Bart
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Registered: 19th Aug 02
Location: Midsomer Norton, Bristol Avon
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Although ive not listed android, I really wanted to compare an iPad against Surface (Pro in particular).
Theres been discussion at work, particularly towards the iPad and surface, so I thought id throw a few pros and cons together for each.
If anyone else can think of anymore / correct me on below, please chip in.
Apple iPad:
Pros
1. Slightly cheaper than the Microsoft surface Pro (~same price as Surface RT)
2. Many more apps available, including free office editing apps
3. Good battery life.
Cons:
1. iOS is a “closed” operating system. You cannot install your own software like a PC. You are fixed by the software and apps allowed in the app store. You CANNOT install your own proprietary software.
2. Cannot join to a domain (setup printers, network shares, security, group policy etc)
3. Cannot browse network / contract folders
4. Cannot natively print to network printers
5. No additional storage for files / documents
6. No additional connections (usb etc),
7. Limited VPN access (unable to do anything once VPN established)
8. No support for mice and limited Bluetooth devices.
9. For accessing files, it’ll rely on files being stored online (such as drop box / google docs / skydrive etc) and on email. This carries serious consequences of keeping the companies data safe, backed up and under our control.
10. No expandable memory.
Microsoft Surface Pro
Pros
1. Open system, install any windows compatible software.
2. Can join a domain (this screams business use).
3. Can natively print to any printer like a normal PC,
4. Can browse network shares, map network drives, open files stored on a network
5. Onboard storage, accessible like a PC
6. Additional USB connections etc
7. Full VPN support, network browsing of files and folders
8. Full Bluetooth support and support for mice etc
9. Files will continue to be stored in the same manner on the same servers.
10. Storage capacity fully expandable.
Cons:
1. Surface pro is more expensive (prices TBC, but will get cheaper over time)
2. The pro will require additional licences for software
3. Less battery life than the iPad
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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No offence, but comparing the Surface Pro to an iPad is ridiculous... the correct 'rival' to the Surface Pro is the MacBook Pro. The correct rival to the iPad is the Surface RT.
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Bart
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Registered: 19th Aug 02
Location: Midsomer Norton, Bristol Avon
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I agree and disagree.
The MBP isn't a tablet though?
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Nismo
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Registered: 12th Sep 02
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I think they have limited use for a business.
We use them as they fit our business perfectly however.
Also we use them in the stores as they work so well with a bluetooth barcode scanner, so stock in/out is databased directly from the ipad.
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Balling
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Registered: 7th Apr 04
Location: Denmark
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Hammer
Pros:
1. Can use it for hammering shit
Cons:
1. Can't saw with it
Saw
Pros:
1. Can use it for sawing shit
Cons:
1. Can't hammer with it
You need to decide what it is you want to do and then choose the tool. The comparison you've made is a bit strange as if you need to browse network / contract folders then it's pretty obvious the iPad isn't the tool for the job.
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Surface pro is basically like having a proper computer with you, if you need that, it wins hands down.
iPad is much more limited in certain respects but is lighter and cheaper, if it does what you need it to, that wins hands down.
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LeeM
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Registered: 26th Sep 05
Location: Liverpool
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id say the surface is comparible to the macbook air in functionality. and OS aside the surface may just take it.
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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quote:
Originally posted by Bart
I agree and disagree.
The MBP isn't a tablet though?
No, it's not... therefore the Surface Pro wins on functionality. At the end of the day the SP and the MBP both run full OS's, that's the big point. SP just has a touchscreen on it as well. The physical form factor really isn't that important.
Surface RT only runs programs from the Microsoft Store, just like the iPad only runs apps from the App Store.
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John
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Registered: 30th Jun 03
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Physical form factor is very important. If it wasn't we wouldn't have the Surface at all.
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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Let me reiterate. What I mean is that just calling something a 'tablet' doesn't mean it's not a full computer... i.e. the Surface Pro. It's re-written the rules, and it's going to take a while for people to adapt to that.
I don't blame people for not understanding this, I blame Microsoft for bad advertising and not making people aware.
Have you see the SP's advert? Yes they use the stylus on it, but apart from that there's nothing to differentiate it from the SRT. Why should they pay double (probably) the price... I know the stupid dancing adverts are meant to be 'fun' but for god's sake at least inform people it will run x64 applications etc. All they'd need is a couple of seconds showing Photoshop and iTunes on it.
Okay for people in the know, but hugely disappointing for the general public.
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Bart
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Registered: 19th Aug 02
Location: Midsomer Norton, Bristol Avon
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quote:
Originally posted by John
Physical form factor is very important. If it wasn't we wouldn't have the Surface at all.
This
quote:
Originally posted by kz
Why should they pay double (probably) the price...
They can charge double the price because the Pro is aimed at businesses.... it can join a domain!
Most people at home, wont want the Pro.
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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quote:
Originally posted by kz
Why should they pay double (probably) the price...
quote:
Originally posted by Bart
They can charge double the price because the Pro is aimed at businesses.... it can join a domain!
Most people at home, wont want the Pro.
I know, lol... I'm saying that's what the general public will think. Because Microsoft is not educating them.
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Bart
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Registered: 19th Aug 02
Location: Midsomer Norton, Bristol Avon
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quote:
Originally posted by kz
I know, lol... I'm saying that's what the general public will think. Because Microsoft is not educating them.
Completly agree.
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pow
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Registered: 11th Sep 06
Location: Hazlemere, Buckinghamshire
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I want a Surface Pro when it can pack as much spec as my 3 year old M11x
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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But it's not a gaming machine? I don't know much about the MBP but can it run the games your Alienware can? Saying that, it not half bad for the less-spec concerned public...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X05HHnid4o
Another thing they could have shown for a second or two on the Surface Pro advert 
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VrsTurbo
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Registered: 8th Jun 10
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I loved using a windows 8 tablet! great piece of kit and would have one over an ipad in an instant for working.
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Bart
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Registered: 19th Aug 02
Location: Midsomer Norton, Bristol Avon
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quote:
Originally posted by kz
But it's not a gaming machine? I don't know much about the MBP but can it run the games your Alienware can? Saying that, it not half bad for the less-spec concerned public...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X05HHnid4o
Another thing they could have shown for a second or two on the Surface Pro advert
Quite impressive, but thats the sort of minimum standard it should be running.
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Rob_Quads
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Registered: 29th Mar 01
Location: southampton
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quote:
Originally posted by Bart
1. iOS is a “closed” operating system. You cannot install your own software like a PC. You are fixed by the software and apps allowed in the app store. You CANNOT install your own proprietary software.
Just to clarify this point you can install your own software in a business environment using the Developer Enterprise Program. Costs around $300 a year (not cheap but not lots of money for a business)
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A2H GO
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Registered: 14th Sep 04
Location: Stoke
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Has anyone tried to use a Surface pro in desktop mode?
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kz
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Registered: 9th Aug 02
Location: Southend, Essex Drives: Mini Cooper S
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I doubt it seeing as though they're not available in the UK yet... plently on online reviews from America though!
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