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The Haswell Macbook Air is more functional and a much better value at the moment. Another benefit is that you are already accustomed to working with OSX. The S
by phaus 13y ago
The Haswell Macbook Air is more functional and a much better value at the moment. Another benefit is that you are already accustomed to working with OSX.
The Surface is allegedly more convenient because it's smaller than a laptop, but in reality it's not convenient at all because you have to find a table in order to be productive with it.
If I were going to purchase a Windows 8 tablet as a laptop replacement, I would definitely go with the Lenovo Helix. Unfortunately, it's overpriced and has crappy battery life, like all Windows 8 tablets.
IMO, you'd still be far better off getting the new Air.
EDIT: Another option for a Windows machine would be the recently released Sony Vaio Duo 13. It's got a Haswell processor, a really nice 1080p IPS panel and reviews state that the battery lasts for 10 hours. It's more expensive than the Surface Pro, but it's also a much better machine.
- mlschmitt23 13y agoThanks for the thoughts and suggestions! I'll definitely check those other Win8 options out. I may just end up waiting on all this to see if Microsoft updates the Surface line with Haswells. Perhaps they'll also address the kick-stand issue. Though with their recent financials maybe the Surface line isn't going to get refreshed? EDIT: Should also mention I'm right there with you on MBA being the best value. The Surface's main appeal to me is its tablet form factor - I like tablets and have lots of fun using iPads, but an iPad just can't replace a laptop for me and the last thing I need in my life is another device! 2-in-1 would be great.
- phaus 13y agoIf your heart is set on a 2-in-1, here's some info on the convertibles I suggested. This is the Helix. It was very close to being a perfect device, but it's held back by a 4-hour battery life. I'm hoping that Lenovo releases a Haswell version, but it might be a while because this one just came out. http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Helix.htm http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Lenovo-ThinkPad-He... If the current version suits your needs, google "Lenovo Barnes and Noble Gold", you should be able to get a decent discount. Here's the brand new Sony Vaio Duo 13. It's a slider, but if that doesn't bother you it's probably the best option for a 2-in-1. The only downside is that the keyboard is only average. http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Sony-Vaio-Duo-13.htm http://www.mobiletechreview.com/notebooks/Sony-Vaio-Duo-13.h...