(ThyBlackMan.com) Both the Apple MacBook Pro and Microsoft Surface Pro are excellent laptops in terms of hardware performance, software support and design. Apple has updated its MacBook Pro models with new Intel processors, more memory, and Apple T2 Chip.
On the other hand, Microsoft is rolling out new updates for its Surface laptops. If you are planning to buy a laptop and the MacBook Pro and Surface Pro fall into your search criteria, here’s how you can choose the right one.
The form factor, hardware, and performance
There was a time when laptops were ugly but today, that’s not the case anymore. Other than the best performance, there are a couple of things you would want to consider when buying a laptop. How big a display can you get? How many ports will you need? What amount of memory will do the job? Do you need a 2-in-1 laptop or you can go without a touchscreen?
The MacBook Pro is a mid-weight laptop that comes in two different sizes – 13-inch and 15-inch. It follows the traditional laptop design but has gone through a transition. Some models come with Touch
Bar and Touch ID. These beautifully designed laptops are a great travel companion.
In July 2018, Apple updated the MacBook Pro Touch Bar models. The new MacBook Pro models feature True Tone display, Intel 8th-generation processor, “Hey Siri” through Apple’s T2 Chip and support for up to 32GB of RAM. If you max out the configuration on 13-inch and 15-inch models, you can be sure that at least for another 3 to 5 years, you won’t have to upgrade your laptop.
On the Surface Pro, you get Intel 7th-generation processors, up to 16GB of RAM and a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with 2736 x 1824 resolution. The laptop features 10 points multi-touch display with support for stylus and keyboard input. This is where Microsoft’s Surface Pro stands out.
The Surface Pro can work in laptop mode (when the type cover is attached), studio mode (with the help of a kickstand), and tablet mode. This is the biggest advantage Surface Pro owners enjoy with their laptop. In Apple’s PC product line, you can find two separate products – iPad and MacBook Pro. The Surface Pro combines both of them and that’s why it’s sensible to spend $799 on a Surface Pro than buying a $1299 MacBook Pro if form factor is your first preference.
Usage scenario
First, consider the reasons you’re buying a laptop. Keep the style and looks aside for a while and pay attention to practical usage. Why do you need a laptop? Is it to make business presentations, prepare spreadsheets, or to write codes? Or do you plan on carrying it everywhere so you can watch movies on HD screen, prepare some notes and take online classes?
Figure out how much money you can spend on a laptop and how much hardware power you really need. Both the Surface Pro and MacBook Pro can be configured with up to Intel’s i7 processors. How much you’re willing to pay for the hardware determines what you will get in terms of performance.
Pricier configuration on both the systems can give you higher performance. As far as the display quality is concerned, both the MacBook Pro and Surface Pro sport high-resolution displays, but Surface Pro wins the battle with 276ppi pixel density when compared to the Apple MacBook Pro’s 227ppi.
If your work requires you to have video chat sessions, Surface Pro wins with its two cameras (8MP rear and 5MP front). These cameras are capable of capturing 1080p footage. If you compare the same with the MacBook Pro’s camera, it can only capture 720p video. Current generation processors and 32GB memory capacity give MacBook Pro a significant performance boost. So, if your main consideration is performance and hardware power, choose the MacBook Pro 2018.
The key difference between the MacBook Pro and Surface Pro is that the latter is a laptop-tablet hybrid. Both look attractive and from the pricing point of view, Microsoft wins the game by offering low-budget models.
Staff Writer; Corey Shaw
Have any Tech Tips? News? Hit up our Tech Guru at; CoreyS@ThyBlackMan.com
