn't run into any issues.

For serious work, both devices will benefit from an external keyboard, so remember to factor in the extra cost. Also keep a microfibre cloth handy to clean the screen. Those fingerprints get very intrusive after a while.

Thanks so much. Very helpful, practical and I understood every word! Being a current windows user (and have never used any other system) it's looking like it'll be a Surface Pro .... and I'd already decided on an external keyboard ... black (no bling unless someone thinks it's easier to type on a blue one)!!

Do you think the prices will drop substantially when the SP4 comes out ... or should I bite the bullet and pay the going rate now? Again, thanks in advance for any replies.

Just my two cents but every Surface user I've come across so far had to use a stylus to tap on the small buttons on the screen. As the software is basically the same as the desktop version it does not seem to be optimised for touchscreen use. If you want something that you can use as a pure touchscreen device then I wouldn't choose the Surface.

I've used a lot of different tablets. If you are a happy windows user, you will love the Surface. I can't justify buying one for myself as an upgrade, but when my Android jobby dies it's what I'll replace it with.

Surface Pro 3
 

...........

Did you read my first sentence?

I can thoroughly recommend the Surface Pro 3, I 've owned one for 9 months and I also own an IPad. The Surface has replaced my laptop as my work device and will be making the iPad redundant soon. The touchscreen works well with either your fingers or the Surface Pen and it's really good for giving wireless PowerPoint presentations.

The keyboard/cover works pretty well although you can also use a docking station and alternative keyboards. Windows 10 will improve the way it works as the Apps v Desktop integration will be better.

It's very similar to the iPad with regards to its 'instant on' boot time and use ability, you don't need a huge selection of 'Apps' as it'll run any of the the thousands of Windows applications that you're used to and very quickly too.

It's not as intuitive as an IPad if you're new to Windows 8.1 but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. The screen is superb and the fold out stand works very well. I'm not sure if it's worth waiting for the Surface 4 as there's not much to improve on if you want a 'jack of all trades' tablet.

Surface Pro
 

The damn thing is too heavy...and Windows is yesterday's news.

To be honest, unless you are irretrievably attached to Microsoft (and the Surface, although getting better after it's disastrous start, is rather different from standard desktop Windows), I'd get a maximum level MacBook or MacBook Air

Yes, it's more expensive, yes, it's unrepairable, but they really are beautifully built and the OS is rock solid. You would be well advised to buy the AppleCare Protection plan (yep, costs more money...) but you'll have a machine that'll just work and keep on working.

If you have Windows stuff that you really can't live without then you can get Parallels to run a Windows VM (yep, more money)

For backup you can use iCloud and/or a solid external drive.

Yep, Mac is a closed shop and a closed ecosystem but unless you like farting around with computers like I do, right now a Mac is the way to go.

You can get the equivalent computing power for about half the price but twice the worry.

Mac (OSX, BSD, Linuxes x3, Microsoft, Solaris and a good few others)

:cool:

Being on holiday, I can use the iPad with free WiFi when available ... and ... I've just inserted a pre-paid SIM card to gain cellular access where WiFi isn't available. Something I believe the Surface can't do ? ( i.e. no cellular capability ) but at least it has a USB socket !

Pays y'money and takes y'choice I guess.

As suggested buying a MacBook is the better option. From a quality point it's unbeatable. But if you can't live without Windows then have the best of both worlds. Buy a MacBook and go down the 'boot camp' way.

https://www.apple.com/uk/support/bootcamp/getstarted/

Or you can use VMWare Fusion on Mac as an alternative to 'bootcamp'

How many times do I have to tell you lot that the "OS X is a walled garden" story is not true ?

OS X is BSD. Thus anything that compiles and runs on BSD will compile and run on OS X.

You are NOT restricted to simply buying Apps on the App Store on OS X machines.

Geez. :ugh:

mix - show me a screenshot, or better a video, of something non-trivial compiled on BSD get up and running on a Mac first shot without a fair bit of fiddling by someone who knows what they are about.

Then I'll apologise to you and buy you a proxy beer.

I use MacPorts - The MacPorts Project -- Home - which makes it easier and most of the time it works pretty well, but there are lots of traps. I love my Macs and my BSD but you really are being disingenuous here!

"You are NOT restricted to simply buying Apps on the App Store on OS X machines." - true, but Apple (for very good reasons of stability) doesn't like you doing it, and generally make it difficult for developers who not wish to join the magic circle.

Mac

:ugh:

Love is truly blind, though I do respect your knowledge.

It would also help if you were to have a look at why you are so angry and contemptuous of other people. This is just a forum, not the Linux kernel developers list and you're not Linus Torvalds.

Mac. A Surface Pro 3 IS full windows 8.1 not that RT garbage. They look and are rather lovely. My wife has a Dell Windows tablet that she uses for work and loves. We are looking at getting the Surface Pro as it meets all our requirements. BTW we have a new iMac as well (and dislike it massively at times! Anyone recommend a decent file manager and photo viewer?).

terrain safe,

Is one of the same question (i.e. are you looking for an image file manager and viewer) or two independent questions ?

If the former, then I'd strongly recommend looking at Adobe Lightroom. Yes, it unfortunately requires an Adobe Cloud subscription, but it's pretty much the best out there at the moment.

If you prefer one-off fees, then perhaps look at Phase One Capture One and Phase One Media Pro. Despite being made by a high-end camera manufacturer, they are not restricted to working with images produced by Phase One cameras.

I think both Phase One and Adobe do a demo version.

If the latter, then please explain what sort of "file management" you want that's not achievable natively in OS X ? (i.e. using Spotlight search etc.)

"BTW we have a new iMac as well (and dislike it massively at times! Anyone recommend a decent file manager and photo viewer?)."

For an OSX file manager I don't think you can get better than Cocoatech's Path Finder - Path Finder 7 by Cocoatech - It is not cheap, but is incredibly powerful and versatile as well as being easy to use.

For simple image sorting and minor adjustments, XnViewMP - XnView Software · XnViewMP - is free for home use, and works nicely.

Pixelmator is not expensive and "delivers Photoshop-class tools for a fraction of the price, including powerful, pixel-accurate selection tools, top-notch painting, drawing, and retouching options, more than 160 effects, and an elegant collection of professional-grade color correction tools."

The oddly named GIMP (free) - GIMP - The GNU Image Manipulation Program - is the big cross-platform gorilla of image manipulation programs. On a level with full-on Photoshop in terms of it's capabilities, it's originally quirky GUI has gotten much better and you can do absolutely anything.

Finally, LemkeSoft's GraphicConverter - Lemke Software: Image Editing, Slideshow, Browser, Batch Conversion, Metadata and more on your Mac - is an odd hybrid of photo-manipulation and management software. It costs, but I use it a lot, 'cos it can do some useful things very fast and well that my other image apps can't.

Best of luck!

Mac

:ok:

PS: Thanks terrain safe - I guess I should have another look at the Surface Pro 3

...........

Correct Radix,

Lightroom 6 is the standalone you own it, full version.

Lightroom CC (2015) is the cloudbased rental equivalent

Interested in a very high quality pixel based editor? Free beta trial available for Affinity Photo if you search. Very good and nicely stable - some bits I would argue are faster than Photoshop. If they match prices with their vector design product, Affinity Designer, you'll be looking at £40.

Pedigree? PC users will understand the pricing policy if they consider Affinity is the artiste formerly known as Serif. They've moved over to Mac and seem to be shaking things up a bit in that part of the world.

Rob