Laptop or Microsoft Surface?

frying_pan_cat · 19 Feb 2013 at 13:24

After having my laptop stolen I'm looking at something to replace it. I originally started looking at laptops but suddenly wondered if the microsoft surface would be a suitable replacement.
It'll mainly be used for work, so due to the programs I need I don't think an Android tablet will be suitable, but I'm wondering how practical the surface is for working on. I haven't had a chance to try one yet although I will try to get to a shop to do so as soon as I have a bit of time, but I was just trying to get an idea from anyone who's used one for an extended period about whether it's a pita to type on or not.

I'm open to suggestions for alternatives in a similar price range to the surface, either laptop or tablet that would be good for working on.

Thanks

ninja2000 · 19 Feb 2013 at 14:47

Are you looking at the surface RT or the surface pro?

frying_pan_cat · 19 Feb 2013 at 15:10

It would be the RT, as the pro is a little outside my budget

Gammawolf · 19 Feb 2013 at 15:26

I've found it fine for my uses, had a surface since October and typing is more than adequate. I'd say its worth it if you have a machine at home to install normal stuff too. Otherwise think hard if you can do everything you need on the apps provided. Its a great piece of kit and very flexible... using mine atm on the bus to reply to this

martink · 19 Feb 2013 at 16:07

good to hear some feedback on the surface, thanks. What's the Pro do, more storage?

I want to buy a tablet, but there's so much choice. Worried if I buy a cheap one, it'll be a dissapointment.

This looks interesting too: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=TB-000-AS&groupid=959&catid=1882&subcat=

Mr-White · 19 Feb 2013 at 17:43

The RT version can only run apps like a tablet, the pro version is like a full laptop that runs any windows software and their hardware reflects the difference.

MW

frying_pan_cat · 20 Feb 2013 at 13:33

I think I've decided the surface may not be the best option, so am looking at more traditional laptops now.

I like the look of both the Sony Vaio E 15 inch and the Asus Vivobook. Can anyone give any opinions on either, or are there any alternatives which are better at that price point I may have overlooked in my search?

Martini1991 · 20 Feb 2013 at 14:18

Asus Vivobook's a stunning laptop, but I can't help but think I've only really bought it for the touch screen and paid a premium on it.

frying_pan_cat · 20 Feb 2013 at 18:43

Which size did you go for? I've read reviews slating the quality of the screen so if it's one of the larger ones it would be interesting to know whether the quality is that bad. Also what's the real world battery like? I don't need a huge amount of power as I'll mainly use my desktop for intensive things and like you it seems the main thing attracting me to it is the touchscreen

bertles86 · 20 Feb 2013 at 18:56

The Asus is excellent, historically the build quality of Vaio has been poor to average.

Martini1991 · 21 Feb 2013 at 22:12

frying_pan_cat said:
Which size did you go for? I've read reviews slating the quality of the screen so if it's one of the larger ones it would be interesting to know whether the quality is that bad. Also what's the real world battery like? I don't need a huge amount of power as I'll mainly use my desktop for intensive things and like you it seems the main thing attracting me to it is the touchscreen

I've got the 11.6" one.
Screen seems perfectly fine to me using it, I'm not fussed on the viewing angles as I'm not going to be sitting at the side of it etc.

However I'd prefer it had been an IPS screen etc, it's acceptable, but it's definitely where they've had to compromise.