Would You Consider Buying A Microsoft Surface Instead Of An iPad? [Let's Talk]

Buster

The Microsoft Surface looks really neat. It does all the cool things that a tablet can do, plus you can use the keyboard cover to switch toward more desktop oriented tasks. Now that Microsoft has announced pricing and a release date for the Microsoft Surface, we're finally getting a clearer picture of whether it can truly compete with the iPad, and we think it's going to put up a good fight.

For dedicated Windows users, the Surface is a dream machine that's just as cheap as an iPad with an innovative operating system to match. There aren't as many apps available for Windows 8 RT as there are for iOS 6, but surely Microsoft is going to be throwing dollar bills at developers over the next few months to get them to port their apps over. Are you thinking about getting a Microsoft Surface, or will you just get an iPad Mini instead?

lin8tiv

Yes I would, I am actually planning on selling my iPad 3, the os on the iPad is dated, and I want a device that has more built in capabilities without needing a 3rd party app

Aidan Taylor

The iPad mini is not confirmed, and i think that the surface is a much better over all package then the iPad i dont care about the hundreds of thousands of crappy applications there are on the IOS platform and i am sure that Microsoft has thousands of unreleased applications for the surface/windows store, the over all user experience Microsoft has created i have to say seems to look much better then my iPad and the surface looks nicer then the iPad to!

I shall be getting a surface, and my iPad shall be going in its box and put away until apple starts creating products that dont stay the same every generation.

Buster

If i didn't already have a tablet, and I worked a lot on a Windows machine (which is most of the people in the world), I would really consider getting a Surface. Having a consistent computing environment is always nice. You can do a lot of work on the iPad and there are so many apps for iOS, but when it comes to getting boring shit done, Microsoft has always been great at that.
Plus, I think Windows 8 looks really cool. I don't think it's a good operating system for most Microsoft customers - because it's almost TOO innovative and will force a lot of people to relearn how to work their computer when they were already confused in the first place - but I would enjoy the fresh take on what an OS looks like.

hit465in72

Nope..apps, apps, apps. Until Microsoft gets a system that works as simple as the iOS App Store it will not compete.

Alex Vizzini

I think Microsoft Surface is a better value but I already bought into the Apple ecosystem. So person no but anyone who buys a Microsoft Surface and a Windows Phone 8 I think is make a good decision (over Android).

Steved

NO WAY! It runs on Micro$oft. And all the apps will really suck.

Buster

@alexVizzini That's a good point. When it comes to tablets there are only two solid options: iPad and Surface. Most Android tablets are completely terrible other than the Nexus 7 and the Kindle Fire HD, but i wouldn't hesitate to get a surface over those two any day of the week.

Victor Popiol

NEVER!!! I would rather go Android than MS. But best to stay with Apple, as long as the quality and ecosystem continue to be the best

kpardue

I wouldn't buy a surface, but I would buy a slightly more expensive iPad if it had a similar keyboard.

MrsCleaver

"Would You Consider Buying A Microsoft Surface Instead Of An iPad?"

Absolutely not. Microsoft is, and will always be an Apple imitator. No matter how fast their table might be, nor how many "different" features it might offer, it is destined to go the way of the Zune and all other attempts to ride Apple's coat-tails of innovation. The Surface may be slick, but I'd rather have a piece of true innovation, not to mention one that's reliable, easy to work, fully integrated with the other devices and services I use and backed by a good support network.

I generally prefer the original instead of an "also ran." In the case of Microsoft, I'll always prefer the original. But hey, that's just me.

daov2a

Yes, and am eagerly awaiting a Surface Pro. RT looks nice but I want the full Windows desktop, file system, etc. The iPad I have is provided by work and is great. Apple makes awesome products but I just find it's missing something. I will continue to use both but the Surface is a very exciting product all around. The cloud experience on each is also a big factor for me as I don't really dig iCloud but really like SkyDrive. To each his own in my opinion.

At this point, everyone's imitating Apple in some way as they have the patents and the cash. MS is very well known for support on their server side; curious to see how that unfolds for their consumer division once the Surface starts selling. MS is looking to rebuild their reputation, ecosystem and products from the ground up. Can't really say that's a bad thing and I for one am excited to see what they have come up with.

Austin Newdick

I have an iPad and I love it. I have a Mac and a iPhone as well and I love them too. I also have a Windows desktop for playing Battlefield 3. The sole purpose of the surface tablet would be to play battlefield 3 on the go via remote connection... though that is more of a concept because I don't even know if the stream would be fast enough to play without a lag. In short, no I would not buy one.

It would end up sitting next to my iPad and get picked up once every few days. If the iPad mini comes out, I would be more inclined to buy that.

G. Thomas Wilson

No. I don't see a compelling reason to own one.

It doesn't have near the ecosystem the iPad has. Doesn't leverage the existing Microsoft ecosystem either. Priced nearly the same as an iPad.

Really. What does this thing have going for it other than "It's from Microsoft and it has a kickstand"?

I have a feeling these things are going to face plant *hard*.

Gavin Blur

NOPE!Why?

Lucasapplegeek

I'm a Apple guy and will be getting the iPad mini (i like the name iPad Air) when it comes out... Microsoft has no taste in design and UI.. Surface is way over priced I think

TrolleyPusher

I am seriously thinking about it, but will probably skip this generation of the Surface. Still have a new iPad 3. But the iOS has had such incremental updates that its too limiting, and remains a big smart phone. Would much prefer something like the surface, which could provide most of the simplicity of iOS without being as limited. The two are going for a very different strategy, I can't help but think iOS is better suited for the iPhone but needs a major change to make the iPad more relevant.

BaijuM

Availability of Office suite is tempting, so is Windows 8. Windows 8 Pro availability on Surface will further ignite the temptation.

Skepticus

Surely you jest.

FriarNurgle

Nope. The Surface is a very dumb move by MS and it will be as successful as Zune. It's priced too high. People will either get an iPad or spend less and get an Android tablet (or iPad mini).

TranceMist

What's Microsoft?