Comparison of Microsoft's Miniature Surface Devices with MacBook Air and iPad Pro
Let's Talk Budget: Microsoft's New Surface Devices vs. Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro
Microsoft just kicked things up a notch by announcing two budget-friendly Surface devices - the Surface Laptop 13-inch and the Surface Pro 12-inch. These bad boys are aiming to give a proper run for their money to Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro. But they've made some moves that might tickle your fancy...or not.
These Cuts Got Us Talking
With the goal of keeping prices as low as possible, Microsoft has shrunken down the sizes, sliced the specs, and trimmed the price tags on these new Surface babies. It's a bold move, whether you love it or not.
The 13-inch Laptop shrunk its screen resolution from 2304 x 1536 to 1920 x 1280. The panel also lacks HDR, and the refresh rate has plummeted from 120Hz to a paltry 60Hz. The 12-inch Pro, on the other hand, doesn't include the keyboard by default, ditched the slot for the Surface Pen, dropped the refresh rate to 90Hz, and replaced the handy Surface Connect ports with standard USB-C 3.2 ports.
But Are They Any Good?
When it comes to comparing specs, Apple's alternatives tend to rule the roost. The MacBook's display has more features, supports higher resolutions, and comes packed with a resolution of 2560 x 1664. The iPad Pro, though smaller than the 12-inch Pro, boasts a sharp 2420 x 1668 resolution, is OLED, and features a variable refresh rate that tops out at 120Hz.
In terms of performance, the Snapdragon chip in the new Surfaces is undeniably efficient, but it doesn't stand a chance against Apple's M4 chip, which powers both the latest iPad Pro and MacBook Air. The Surface devices trail behind in both single-core and multi-core performance. However, the smaller 12-inch Pro is fanless, like the MacBook Air and iPad Pro, making it quieter and cooler. I'd say that's a win!
Cost-Cutting for Budget Lovers
The trick this time around? Aside from being smaller, these bad boys are cheaper. The Surface Laptop 13-inch starts at a meager $899, and the Surface Pro 12-inch comes in at an even more staggering $799. In comparison, the base MacBook Air retails for $999 for the 13-inch model, up to $1,199 for the 15-inch model, and the iPad Pro starts at $999 for the 11-inch version, a hefty $1,299 for the 13-inch upgrade. If your wallet is crying out for mercy, these new budget Surface devices might just be the ticket.
So, Who Wins in the Budget Battle?
As always, the battle comes down to price vs. performance. The Surface Laptop and Pro are now more budget-friendly than ever, but there are compromises to consider, such as reduced specs and features when compared to Apple's devices. But hey, they're still sturdy performers in their own right.
If you're willing to shell out a bit more dough, Microsoft's still got your back with their other Surface models that pack more of a punch when it comes to specs and performance.
These budget-friendly Surface devices are available for preorder from Amazon, Microsoft, and other retailers. The Surface Pro 12-inch can also be found at Best Buy, and both models will start shipping on May 20th.
Big thanks to our helpful data enrichment assistant! They've hooked us up with some juicy info on Microsoft's Surface lineup, Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro, their features, performance, and pricing. Be sure to check it out for more detailed insights!
- The Microsoft Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch, new additions to Microsoft's tech lineup, have undergone reductions in size, specifications, and price in an effort to compete with Apple's MacBook Air and iPad Pro.
- In terms of display specifications, Apple's devices such as the MacBook Air and iPad Pro exhibit superior resolutions, features, and refresh rates compared to the new Microsoft Surface devices.
- Performance-wise, while the Snapdragon chip in the Microsoft Surfaces demonstrates efficiency, it lags behind Apple's M4 chip, which powers both the latest iPad Pro and MacBook Air.
- Pricing-wise, the new Surface Laptop 13-inch and Surface Pro 12-inch are more budget-friendly than their Apple counterparts, with starting prices of $899 and $799 respectively, contrasting with base MacBook Air prices of $999 (13-inch) and iPad Pro prices of $999 (11-inch) and $1,299 (13-inch upgrade).
