Surface Pro 2 or Macbook Pro for Photography

[cnans2291]

Hi Everyone,

After much research these past couple of days I'm torn between 3 devices. The Surface Pro 2 128 Gb, 256 Gb (for 8Gb mem) and the Macbook Pro 13". My main purpose for getting a new deive is for school, photography, and very light gaming (like Hearthstone)

Which would choose and why?

Thanks in advance

 

[Alabalcho]

Your game aside, it all depends what software you're going to use. If photography will be your main subject, then Photoshop / Lightroom is almost a must. I did not follow them recently, but there should be versions for both MacOS and Windows.

With Surface, you're getting "free" on-line versions of Word/Excel/etc.

You should check with your school and classes, about any recommendation / requirements. Your school might also have a deal with Microsoft / Apple / Adobe for student discounts on hardware and software.

 

[LummusMaximus]

In terms of performance, if you can get the MacBook running Windows go for that. It destroys the Surface, here's a little comparison:

CPU:
MBP: quad core
Surface: dual core low voltage
MBP wins

Graphics:
MBP: Intel Iris or Iris Pro, depends on CPU
Surface: Intel HD 4600
MBP wins

Another thing to consider is input devices. For example, the Surface keyboards are crap, and I have firsthand experience with this. And with one USB port, good luck connecting all the keyboards and mice you love, unless you use the Logitech wireless thingo. The MBP has a good keyboard and trackpad, and enough USB ports to connect better input devices if you desire them. The Surface uses a 1080p or a 720p one, can't remember exactly. The MBP has a 3k IPS screen, so it wins here too. Normally I wouldn't recommend an Apple product (I think they're overpriced) but you are the target audience for them with your photo editing. Go the MacBook.

 

[cnans2291]

Sorry for the late reply. I ended up buying the Surface Pro 2 128gb two nights ago. after playing around with it throughout the night and the next day, I had to return it . It's an amazing device and could handle lightroom/photoshop very well. However, the screen was way too small. It was very constraining to my eyes after long periods of editing and the buttons were too small to easily hit (even with the pen).

I immediately built a computer instead and plan on buying a nice IPS screen to give me my accurate colors.