Aurin Ræder
One big advantage of the macbook is that it is fast and easy to pull out and put into a bag, where the tablet with keyboard would need some extra protection. Also the mac backlit keyboard is the same universal design that makes you able to type fast and reliable on all apple computers and laptops.
MS Office purchase is $110 Touch Cover weighs 200gram The Power Cover weighs 500gram and makes it equal the mac power:)
Alexander Sinclair
Hmm, I just bought my surface, my colleague has a mac air, both need a protective case. Did not know that this was who could pull out their computer faster.
Dany
The Surface 2 has the really big advantage of being more portable than the Mac. It's keyboard protects it screen and you don't need an extra case like any other tablet. You can use it even in your hands wherever you want... Even when you are walking. You can install all the games and apps that where designed for tablets and all the programs that where designed for desktops. The Surface Pro 2 is the best of two worlds.
Rann Xeroxx
I like the form factor and flexibility of the Surface Pro 2 over the clamshell non-touch of the MBA although the touchpad on the air is far better (I tend to use a mouse even with my tablets though).
One thing that I found an issue was the higher screen res on the Pro made it a pain to connect larger monitors that had lower res in that resizing the objects on the desktop is needed when using it on the 10" but they became huge on the monitors. There is suppose to be an ability to allow differing size settings on each monitor but I could not get that to work. Also always felt the need to keep it plugged in, could not go through a typical work day cordless.
IMHO, I like a convertible like the Yoga over the Surface as it gives a bit larger screen and less compromises in keyboard and such.
Seth Auser
Mac guaranteed to last 5x longer. I had 3 windows laptops in 5 years (with several complete windows refreshes). I've had 1 macbook air in 3 years. Apples OS is just so much smoother and cleaner.
Steve Jo
before purchasing Surface Pro 2, I was about to get Macbook Pro but I always felt something missing (touch screen and stylus function. Then, I finally decided to go with Surface Pro 2 and I was grateful with my decision. It's two months I have been using Surface Pro2 and it's perfect. I used it for heavy tasks except playing games.... MS Office, Lightroom, Photoshop CS6, some other photography softwares and it never failed me...
Matthew Dickson
I've had a Windows laptop (Toshiba) for the past 4 years. Used for gaming and photoshop mostly. I carry it in a backpack with no extra protection. It is now feeling slow by comparison to newer laptops, but runs perfectly well.
My iPad2 struggles to even run stock apps smoothly now and it isn't nearly as old. My colleagues that updated to iOS 7 have even worse performance on their iPad 2's. My wife's 2 year old iphone already broke under normal use. Her new one is not faring much better.
So no, I don't believe Apple products are "guaranteed to last 5x longer."
I would love to get my hands on a Surface Pro2, it's just too expensive currently.
Neil
Easy win for the MacBook. The 'surface' (daft name aside) is just too clunky, and has lost money for M$ from day one. What company sells their gear at a loss?? I've seen only one in the wild, and was definitely not impressed. The MacBook hardware and software on the other hand is sleeker, and wins simply by *not* being windows 8. I mean, come on, just look at the pics! Buying an 11" asap.
Jjoohhnn
I've had a Surface Pro2 for about a month now. I also have an iMac, iPod Touch5g and an iPhone5g. Also have a Sager Gaming Laptop.
The Surface Pro is nothing short of awesome. The interface, the look and the feel is addictive. It feels very expensive and elegant. it is fast and gaming on it works very very well. Especially if the game is 2-3 years old.
The MSFT app store is underrated. One thing I learned about the Apple app store is that there are so many clones. The Apple App store is not as big as you think. By the same token, I think MSFT needs to keep an eye on the junk apps, but the MSFT App store is certainly not bad...and it continues to grow.
The abilty to install my x386 apps on the Surface Pro 2 is probably the most valuable thing it can do. Windows 8 works great on the Surface Pro 2. You can use your finger, stlus or mouse exclusively or in combination...It ends up being a very efficent and rewarding interface. The only snag is that on my old x386 apps, using your finger can be a challenge...however, those apps were not designed for touch. So can't hold that against the device.
The split screen function is great for comparing documents, webpages or just general multitasking. You can literally have a netflix on one side while surfing the internet on the other half of the screen. I typically have email on one side with a document on the other side. Either way, it works flawlessly.
I won't say the Surface Pro 2 is an iPad killer. iPad is a little more focused on the casual/simple user. So I continue to see the iPad selling more units. But the Surface is an amazing device the brings things tothe table that the iPad neve will. I hope MSFT sticks to it and continues to improve the device. I think they have a real winner here.
Neil
'Jjoohhnn': The 'surface' has been a sales flop, despite the fact that M$ loses money on every one they sell in order to price it to match the MBA. It's a laptop you can't put on your lap, with a subpar keyboard, woeful OS and lackluster app selection.
This is what happens when M$ takes on Apple head to head: Zune W8 'Metro' Windows Phone 'Surface'
You *must* be an M$ employee. :D