Ditch the iPad 3 for a Surface?

[Pootis Spencer]

So I recently bought an iPad 3 and while I am pleased with it to an extent I am however having a feeling that I should of waited and bought a Surface instead.

So should I return the iPad and buy a Surface or keep it?

[+Heartripper Subscriber¹]

Go to an electronic store and play with a surface for a while. If you like it, sell the iPad (if you bought it recently you can sell it for a good price) and buy it! :-)

[jordanspringer]

Go to an electronic store and play with a surface for a while. If you like it, sell the iPad (if you bought it recently you can sell it for a good price) and buy it! :-)

Besides Microsoft stores, what retail stores carry the Surface? None. It will be really hard to test drive this device before you buy it in rural areas.

[astrokat]

IMHO NOPE!!! :)

a- It's not a bad device (it's fast), but functions more like a laptop than a tablet. Meaning, doing tasks on a iPad are quick and clean. On a Windows 8 Tab, you are basically using windows. Two taps on an iPad = 5 swipes and taps on the surface. Nuff said.

b- Windows 8 RT is not a full version of Windows 8. It lacks domain support for example.

c - I am not super confident it is going to last.

[ITOps]

If you want a Windows 8 Tablet I would suggest getting a device that runs Windows 8 Professional on it instead of Windows 8 RT to get the most out of the operating system on a tablet.

[OrangesOfCourse]

IMHO NOPE!!! :)

a- It's not a bad device (it's fast), but functions more like a laptop than a tablet. Meaning, doing tasks on a iPad are quick and clean. On a Windows 8 Tab, you are basically using windows. Two taps on an iPad = 5 swipes and taps on the surface. Nuff said.

b- Windows 8 RT is not a full version of Windows 8. It lacks domain support for example.

c - I am not super confident it is going to last.

A: How are there 3 extra swipes? I don't understand where the extra 3 steps are coming from.

B: iOS is not the full version of OSX. I don't think it matters that the tablet is not a feature rich as the full windows os. I doubt they would have bought the iPad if they were looking for features found in a full desktop os. (not knocking on the iPad but if we're gonna compare Surface to Windows 8 then we should compare iOS to OSX)

C: It has to last for Microsoft. They are betting their golden goose on this. They will not abandon this.

wivelden: If you are in near the London area you can check out a Surface Experience Center: https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-opening-surface-experience-centers-around-the-world

[jakem1]

So I recently bought an iPad 3 and while I am pleased with it to an extent I am however having a feeling that I should of waited and bought a Surface instead.

So should I return the iPad and buy a Surface or keep it?

If you're in London there will be plenty of opportunities to check out the Surface in person before choosing to buy one (if that's important to you).

https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-opening-surface-experience-centers-around-the-world

Otherwise you could always wait a few days for actual user reviews to start appearing around the web to supplement the blogs that posted reviews earlier this week.

Personally I'd say go for it. The iPad is a toy with a dated, mediocre UI compared to the Surface.

[jakem1]

IMHO NOPE!!! :)

a- It's not a bad device (it's fast), but functions more like a laptop than a tablet. Meaning, doing tasks on a iPad are quick and clean. On a Windows 8 Tab, you are basically using windows. Two taps on an iPad = 5 swipes and taps on the surface. Nuff said.

b- Windows 8 RT is not a full version of Windows 8. It lacks domain support for example.

c - I am not super confident it is going to last.

Your post makes no sense. In many cases the Live Tiles in Windows 8 will save you having to open an app as you would have to on the iPad to get the same information. When you do open an app there's no reason why you'd have to do any more tapping or swiping than on the iOS equivalent. Finally, features like the side-by-side view should result in fewer taps and swipes in Windows 8 than are necessary to switch between apps on iOS.

Your second point is bizarre in the context of the OP's question. Last time I checked the iPad wasn't the full version of Windows either and also lacks domain support.

[nohone]

IMHO NOPE!!! :)

a- It's not a bad device (it's fast), but functions more like a laptop than a tablet. Meaning, doing tasks on a iPad are quick and clean. On a Windows 8 Tab, you are basically using windows. Two taps on an iPad = 5 swipes and taps on the surface. Nuff said.

b- Windows 8 RT is not a full version of Windows 8. It lacks domain support for example.

c - I am not super confident it is going to last.

Your comment - nope!!!

A - closing an app on iPad: double tap the home button, press and hold an app in the tray, find app to close (but not if it is the active one, then press the home button, navigate to a different app or the home screen, then start over), press red X, then press home button again. WinRT: swipe down.

B - iOS lacks domain support, for example.

C - so Microsoft is just going to cancel Windows, the most successful product in the history of mankind?

Wivelden, you should try one for yourself and see if you like it. I have been using an iPad since the day the original one was released, Win8 on an old tablet and Surface for a day. Each have their good and bad points, and you need to decide for your self which one is best for you. Personally, I am loving my Surface. Not needing another computer and iTunes to manage the device is wonderful. Being able to use a SDXC memory card is wonderful. For example, I went to the desktop, opened a network connection to my server, dragged files to the memory card, and they are there to use. I can create document, music, video memory cards, and swap them out as necessary. I really hate the power connector on the Surface, it seems that you need to try too hard to get it to connect, but after a while that will become easier with practice, just as it did with the iPad. Yes, the iPad has a better resolution, but it has not been a real issue so far.

[Pootis Spencer]

A: How are there 3 extra swipes? I don't understand where the extra 3 steps are coming from.

B: iOS is not the full version of OSX. I don't think it matters that the tablet is not a feature rich as the full windows os. I doubt they would have bought the iPad if they were looking for features found in a full desktop os. (not knocking on the iPad but if we're gonna compare Surface to Windows 8 then we should compare iOS to OSX)

C: It has to last for Microsoft. They are betting their golden goose on this. They will not abandon this.

wivelden: If you are in near the London area you can check out a Surface Experience Center: http://www.neowin.ne...round-the-world

You have a good point with 'B'

I was thinking the same thing. iOS is all good but its not OSX. The same as Windows RT is not Windows 8. Remember this is a tablet and although I really dont like Windows 8 for desktop / laptop I think it will work really well on a tablet. Also Surface comes with 32GB, with option to add more space via card, compared to iPad with 16GB for the same price. Office is also tempting me as I use powerpoint a lot.

For everything else I have my laptop.

[neo158]

You have a good point with 'B'

I was thinking the same thing. iOS is all good but its not OSX. The same as Windows RT is not Windows 8. Remember this is a tablet and although I really dont like Windows 8 for desktop / laptop I think it will work really well on a tablet. Also Surface comes with 32GB, with option to add more space via card, compared to iPad with 16GB for the same price. Office is also tempting me as I use powerpoint a lot.

For everything else I have my laptop.

I have a Surface 32GB with Touch cover and I'm very impressed with it. As a student I'm using it to replace my laptop because the laptop is heavy, I needed something lighter and taking notes at uni is much more convenient using the touch cover than an onscreen keyboard.

Yes, you can buy a separate keyboard for an iPad but it's an added cost. The touch cover was included with the Surface I got meaning I saved about ?20.

[neo1911]

If you have bought iPad3 and are within returning period, RETURN IT and buy iPad4.

Surface apps eco system is not proven yet. I think Surface in it's current specs is totally outclassed by iPad4's specs. Especially the resolution and graphics sub system.

I am among the rare few who gives more importance to graphics power than mere CPU.

[Growled Member]

The lack of apps current kill the Surface. Wait a bit and to see how the app selection shakes out. I can't see you gaining anything by getting rid of your iPad right now.

[siah1214]

b- Windows 8 RT is not a full version of Windows 8. It lacks domain support for example.

Seriously? That's your argument? Who the hell wants to join their tablet to a domain? Yeah it'd be great for sys admins to get more control over BYOD situations, but seriously. What a stupid argument.

To the OP: I've used iPads and the Surface. The iPad is a great entertainment device, the Surface is a great all-round device and in many cases can replace a laptop.

You don't really notice the screen difference, text look sharp and graphics are crisp. Definitely not worth the extra $100 you pay for an iPad (vs the 2 base 32 gb models w/ no keyboard)

[neo158]

If you have bought iPad3 and are within returning period, RETURN IT and buy iPad4.

Surface apps eco system is not proven yet. I think Surface in it's current specs is totally outclassed by iPad4's specs. Especially the resolution and graphics sub system.

I am among the rare few who gives more importance to graphics power than mere CPU.

In which case Surface, with its Quad Core Tegra 3 chipset, beats the iPad in the graphics power department!!!!

[siah1214]

In which case Surface has the iPad beaten with its Quad Core Tegra 3 chipset!!!!

Stop being logical with the iSheep.

[moloko]

This is something only you can answer. go to the store and play with one. do you like it? Better than your ipad3? The get it and sell your ipad. They have great resale value, even for the original ipad. How can you go wrong.

[neo158]

Stop being logical with the iSheep.

I'm trying not to but such blatent ignorance really annoys me.

[myxomatosis]

Not a good idea in my opinion. The Surface is a cool device, but you'll miss all the apps you have on the iOS platform.

The Windows RT platform isn't mature enough yet. It needs more apps and more developers

[neo158]

Not a good idea in my opinion. The Surface is a cool device, but you'll miss all the apps you have on the iOS platform.

The Windows RT platform isn't mature enough yet. It needs more apps and more developers

If everyone thought like that then no platform would succeed in the marketplace.

I'm glad that I don't think like that and actually bought a Microsoft Surface, why, because if no one buys Surface then apps won't be developed for it.

[Asrokhel]

So I recently bought an iPad 3 and while I am pleased with it to an extent I am however having a feeling that I should of waited and bought a Surface instead.

So should I return the iPad and buy a Surface or keep it?

Return the iPad and get your money back, and then save that money and get Surface Pro when it comes out!

[LaP]

If you plan to read books i would say stick with the iPad.

If you want to work probably a Surface but wait for the pro (and if i were you i would buy an Ultrabook if work is a concern).

[Sandor]

Who the hell wants to join their tablet to a domain?

I can imagine plenty of people would find it useful. We (colleagues and I) were actually just discussing this today in my work. One of my colleagues is waiting for the Pro surfaces to get the full Windows OS. We work in a small web design/development company and have a domain. Being actual professionals, we use Windows. Would be splendid to have a tablet you could bring in and connect fully. Then connect to monitor, peripherals and off you go.

At end of the day, pick it up and walk out.

[LaP]

If everyone thought like that then no platform would succeed in the marketplace.

I'm glad that I don't think like that and actually bought a Microsoft Surface, why, because if no one buys Surface then apps won't be developed for it.

It's the sad reality of business though. You can't expect customers to give you success for free. You got to do what you need to do to make them buy your product.

If more people would buy this product etc etc etc. It's not an excuse. Had people bought the GameCube it would have been a tremedous success ... but people bought the XBox and the rest is history.

I remember cursing people for not buying the Turbografx 16 when i was young. The fact is there was no reason to buy it as all the good games wa son Nintendo platform.

Why would anyone invest in the Surface before they are confident the Store has all the apps they need ???

[LaP]

We work in a small web design/development company and have a domain. Being actual professionals, we use Windows.

You are kidding me here i hope.

You can be a professional web designer and perfectly work on Mac OSX and even Linux.

Unless you meant profesionnal web form designer then all my apologies.