Surface Pro AND Mac Book Pro for med school?

[Jony770]

Hey folks, was just recently accepted to UWSOM and will be starting up in August. I know that this has been covered extensively on SDN but I'm torn between a Macbook Pro and Surface pro. Mac books are famous for being incredibly reliable, but I've always been a PC type of person and am really interested in the note-taking ability of the Surface Pro with One Note. The downside is that I feel the Surface isn't powerful enough to replace a laptop.

I've heard some people mention that they've had great success using a Surface for taking notes and in-class studying and having a MBP as well for heavier computing that the Surface may not be able to handle. This sounds like a really appealing option, but I wanted to hear the opinions of others before committing to anything. Do you all think there will be issues between platforms?

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[naijacardriodoc]

Surface pro!! The ability to write on PowerPoints and organize everything in OneNote is invaluable!


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[Mosaicity]

I have always been a mac person but got a Surface for med school. I mostly love OneNote, and I have some functions on my PC version that are not available on Mac.

I also like the integration (i.e. you can send screenshots directly to OneNote from anywhere, whereas this takes a few more clicks on Mac).

I did have to get my device replaced once (in terms of reliability) but I got insurance so it was free. I also had my battery replaced recently (after 1.5 yrs) and they are very good about that.

Also, I like handwriting so I often sneak into the Apple Store to play with the Apple Pen, but I think the Surface pen is more or less as good (almost as expensive, btw). The touch screen function for me has been pretty reliable.

My friend uses an iPad and Mac and we have similar study habits - this is definitely a matter of personal preference, and as you will be mostly watching videos, taking notes, maybe Anki, these functions are comparable on any device IMO.

Finally, I consider Best Buy service to be superior to Apple Store. I can never get a darn Genius bar appointment when I need it, but there is always someone to help me at Best Buy... (I have an iphone)

 

[bigindian4891]

I never needed (and dont think I will need) extra computing power, so I am very happy with my Surface Pro. Some of my friends got one after seeing how useful it is.

 

[arcus]

Mac books are famous for being incredibly reliable, but I've always been a PC type of person and am really interested in the note-taking ability of the Surface Pro with One Note.

I purchased at the start of my first year a refurbished MBP from the Apple store, and mid year purchased an iPad. Did most of my preclincial years using iAnnotate on my iPad. I used MBP for powerpoint and writing reports. I recently upgraded to iPad Pro, splurged on an Apple Pencil, and I am in Heaven. I rarely use my MBP these days. Stick with Macs. More reliable than Volvos.

Disclaimer: Death to Windows.

 

[Jony770]

I purchased at the start of my first year a refurbished MBP from the Apple store, and mid year purchased an iPad. Did most of my preclincial years using iAnnotate on my iPad. I used MBP for powerpoint and writing reports. I recently upgraded to iPad Pro, splurged on an Apple Pencil, and I am in Heaven. I rarely use my MBP these days. Stick with Macs. More reliable than Volvos.

Disclaimer: Death to Windows.

How was your experience with iAnnotate like, and how did you find using a regular iPad vs an iPad pro? Because price is a factor and combining a MBP with an iPad pro is definitely the spendier option

 

[sovereign0]

I compromised and got a SurfaceBook. I got one with a discrete graphics card for gaming, which ended up being a waste as I built my own desktop for that purpose, and for school.

As powerful (if not more powerful) than a MacBook pro, plus all the features of a Surface. Downside is that it's quite expensive - along the lines of a MacBook Pro.

Minor issue, but it saves you from the occasional software compatibility issues with some examination software. At a certain point, my Apple-based classmates couldn't update their OS because the examination software wasn't yet compatible with the new software.

Honestly though, either will do the job quite well. Since I built a desktop, I kind of wish I saved money and got a lightweight, nuts and bolts laptop with killer battery life instead.

 

[LebronManning]

Dude Macbook pro + iPad and you're set. I always thought of microSOFT stuff as what people buy when they can't afford apple. Clearly thats not the case with you

 

[Jony770]

I compromised and got a SurfaceBook. I got one with a discrete graphics card for gaming, which ended up being a waste as I built my own desktop for that purpose, and for school.

As powerful (if not more powerful) than a MacBook pro, plus all the features of a Surface. Downside is that it's quite expensive - along the lines of a MacBook Pro.

Minor issue, but it saves you from the occasional software compatibility issues with some examination software. At a certain point, my Apple-based classmates couldn't update their OS because the examination software wasn't yet compatible with the new software.

Honestly though, either will do the job quite well. Since I built a desktop, I kind of wish I saved money and got a lightweight, nuts and bolts laptop with killer battery life instead.

I feel like I'm pretty biased towards Microsoft products, but like I mentioned I'm concerned about reliability because I've had some issues with PC's in the past and Macs just last forever. Have you had any issues with reliability in the surface book? I'm really interested in it as an option, and considering I'd pair a Mac with an iPad pro anyways the surface book would still be cheaper.

 

[Jony770]

Dude Macbook pro + iPad and you're set. I always thought of microSOFT stuff as what people buy when they can't afford apple. Clearly thats not the case with you

I agree apple is better hardware wise. I just don't really like the Mac OS to be totally candid. Been on windows my entire life and don't really wanna change.

 

[LebronManning]

I agree apple is better hardware wise. I just don't really like the Mac OS to be totally candid. Been on windows my entire life and don't really wanna change.

Ah nobody likes it at first. Once you get used to it, though, you will never ever go back. I'm sure I'm not the first to tell you that!

 

[DNC127]

Ipad pro > surface

 

[sovereign0]

I feel like I'm pretty biased towards Microsoft products, but like I mentioned I'm concerned about reliability because I've had some issues with PC's in the past and Macs just last forever. Have you had any issues with reliability in the surface book? I'm really interested in it as an option, and considering I'd pair a Mac with an iPad pro anyways the surface book would still be cheaper.

Nope, the thing is trucking along just fine.

 

[NickNaylor]

I’m an Apple person, so keep that in mind. Not sure why you would need both devices - the Surface is essentially a fully-powered laptop as is the MacBook, so it seems like complete redundancy to me. If you’re going to get into the Mac ecosystem, I would suggest an iPad Pro. I got one recently with both the keyboard and the Apple Pencil, and it’s absolutely awesome. Load up the office suite and use whatever cloud storage service of your choice and you’ve essentially got a fully functional tablet and damn close laptop replacement. I used to be the kind of person that brought my laptop with me everywhere, but the iPad Pro has completely replaced that for me. It does 99% of what I need to do during the day using a computing device. The main downside is obviously the price for the complete setup, and at that point you’re probably paying close to what a Surface Pro costs. If you really want/need the Surface Pro then I suppose you could go with that. But I also think there’s increased ease of use when using Apple products together, and since there’s really no need to have two fully functional laptops - one with tablet functionality - I don’t see why you wouldn’t just get a laptop and a tablet.

 

[LebronManning]

I’m an Apple person, so keep that in mind. Not sure why you would need both devices - the Surface is essentially a fully-powered laptop as is the MacBook, so it seems like complete redundancy to me. If you’re going to get into the Mac ecosystem, I would suggest an iPad Pro. I got one recently with both the keyboard and the Apple Pencil, and it’s absolutely awesome. Load up the office suite and use whatever cloud storage service of your choice and you’ve essentially got a fully functional tablet and damn close laptop replacement. I used to be the kind of person that brought my laptop with me everywhere, but the iPad Pro has completely replaced that for me. It does 99% of what I need to do during the day using a computing device. The main downside is obviously the price for the complete setup, and at that point you’re probably paying close to what a Surface Pro costs. If you really want/need the Surface Pro then I suppose you could go with that. But I also think there’s increased ease of use when using Apple products together, and since there’s really no need to have two fully functional laptops - one with tablet functionality - I don’t see why you wouldn’t just get a laptop and a tablet.

Just curious...what is it that a macbook can do that an ipad pro cant? I have a macbook air right now and pretty much use it for EVERYTHING like you used to. Considering getting an ipad pro.

 

[NickNaylor]

Just curious...what is it that a macbook can do that an ipad pro cant? I have a macbook air right now and pretty much use it for EVERYTHING like you used to. Considering getting an ipad pro.

Depends on your use case. If all you do is online browsing and occasional Office work, then probably nothing. However, lots of software isn’t available on iOS, and some basic features either don’t run well or at all within iOS (for example, your school may have online pathology stuff that requires specific software that doesn’t work well on iOS or requires you to use specific applications for teaching-related stuff). For medical students specifically, you need to be able to use your hospital’s EMR, which is not a guarantee with mobile devices - and even if that access is enabled the performance is usually garbage compared to an actual computer.

Though I like the iPad Pro, I don’t see it as a complete desktop/laptop for 99% of people, specifically for medical students.

 

[Vrachika]

I didn't read all the posts on this so I may just be repeating something similar to what others said, but I thought I would chime in.

I don't have a surface, but I have an iPad Pro (which is much less of a laptop than a surface) and it's pretty much all I've used from day 1. I rarely use my computer for anything school related, which isn't very often in med school for me. I love the writing feature for listening to lectures and taking notes. I guess I do also use my computer to watch the lecture if I miss. However, you really don't need much "computing power" at all.

I would go for the surface, esp if you want only one device. However, I have to say even though I don't use my computer for a whole lot, I would hate not to have it bc it would be hard for me to watch lecture and take notes at the same time with the way I do it. So idk, depends on what you want and how you think you will study. If you think you might be a watch lectures at home kind of person, you might want to consider a laptop + tablet duo. You could get an iPad Pro + cheaper laptop (wouldn't even have to be THAT cheap) for the same price as a newer surface pro or MacBook Pro.

 

[LebronManning]

Depends on your use case. If all you do is online browsing and occasional Office work, then probably nothing. However, lots of software isn’t available on iOS, and some basic features either don’t run well or at all within iOS (for example, your school may have online pathology stuff that requires specific software that doesn’t work well on iOS or requires you to use specific applications for teaching-related stuff). For medical students specifically, you need to be able to use your hospital’s EMR, which is not a guarantee with mobile devices - and even if that access is enabled the performance is usually garbage compared to an actual computer.

Though I like the iPad Pro, I don’t see it as a complete desktop/laptop for 99% of people, specifically for medical students.

Yeah that's what I expected. No tablet is really a susbtitute for a computer. That poses the question, though, why even get an iPad Pro? My macbook air is very light and very portable. For me, I can't justify $800+ for a tablet if I can do all the same things on my macbook except for write on it. Correct me if I'm wrong

 

[NickNaylor]

Yeah that's what I expected. No tablet is really a susbtitute for a computer. That poses the question, though, why even get an iPad Pro? My macbook air is very light and very portable. For me, I can't justify $800+ for a tablet if I can do all the same things on my macbook except for write on it. Correct me if I'm wrong

Yes, it is completely unnecessary in all respects and really “worth it” (barely) if you really want the tablet form factor.

 

[Lnsean]

MBPs are super heavy and bulky. I got the surface pro based on recommendations from other med school friends and never looked back. Surface pro is very light weight, thin, and is not a major clunk of metal. The pen is super fluid and there's no lag, unlike the iPad. Surafepro all the way.

If you're a Mac only person then get iPad or Air...I rarely see people with MBPs anymore.

 

[Aerus]

I agree apple is better hardware wise. I just don't really like the Mac OS to be totally candid. Been on windows my entire life and don't really wanna change.

I was a Windows person and I HATED the apple OS. The Windows OS was so perfect and simple that I can't imagine anything else replacing it. But once I got used to my Macbook, I now HATE the Windows OS. Trust me, you will get used to it, then you will never go back.

MBPs are super heavy and bulky. I got the surface pro based on recommendations from other med school friends and never looked back. Surface pro is very light weight, thin, and is not a major clunk of metal. The pen is super fluid and there's no lag, unlike the iPad. Surafepro all the way.

If you're a Mac only person then get iPad or Air...I rarely see people with MBPs anymore.

MBP bulky and super heavy? What.....?

I guess it depends on what you're used to. I used to have a Windows laptop and man that thing was so heavy I only brought it with me when I really needed it. Now, my MBP is always in my bag, no matter whether I need it or not. It is so light that I hardly notice it's there. Sure, the Air is lighter, but the MBP is definitely not that much heavier either.

 

[Lnsean]

I was a Windows person and I HATED the apple OS. The Windows OS was so perfect and simple that I can't imagine anything else replacing it. But once I got used to my Macbook, I now HATE the Windows OS. Trust me, you will get used to it, then you will never go back.



MBP bulky and super heavy? What.....?

I guess it depends on what you're used to. I used to have a Windows laptop and man that thing was so heavy I only brought it with me when I really needed it. Now, my MBP is always in my bag, no matter whether I need it or not. It is so light that I hardly notice it's there. Sure, the Air is lighter, but the MBP is definitely not that much heavier either.

I just stated my personal opinion and what I've been seeing on campus. Most people have ditched their mbps or other laptops for mainly surface pros, ipads/airs, or those slim yoga hybrids. Very feel people are using mbps anymore because tablets can pretty much do everything now and it's like carrying a clipboard around...not a clunk of metal...and yes, mbps and other similar laptops are heavy and bulky...they don't offer anything more than your razor slim and thin tablets (like if you wanted too..a full fledged surface pro is probably more powerful than mbps at half the weight and thickness)

 

[Aerus]

I just stated my personal opinion and what I've been seeing on campus. Most people have ditched their mbps or other laptops for mainly surface pros, ipads/airs, or those slim yoga hybrids. Very feel people are using mbps anymore because tablets can pretty much do everything now and it's like carrying a clipboard around...not a clunk of metal...and yes, mbps and other similar laptops are heavy and bulky...they don't offer anything more than your razor slim and thin tablets (like if you wanted too..a full fledged surface pro is probably more powerful than mbps at half the weight and thickness)

Whoa whoa whoa get that chip off your shoulder. 😛 I was only replying to your comment about its bulk and weight by itself. I made no mention about how common it is or how it compares to the Surface.

 

[Lnsean]

Whoa whoa whoa get that chip off your shoulder. 😛 I was only replying to your comment about its bulk and weight by itself. I made no mention about how common it is or how it compares to the Surface.

Huh? I think you're the one with the chip. I mean you sought out my post and responded to me. I didn't seek you out. IF you're happy with your mbp...there's no need to respond to my post. You could have just responded to OP directly (like I did). It seems like you didn't like it when I said your mbp was heavy and bulky and that's your personal gripe, and hence my response.

 

[popopopop]

I have an issued MBP that I only use on test/quiz days. I switched back in November '17. I have a new Surface Pro I use for taking notes in Onenote primarily. It's awesome and well worth the investment! Don't get an iPad pro. Full Onenote 2016 on the Surface has more options and it runs faster.

My MBP is also using Bootcamp with Windows 10. If you don't want to go the Surface route, you can always do this too.

 

[WingedOx]

I compromised and got a SurfaceBook. I got one with a discrete graphics card for gaming, which ended up being a waste as I built my own desktop for that purpose, and for school.

As powerful (if not more powerful) than a MacBook pro, plus all the features of a Surface. Downside is that it's quite expensive - along the lines of a MacBook Pro.

Minor issue, but it saves you from the occasional software compatibility issues with some examination software. At a certain point, my Apple-based classmates couldn't update their OS because the examination software wasn't yet compatible with the new software.

Honestly though, either will do the job quite well. Since I built a desktop, I kind of wish I saved money and got a lightweight, nuts and bolts laptop with killer battery life instead.

I'm going to second the SurfaceBook. My wife has one for work and it's really nice. My only complaint is I think it's a bit large. I'm trying to decide between a SurfaceBook and one of the new tiny MacBooks when my 2012-era MBP finally craps out on me.

 

[Aerus]

Huh? I think you're the one with the chip. I mean you sought out my post and responded to me. I didn't seek you out. IF you're happy with your mbp...there's no need to respond to my post. You could have just responded to OP directly (like I did). It seems like you didn't like it when I said your mbp was heavy and bulky and that's your personal gripe, and hence my response.

I responded to you because I disagreed, but also acknowledged that it was an opinion. As I said, it "depends what you're used to". This is a public forum and I gave my input on the subject because the OP was asking for opinions. You could have just responded with something like "I think it's heavy" or something along the lines with the conversation, but you tried to bring in comparisons with the Surface Pro (which I didn't say I disagreed with either). But again, nothing wrong with it. I didn't even care about the weird chip. Just relax LOL.

 

[Lnsean]

You could have just responded with something like "I think it's heavy" or something along the lines with the conversation, but you tried to bring in comparisons with the Surface Pro (which I didn't say I disagreed with either). .

Umm..that's because that's the whole point of this thread? Did you not read the title of the thread? OP asked for an opinion between Surfacepro and MBP. I can't help you read if you don't know how to read.

What I think is that you got personally butt hurt because someone called your mbp heavy and clunky...so you got your panties twisted in a bunch. It's okay. Everyone is different. There's no need to take it so personally and be so defensive about it.

 

[Dwight Snoot]

Surface book can do essentially anything a MacBook pro can do and is a tablet like surface pro. Best of both worlds

 

[Aerus]

Umm..that's because that's the whole point of this thread? Did you not read the title of the thread? OP asked for an opinion between Surfacepro and MBP. I can't help you read if you don't know how to read.

What I think is that you got personally butt hurt because someone called your mbp heavy and clunky...so you got your panties twisted in a bunch. It's okay. Everyone is different. There's no need to take it so personally and be so defensive about it.

I don't know if you read, but I'm not OP. I was only responding to your point about the MBP and that I disagreed with it. I didn't say I disagreed that the Surface was better and didn't even mention it. Stop projecting lol.

 

[Lnsean]

I don't know if you read, but I'm not OP. I was only responding to your point about the MBP and that I disagreed with it. I didn't say I disagreed that the Surface was better and didn't even mention it. Stop projecting lol.

You're not OP but you are in OP's thread comparing surface pros and mbps. If you cannot stand people making such comparisons, then don't comment. Pretty simple. If you get butt hurt when people call your mbp heavy and clunky, then maybe you should avoid such topics in the future.

 

[Aerus]

You're not OP but you are in OP's thread comparing surface pros and mbps. If you cannot stand people making such comparisons, then don't comment. Pretty simple. If you get butt hurt when people call your mbp heavy and clunky, then maybe you should avoid such topics in the future.

Just stop projecting your own emotions into other people. I said I disagreed, but can understand the difference in opinions. If you start attacking other people just for commenting on an opinion, maybe you should excuse yourself from a public forum.

 

[Lnsean]

Just stop projecting your own emotions into other people. I said I disagreed, but can understand the difference in opinions. If you start attacking other people just for commenting on an opinion, maybe you should excuse yourself from a public forum.

This is attacking, lol? I said you were defensive and butt hurt, which you clearly are. How about you calm down for a bit first and untwist your panties. All I said was that tablets are thinner and slimmer than mbps which are bulky and heavy, and that they can/ are replacing traditional laptops. I wasn't even talking to you when I said this, but you took it personally and attacked me first. Talk about being insecure.

 

[Aerus]

This is attacking, lol? I said you were defensive and butt hurt, which you clearly are. How about you calm down for a bit first and untwist your panties. All I said was that tablets are thinner and slimmer than mbps which are bulky and heavy, and that they can/ are replacing traditional laptops. I wasn't even talking to you when I said this, but you took it personally. Talk about being insecure.

You actually were talking to me, since you quoted my post when you said all that. All I said was that I didn't agree but everyone has different opinions. Anyways, this has derailed enough.

 

[Lnsean]

You actually were talking to me, since you quoted my post when you said all that. All I said was that I didn't agree but everyone has different opinions. Anyways, this has derailed enough.

Stop being emotional. Okay, your mbp isn't bulky and a clunk of metal. Does that make you feel better? Jesus christ. You were the one dishing out personal attacks first and then cried foul when it was thrown back at you.

 

[Aerus]

Stop being emotional. Okay, your mbp isn't bulky and a clunk of metal. Does that make you feel better? Jesus christ. You were the one dishing out personal attacks first and then cried foul when it was given to you.

Actually, I didn't dish out any personal attacks. I made a specific comment about my own opinion. You're free to disagree with it and I don't care.

 

[Lnsean]

Actually, I didn't dish out any personal attacks. I made a specific comment about my own opinion. You're free to disagree with it and I don't care.

You've responded all this time and are saying you don't care? lol.

You were the one that made it personal first, not me. So don't be crying when people dish it back at you:

Whoa whoa whoa get that chip off your shoulder. 😛 I was only replying to your comment about its bulk and weight by itself. I made no mention about how common it is or how it compares to the Surface.

 

[Aerus]

You've responded all this time and are saying you don't care? lol.

You were the one that made it personal first, not me. So don't be crying when people dish it back at you:

But that's not personal at all? I can't believe you took such a light-hearted statement so seriously. And no, I said I didn't care that if there was a disagreement. Replying has nothing to do with that since I'm just responding to what is being said.

 

[Lnsean]

But that's not personal at all? I can't believe you took such a light-hearted statement so seriously. And no, I said I didn't care that if there was a disagreement. Replying has nothing to do with that since I'm just responding to what is being said.

I'm not the one crying about personal attacks. You are. I was merely pointing out the hypocrisy behind your criticisms. Don't cry about personal attacks when you were the one that dished them out initially.