When the first iPad launched, it was only a consumption device. Storage capacity of 16 GB or 32 GB is plenty for reading apps, a few movies, and a collection of games. As the iPad evolves, though, so does its capacity for productivity. Perhaps that explains Apple’s decision to release a 128 GB model several months into the 4th-gen. iPad’s lifespan.
Surface killer?
It wasn’t likely a coincidence that Apple announced the 128 GB iPad just a week before Microsoft launches the Surface with Windows 8 Pro. Microsoft is peddling the new Surface as the first real productivity-focused tablet, while framing the iPad as more of a toy. A 128 GB iPad is ammunition in Apple’s defense.Still don’t believe us? Check out the verbiage in Apple’s press release:
Companies regularly utilizing large amounts of data such as 3D CAD files, X-rays, film edits, music tracks, project blueprints, training videos and service manuals all benefit from having a greater choice of storage options for iPad. The over 10 million iWork® users, and customers who rely on other incredible apps like Global Apptitude for analyzing team film and creating digital playbooks, Auria for an incredible 48 track recording system, or AutoCAD for drafting architectural and engineering drawings, also benefit greatly from having the choice of an iPad with more storage capacity.
The 128 GB iPad is Apple's memo to enterprise customers. It basically says that you don’t need a different tablet for productivity. The same tablet you use for play is also the best for work.
Smaller Surface area
The 128 GB iPad announcement couldn't have fallen on a worse day for Microsoft. Just as Apple announced its higher-capacity tablet, Microsoft admitted that its tablet’s storage might not be what you expect.
In a statement to Engadget, Microsoft said that the 128 GB Surface Pro only ships with 83 GB of free space. Even worse, the 64 GB Surface ships with a measly 23 GB of usable storage.
By comparison, the 64 GB iPad offers 57.2 GB out of the box. The 32 GB iPad actually ships with more free space than the "64 GB" Surface: 29 GB compared to Surface's 23 GB.
In Microsoft’s defense, Windows 8 Pro is a full desktop operating system, complete with a restore partition (which can be deleted to free up space). It also allows for SD cards and USB peripherals to expand your storage.
Still, the astronomical difference in Surface’s advertised storage and actual storage is an embarrassing detail about a product that Microsoft needs to be a hit.
Release details
The 128 GB iPad 4 goes on sale on Tuesday, February 5. The Wi-Fi only model retails for US$799, while the Wi-Fi + LTE model will ring up at $929. Surface Pro releases in 64 GB ($900) and 128 GB ($1000) models on February 9.Sources: Apple, Engadget
Me, I can't wait for the Surface Pro to arrive. I will be first in line to buy regardless of the amount of memory. I know the limitations but I also know that I can add a 64GB memory card or attach an external disk drive for more storage. Can't do that with the overpriced Ipad.
MS Surface (even with a ghost onboard for backup) is gobbling 35Gb. A blank Win7 install is like 5Gb. What else are they running in there? That size is small business database territory.
All I can think about external storage expansion is the inconvenience of having external storage hanging off your device. For the SD storage option, what guaranteed reliability do you get? There are no heat spreaders for the SD card other than through the pins. Even so, with all the heat inside the tablet cavity, if you are outside on a hot day, how can you guarantee data integrity? And how would the SD compare in speed to internal SSD.
The only saving grace is maybe using a Sandisk Extreme Pro 64GB 95MB/S (SDSDXPA-064G-X46), that can take up to 85 Celsius and give you the r/w throughput. But in my part of the world this card is $170. You’re basically up to iPad prices, just to work around Microsoft’s space issue. Madness
The Surface Pro is a Laptop in Tablet form and runs a full OS suite with hardware comparable to a mini desktop system.
Yes its battery won't last as long as an IPad or Surface RT system because it's running a Core I5 processor, not an atom.
Yes the 128 GB version has less available space, it's using a full OS, not a Phone OS.
So isn't it time to start comparing the Surface Pro to other Windows 8 Pro devices and not to your mobile phone?