StandingInAlley Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Hey guys! I need an opinion. My mom is in market to pick a laptop for the following: Work on Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint (Top priority) Web browsing/Listening to Music/Emails/Watching and downloading movies etc. I convinced her to pick a tablet instead of a laptop and hence suggested her to check out MS Surface. We played with Surface 2 at a friends place and she loved it and decided to go for it instead of picking a conventional laptop and lugging it around. The only issue is that it's not available in India so we have decided to get it from Australia (someone is traveling). We also decided to opt for MS Surface Pro 128GB Model since it's priced same as Surface 2 plus WinRT is definitely dead. Now there is a good chance that the person who is traveling may not be coming down so I was thinking about other options and this is where I need an opinion: IPad Mini Retina Display with Office 365 subscription. Has anyone used Office 365 on iPads or Android? How's the experience? Advantage with picking iPad is local warranty + numerous apps + rent/buy movies and music which isn't available On Surface since MS doesn't provide these services in India. I know Surface has its own advantages but I'm looking for other options now since we need to decide in a weeks time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BajiRav Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Honestly - iPad is not a right replacement for a laptop. If she needs a laptop, let her to get a laptop. Thief000 and DConnell 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I honestly think you'd be better off with a 13" ultrabook. Doing a lot of work with Microsoft Office on a tablet just isn't going to be a convenient experience even with one of the keyboard covers. For the same price as either of those tablets, you can get an ultrabook with more functionality and it'll be much easier to use. Jose_49 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HawkMan Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Work on Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint (Top priority) And you convinced her to get a laptoo instead WHY? Anyway, the only tablet that really fits her use case is the Surface Pro, though a Surface with a type cover can do the job, But a pro is the tool for the job IF she wants a tablet. I honestly think you'd be better off with a 13" ultrabook. Doing a lot of work with Microsoft Office on a tablet just isn't going to be a convenient experience even with one of the keyboard covers. For the same price as either of those tablets, you can get an ultrabook with more functionality and it'll be much easier to use. Honestly if she's doing a lot of Excel and Word work, I wouldn't suggest anyone get a 13 inch laptop if they're getting a laptop, then she might as well get a tablet. If she's doing a lot of work in these programs, especially Excel, she's better off with a proper high res 15 inch screen, at least no smaller than 14. MikeChipshop 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeChipshop Member Posted March 11, 2014 Member Share Posted March 11, 2014 Bejesus man. Laptop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thanks guys! Laptop is out of question definitely. It was her choice and it wasn't a good idea. First priority is to pick MS Surface Pro with the cover. Just thinking about alternatives Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Honestly if she's doing a lot of Excel and Word work, I wouldn't suggest anyone get a 13 inch laptop if they're getting a laptop, then she might as well get a tablet. If she's doing a lot of work in these programs, especially Excel, she's better off with a proper high res 15 inch screen, at least no smaller than 14. I definitely agree. He made it sound like a laptop would be inconvenient to "lug" around, so a 13" ultrabook would be small, light, and offer more screen space than those tablets. But yeah, unless they want to burn their eyes out, a 15" is highly recommended for extended productivity. Thanks guys! Laptop is out of question definitely. It was her choice and it wasn't a good idea. First priority is to pick MS Surface Pro with the cover. Just thinking about alternatives Any reason why a laptop is out of the question? You're severely limiting yourself by getting a tablet, and also spending way more than you need to. Hum 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patseguin Global Moderator Posted March 11, 2014 Global Moderator Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well, I am pretty sure that iPads won't run Office, at least not yet. I believe the Surface will but I am not positive. I believe you would need the Surface Pro. For the work she's doing, it sounds like a laptop is probably the way to go. They are thin and light enough now to not be a burden. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon H Supervisor Posted March 11, 2014 Supervisor Share Posted March 11, 2014 why not a convertable laptop such as http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/ideapad/yoga/yoga-2-13/ DConnell 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 I will definitely check out the convertibles. The only reason we decided not to pick laptops was because it's heavy and she has severe arthiritis and can't really carry heavy things. She's a school teacher by profession and needs MS Office for preparing her course work and papers. I will check out small and light ultra books. 11" MacBook Air would be sweet but it's out of budget over here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FreeJAC1310 Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 No Office on IPAD yet. If you like watching HD videos, the 16x9 screen and stereo sound on a Surface is better IMHO. The Surface Pro is heavier and thicker than the Surface2. I wouldn't be afraid of RT unless there are desktop apps that you really need on your new device other than Office. (office is included for free btw) As long as you choose it reconzing the limitations, and being ok with that, like I did, then there is no problem. MS will support RT going forward I woudn't count on other OEMs doing that however. By the time the fate of RT is decided, I will be ready for a new tablet anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astra.Xtreme Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 I will definitely check out the convertibles. The only reason we decided not to pick laptops was because it's heavy and she has severe arthiritis and can't really carry heavy things. She's a school teacher by profession and needs MS Office for preparing her course work and papers. I will check out small and light ultra books. 11" MacBook Air would be sweet but it's out of budget over here. The Surface Pro is 1.5 lbs and a 13" Asus Zenbook is 2.9 lbs. Even with arthritis, I can't imagine that extra pound would be a huge deal. A backpack is always an option too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedric Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 For your Mum's requirements and with the choice of iPad Mini Retina and Microsoft Surface, I would go for Microsoft Surface. I have both and the Surface Pro is just brilliant. Excellent for what your Mum needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaP Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 If the top priority is work then we should buy an ultrabook. Working with a 10 inch screen and less is a pain in the ***. IMO the minimum to work is 13 inch. But i would recommend a 15 inch screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Method Man Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Surface 2 + Type Cover 2 Thief000 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted March 11, 2014 Author Share Posted March 11, 2014 Thanks for the input people! Crossing my fingers that we can get a surface since that seems perfect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cedric Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 And please don't forget a type 2 cover as suggested by Lord Method Man above. Thief000 and Dick Montage 2 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Romero Posted March 11, 2014 Share Posted March 11, 2014 Well, I am pretty sure that iPads won't run Office, at least not yet. I believe the Surface will but I am not positive. I believe you would need the Surface Pro. Surface RT and Surface 2 come with Office 2013 RT included. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siah1214 Posted March 12, 2014 Share Posted March 12, 2014 If the only desktop apps she needs are the ones listed, then don't waste money on the pro. I don't understand the hate on the Surface 2, it costs half as much and sounds like she can do everything she needs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StandingInAlley Posted April 4, 2014 Author Share Posted April 4, 2014 Hey guys! Just wanted to say that we ended up picking MS Surface Pro 128GB model (Got student discount as well). We absolutely love it. Windows 8 has its quirks and learning curve but we are overall loving it. We are going to be picking Type Cover 2 soon. I wish there were better apps on Windows Store but it's not a concern for my mom who will be using the device. After using Macs for almost six years, I am planning on replacing it with Surface as well. I hope MS releases Surface Pro 2 LTE model soon. Thanks for all the help :) Hum, DConnell, zhangm and 1 other 4 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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