I was intrigued when Microsoft launched its latest Surface 4 tablet computer and really interested in the new SurfaceBook. I admit that I am not a huge fan of the Windows operating system nor am I very interested in the poorly built laptops that are sold with the MS Windows logo. But, Windows is the primary operating system used at most companies and so the thought of a comparable computer to the awesome MacBook Pro really caught my attention.
Microsoft is doing something very unique by creating the SurfaceBook. It is not quite a laptop computer, nor is it a tablet. Or one could argue that it is both. My view is that it is neither and even if I were a diehard PC and Microsoft fan, I would find it difficult to purchase this computer.
The comparison video below illustrates some major issues with the SurfaceBook. My takeaway from this video is that as a tablet it has a battery life of 3 hours. My number one priority for a tablet is battery life since I will be using it while traveling or lounging around and don’t want to be tied to an outlet. Performance is not really an issue for a tablet because I am totally happy using my iPad Air.
As a laptop computer, it is over priced and under-powered. The 15-in MacBook Pro costs $200 less and performs twice as fast. If I were purchasing a new laptop, I could not justify paying more for less power just so I can use it as a tablet, which I would never do.
It’s too bad, because I think a lot of die hard Windows users would love a dedicated laptop that was comparable to a MacBook Pro. In fact, I know a few people who have actually purchased a Macbook Pro to run Windows via Bootcamp or Parallels Desktop.
I am still intrigued to see if these convertible computers actually catch on, but for now, it seems like a fad that is 10 years old.
