Delayed purchase of a Surface Pro for over a decade, affordable with a $100 discount
The tech world is buzzing about two popular devices that share some similarities but remain distinct: the Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch and the iPad Air. Our Senior Editor, Zac Bowden, has delved into the differences and similarities between these two devices, providing valuable insights for potential buyers.
A Portable Powerhouse: The Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch
The Surface Pro 12-inch is a fanless 2-in-1 device that resembles a Windows-powered iPad. It boasts a solid build quality, fantastic audio, and a display that outshines the iPad Air with a 90Hz refresh rate. Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon X Plus processor, this device offers relative affordability while maintaining performance.
One of the key features that sets the Surface Pro 12-inch apart is its built-in kickstand, a preferred choice by some users over Apple's Magic Keyboard. The Surface Pro 12-inch's design is thin, light, and tablet-like, making it a portable device suitable for internet browsing, productivity work, media consumption, and portable computing.
The iPad Air: A Tablet-Centric Experience
The iPad Air, currently available at a discount of $150, is a device that offers a more tablet-centric ecosystem with some computer-like features. It runs iPadOS, a scaled-up version of iOS, focusing on a tablet experience.
The iPad Air's design shares some similarities with the Surface Pro 12-inch, with a thin, light, boxy design and rounded display corners. However, it features a 60Hz display, which may be less important than software considerations for most buyers.
Making the Choice: Surface Pro 12-inch or iPad Air?
Choosing between the Surface Pro 12-inch and the iPad Air largely depends on whether you want a full Windows PC experience (Surface) or a more tablet-centric ecosystem with some computer-like features (iPad Air).
The Surface Pro 12-inch is best suited for users wanting a lightweight device that is truly a Windows PC with tablet convenience, a higher refresh rate screen, built-in kickstand, and greater port variety. On the other hand, the iPad Air is more oriented towards users favoring a pure tablet experience with a highly optimized iPadOS, a 60Hz display, and integration with the Apple ecosystem, though often at a higher keyboard accessory cost.
Accessories and Cost
Both devices are similarly priced in their base models and often available at discounts. However, for full laptop-like usage, keyboards are almost essential. The Surface Pro’s keyboard costs about $149.99, while Apple’s Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air is nearly twice as costly at around $319. This implies a higher total cost of ownership for the iPad Air if you want comparable keyboard functionality.
Performance and Connectivity
The Surface Pro 12-inch's performance is compared to an Intel Core Ultra 7 H-series (Gen 1) processor. It tends to offer more ports than the iPad Air, which usually has limited USB-C or Thunderbolt connectivity. This translates into more flexibility for peripheral connections on the Surface, which might suit power users better.
Both offer cellular options with sub-6GHz 5G support in their cellular variants, making them comparable in mobile connectivity.
In conclusion, the Surface Pro 12-inch and the iPad Air are two devices that cater to different needs and preferences. By understanding their unique features and comparing them side by side, potential buyers can make an informed decision based on their specific requirements.
[1] Zac Bowden, "Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch vs iPad Air: Which should you buy?", Windows Central
[2] Zac Bowden, "Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch review: A decade in the making", Windows Central
[3] Zac Bowden, "Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch vs iPad Air: Which should you buy?", Windows Central
[5] Zac Bowden, "Microsoft Surface Pro 12-inch vs iPad Air: Which should you buy?", Windows Central
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