Tablet v Surface

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SteveC83

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Topic # 183699 27-Oct-2015 11:41

Having just lost my Ipad mini (original, almost 3 years old) by leaving it on a plane and it’s not been handed in….I’m on the lookout for a new tablet.

I mainly used it for web browsing, Facebook/Twitter/Skype apps as an easy alternative to starting up the laptop, time wasting game apps, sport news apps, music and the camera and video function. The surface 3 interests me, but the lack of an “app store” makes me worry about the user friendliness of opening a game or skype etc. – I see the Surface as a smaller, thinner laptop.

Is my vision of the Surface correct?

Is it more of a laptop than a tablet? Other than the apple v android argument on which tablet to get, is there anything else I should be considering when looking to replace my Ipad?

Handsomedan

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Reply # 1414524 27-Oct-2015 11:45

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THere's a fairly healthy app store on the Surface...It's the same one they use for the Windows phones etc.

I use a Surface and there are plenty of apps to keep you occupied.

It just depends on how heavily you've invested in the iOS app store...

FWIW, I also have an iPad Mini.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.

virgdotcom

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Reply # 1414534 27-Oct-2015 11:54

Both are great devices, and useful in their own way. I have used both and Surface for me, whether it is the RT or Pro has always and will always be strictly productivity. iPad on the other hand has always been for apps. Depends what is important for you - apps, productivity, etc. Either way they are good. Comparing the mini to surface, I would get surface. I would recommend you check out the Surface 4 and iPad Pro, if you can wait then decide.

SteveC83

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Reply # 1414536 27-Oct-2015 11:56

Awesome, great to hear.

I'm not invested in the Apple store, i have a Samsung phone and use the play store.

What do you use the Ipad mini for that you wouldn't use the Surface for?

virgdotcom

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Reply # 1414545 27-Oct-2015 12:04

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When I had both, I used the iPad Mini solely for social networking, applications, email on the go [occasionally I would take it with me out and about, in the car, university etc], conference calls and live chat, basically stuff like that. I do not think I ever used the Mini for browsing or intense work, I left that to the iPad Air. As for the surface, I used that for computing - heavy and long web browsing sessions, note taking, research, more professional actions because it was windows it always sync nicely with colleagues, peers and other peoples files and requirements and it had enough options and accessories to really be a decent laptop/tablet hybrid. I never used it for gaming, applications etc. My personal preference because I am really invested in Apple has been the iPad Air for everything stated above, it does work. The Surface, particularly the new one is extremely productive so the choice comes down to whether you want an actual near laptop, tablet [Surface] or just a tablet [iPad]. You mentioned you weren't heavily invested in the App Store, so you'd be happy with either one.

Side note; the resell value for both is relatively good. You can easily sell and upgrade on Trade Me in the future, so whatever you purchase there is a market for it if you are unhappy down the track :)

Is there any particular reason you like the iPad Mini as opposed to the larger iPad Air?

gzt

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Reply # 1414560 27-Oct-2015 12:13

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Surface is close to twice the weight of iPad.

Imho you have it right, Surface is a productivity tablet.

SteveC83

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Reply # 1414563 27-Oct-2015 12:18

Great, thanks for all that.

I originally chose the mini as i was new to tablets, bit of an impulse purchase, and wasn't sure how much i'd use it and if it would actually be worth while of just an expensive toy on the coffee table. So i chose the cheapest ipad in the store!

I've never used it for anything remotely heavy or research based. Its always been for web browsing, bit of online shopping and the social media apps, sports and game apps and the camera and video.

I do a bit of coaching (sports) and like the portability and ease of recording and providing instant feedback with the tablet is great.

It does sound like the surface is a great alternative to carrying a full laptop about but for what i use and need something for, an Ipad/dedicated tablet is probably the best option.

Dreal

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Reply # 1417133 30-Oct-2015 16:20

Because you like a lot of touch based apps, Android might suit ya. Its full of touch apps.

Windows has less, but it also has full applications, which are touch friendly enough if you have a big enough screen, or a stylus. I think windows is great. But if you are a big touch app users, you might be disappointed with anything that doesn't have ios or android (some windows tablets have both android and windows)

For me, I also see the surface as more in laptop territory. 9.7 inch is a two handed job, as is 10.1, and the surface goes bigger and heavier.

But there are lots more options than the surface and the ipad, even though those are also good devices in their own right, and in their own areas.

Tap That - Great cheap tablets and tablet accessories. Windows and Android, NZ based

Quinny

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Reply # 1418687 2-Nov-2015 11:57

What does one use ones toys for - My choices, yours may vary :D -
Original 64g Ipad mini - ereader using Marvin (best app any platform), bit of web reading
Surface Pro 3 - stream media to touchy tv, play wow, browse web, watch surfing streamed, too big as ereader
Samsung Note 4 - main phone, facebook app better than pc, google now my best buddy for topics keen on, too small as an ereader

Handsomedan

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Reply # 1418715 2-Nov-2015 12:42

Yup - I use my iPad as a convenience device - movies on the bus, music storage, so I can have my entire library in my bag (iPhone uses iCloud, so only have selected playlists onboard for no-signal spots), reading books (nice and small and convenient for that purpose.

Surface Pro 3 is my work device - laptop/tablet depending on what I use it for at the time.

It's a great tool and ultimately what I would choose if I was starting all over again...but I have a lot of investment in the iTunes app store...keeps me tied to Apple for the long term.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.