Surface 2(Non Pro) or iPad?

[Zigiy]

Hello!

I'm a student looking for a tablet as a replacement of my clunky old laptop! Please give suggestions if I should get an iPad or a Surface 2 (NOT PRO). My budget is roughly $500-$600.


1. Is This Your First Time Buying A Tablet? Yes

2. Do you already have an operating system in mind? Windows 2 or iOS

3. What screen size do you have in mind? And your preferred resolution.
Dont really mind

4. Preferred Brand(s) Microsoft and Apple

5. Brands Not Preferred (specify why)
IMO other brands are smaller and will have a much smaller community to fall back on if something goes wrong. If you follow the crowd, its likely that someone has had your problem before and there is a solution to it. HOWEVER I am up for suggestion on a different brand if better suits my needs.

6. How much do you want to spend on your tablet?

$500-$600

7. Do you have cellular service? Or do you want the tablet to be WiFi only?

WIFI only


9. Do you want the tablet to be a full laptop replacement?


Yes


10. What existing apps do you use? What do you intend to do with this tablet?

Microsoft Office
Autodesk collection (3ds max, mudbox etc)
Adobe suite.

Word proccessing for the most part. However, I would like to be able to browse and use 3D models on it as well as use photoshop etc. Games are a bonus, not required.

Thanks!

 

[g-unit1111]

Well you won't be able to use AutoCAD and CS5 with a non Pro Surface 2. The Surface 2 runs a stripped down version of Windows called Windows RT - and on that you can only run apps that are made for the ARM processor and come from the Windows store. You cannot run .exe files. The Dell Latitude 10 might be more suitable for what you want to do: http/www.dell.com/us/p/tablets-touch.aspx?cp=11&~ck=mn#!tablets-windows

Or maybe the Asus VivoTab: http/eee.asus.com/en/vivotab/features

The only downside here is you're limited to Intel Bay Trail (Atom Z2760) which will be a bit slow for Autodesk and CS5.

If you're willing to stretch your budget a bit you could go with a first generation Surface Pro: http/www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=8148901&sku=M17-101205