Surface Pro or Macbook pro

[Strider_91]

Last laptop bit the dust. Currently computer-less. Should I get the new surface pro or a MacBook pro for med school?

Background: I don't code or anything. I really am going to just use my computer for doing research/ making anki cards/ general internet surfing/ taking notes/ writing emails.

Surface pro pros:
I like the idea of being able to write on the powerpoints and stuff. I think it would be good for making Anki cards being able to draw things and pull pictures from actual books/ ppt slides.
cons: the keyboard is weak. I have heard people having some buggy issues with it.

Macbrook pro pros:
Everyone knows these computers a beasts and it will last me for a long time with very little issues. I can still pull some pictures by cutting out a screen shot for anki and stuff. It will have an actual keyboard which is better for me.
cons:
I cant really annotate in powerpoints or pds of draw my own pictures on anki cards.

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[aalamruad]

Last laptop bit the dust. Currently computer-less. Should I get the new surface pro or a MacBook pro for med school?

Background: I don't code or anything. I really am going to just use my computer for doing research/ making anki cards/ general internet surfing/ taking notes/ writing emails.

Surface pro pros:
I like the idea of being able to write on the powerpoints and stuff. I think it would be good for making Anki cards being able to draw things and pull pictures from actual books/ ppt slides.
cons: the keyboard is weak. I have heard people having some buggy issues with it.

Macbrook pro pros:
Everyone knows these computers a beasts and it will last me for a long time with very little issues. I can still pull some pictures by cutting out a screen shot for anki and stuff. It will have an actual keyboard which is better for me.
cons:
I cant really annotate in powerpoints or pds of draw my own pictures on anki cards.

Willing to drop another few hundo on an iPad to supplement the MBP? I've heard it's fantastic to have 2 screens anyways.

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

You can still annotate ppts with MacBook Pro. I just forgot the software you use for it. Help, anybody? Also.. have you been using PC last couple years of Mac? Sometimes that transition sucks and you're right.. the MB is a beast.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I have a MBP + iPad pro and love it. Best Buy = 2 years financing at the right time of year. What's a few hundred bucks on top of a few hundred thousand? HA! I'd buy an island right now too if they would let me. Pile it on baby...

 

[Major]

Absolutely hands down love my MacBook Pro

 

[Strider_91]

You can still annotate ppts with MacBook Pro. I just forgot the software you use for it. Help, anybody? Also.. have you been using PC last couple years of Mac? Sometimes that transition sucks and you're right.. the MB is a beast.

Thank you all for the responses. I am NOT currently a Mac user but I have some time to get used to it to make the transition. I want to go to the light.

As for dropping a few hundred more for an iPad, it won't happen right away but I can see it being a next year thing.

Leaning heavily towards the MBP due to the love it seems to be getting.

 

[DrWhozits]

The two are apples and oranges. The MacBook Pro is hands down better as far as a pure laptop. Surface Pro is good for annotating.

Personally I have a MacBook Pro (that has lasted me since 2010 and still runs perfectly) and I have a iPad Pro + Apple Pencil. The two screens make watching lectures and writing/drawing on slides really effective, it was a game changer for my studying.

However, I understand not everyone loves Apple products. So, ya know, do whatever.

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

I have a MBP + iPad pro and love it. Best Buy = 2 years financing at the right time of year. What's a few hundred bucks on top of a few hundred thousand? HA! I'd buy an island right now too if they would let me. Pile it on baby...

Just recently got my 15' MB Pro with the Touchpad. NO RAGRETS. Any tips on whether I should get the 9.7 or 12 inch IPad Pro though? I been considering one or the other. Why not pile a bit more onto my debt?

Side note: I got the Southwest Rewards credit card in order to buy my MB Pro and earned 50k points in the process. Hehe

 

[Gorne]

Surface pro is the superior product and anyone that says otherwise is a millennial snowflake.

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

Surface pro is the superior product and anyone that says otherwise is a millennial snowflake.

That hurt my feelings.. 🙁

 

[Robotfishbrain]

Surface pro is the superior product and anyone that says otherwise is a millennial snowflake.

Great analysis.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

Just recently got my 15' MB Pro with the Touchpad. NO RAGRETS. Any tips on whether I should get the 9.7 or 12 inch IPad Pro though? I been considering one or the other. Why not pile a bit more onto my debt?

Side note: I got the Southwest Rewards credit card in order to buy my MB Pro and earned 50k points in the process. Hehe

9.7. For me, the 12 was equivalent to holding a Zack Morris cell phone.

 

[AcademicNeurosurgery]

I would go with the MBP. I never use the hand annotation feature on my laptop, it felt awkward and my handwriting was terrible with the stylus. Typing out annotations (e.g. making a text box on a PDF) was really helpful for me because I could then search my annotations.

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

9.7. For me, the 12 was equivalent to holding a Zack Morris cell phone.

You don't feel as if it's too small when taking notes / looking at the screen?

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

Nah, it's the perfect size for me (especially when I'm in a coffee shop or something). When I study at home though, I usually put my notes up on the TV.

 

[AcademicNeurosurgery]

I have a MBP + iPad pro and love it. Best Buy = 2 years financing at the right time of year. What's a few hundred bucks on top of a few hundred thousand? HA! I'd buy an island right now too if they would let me. Pile it on baby...

Just recently got my 15' MB Pro with the Touchpad. NO RAGRETS. Any tips on whether I should get the 9.7 or 12 inch IPad Pro though? I been considering one or the other. Why not pile a bit more onto my debt?

Side note: I got the Southwest Rewards credit card in order to buy my MB Pro and earned 50k points in the process. Hehe

I would be careful with this mentality, it adds up quickly. A few hundred when debating whether or not to get Pathoma/Sketchy/UWorld, go for it. However, I'd caution against dropping a few hundred (or thousand) on Apple 7s plus 128gb + Apple Watch Series 2 + Apple Ipad Pro 128gb + 4K 70 inch external monitor. But to each their own.

 

[akuko2]

I'm a surface pro 4 user who despises most apple products just because I am more familiar with the windows OS. I love my surface pro 4 but have to warn you, if you like to rest your computer on your lap, don't buy it. This may sound really stupid, but I used the surface at the store and loved it, but didn't anticipate the inconvenience of having to balance the thing with the flimsy keyboard on my lap when I need to whip it out and don't have a table.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I would be careful with this mentality, it adds up quickly. A few hundred when debating whether or not to get Pathoma/Sketchy/UWorld, go for it. However, I'd caution against dropping a few hundred (or thousand) on Apple 7s plus 128gb + Apple Watch Series 2 + Apple Ipad Pro 128gb + 4K 70 inch external monitor. But to each their own.

Sorry Dad, I'll be more mindful! 😉

 

[MrMammal]

Just recently got my 15' MB Pro with the Touchpad. NO RAGRETS. Any tips on whether I should get the 9.7 or 12 inch IPad Pro though? I been considering one or the other. Why not pile a bit more onto my debt?

Side note: I got the Southwest Rewards credit card in order to buy my MB Pro and earned 50k points in the process. Hehe

I have the 12.9' iPad pro, and though it is nice to have all that screen size, it does become cumbersome to carry from time to time. With a 15' MacBook pro, I'd say it would be nice to get the smaller iPad pro, so you have the option of having something light to carry around. Just my opinion though.

 

[jcorpsmanMD]

I have the 12.9' iPad pro, and though it is nice to have all that screen size, it does become cumbersome to carry from time to time. With a 15' MacBook pro, I'd say it would be nice to get the smaller iPad pro, so you have the option of having something light to carry around. Just my opinion though.

Appreciate it! I was thinking the same thing.

EDIT: do you think the keyboard for the iPad Pro is necessary if you already have a MB Pro? will the stylus suffice?

 

[Scrubs101]

Love my new MBP, definitely a solid laptop. These things last ages. Made the switch to MBP at the beginning of undergrad, and that laptop was running perfectly after 4 years. Unfortunately it got stolen though :/.

I also plan on getting an iPad Pro + Apple Pencil, for the tablet note taking/annotating experience plus the dual screens at home. Plus the compatibility to my phone and computer is dope, and this Continuity: The Ultimate Guide | iMore

Rumor is theres a new ipad pro and maybe an apple pencil coming out this year. I think i heard june? Not sure if im gonna wait though, theres always bs rumors going around about apple products. Comes with the apple fanatic fan base i guess lol


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[jcorpsmanMD]

Love my new MBP, definitely a solid laptop. These things last ages. Made the switch to MBP at the beginning of undergrad, and that laptop was running perfectly after 4 years. Unfortunately it got stolen though :/.

I also plan on getting an iPad Pro + Apple Pencil, for the tablet note taking/annotating experience plus the dual screens at home. Plus the compatibility to my phone and computer is dope, and this Continuity: The Ultimate Guide | iMore

Rumor is theres a new ipad pro and maybe an apple pencil coming out this year. I think i heard june? Not sure if im gonna wait though, theres always bs rumors going around about apple products. Comes with the apple fanatic fan base i guess lol


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If I buy it and an updated Apple Pencil comes out I'm going to be very peeved lol

 

[MrMammal]

Appreciate it! I was thinking the same thing.

EDIT: do you think the keyboard for the iPad Pro is necessary if you already have a MB Pro? will the stylus suffice?

The keyboard is great if this is the only device you have or will carry around with you. Otherwise, the software keyboard works fine, since normally you'd use your computer for keyboarding anyways. The apple pencil is awesome, though. That I would recommend.

 

[MrMammal]

If you can wait, do. New stuff will be out this fall.

I want the new MBP, my 11' is kind of anticlimactic and my school does exams on our own computers. Tiny screen size might be a problem. But the 11' still works just fine, which makes me feel like I'm wasting money I don't have HAHAHA.

 

[ru4real1666]

MBP + iPad (even if you're gonna buy the ipad later on in the year or next year). Hands down the best decision I made for my education in the last 10 years.

 

[Strider_91]

MBP + iPad (even if you're gonna buy the ipad later on in the year or next year). Hands down the best decision I made for my education in the last 10 years.

Do they have any bundling deals?

 

[sovereign0]

I went with a SurfaceBook. I literally never use it to draw or anything like that - it sounds cool and useful but in practice isn't all that relevant for med school IMO.

Personally, I think MacBooks are generally overpriced and limited on features and compatibility - especially with testing software. If I could go back and do it again, I'd get a solid Win10 laptop for $1k or so.

 

[medschoolappssux88]

For those who said Macbook + iPad, what is your setup? Do you just stream lecture on your macbook and then write things down on the iPad (I assume it's a powerpoint?). Does mac have some function where you can project the screens of each of them to the other? Do you bring both of them to school with you?

 

[vorugan1]

For those who said Macbook + iPad, what is your setup? Do you just stream lecture on your macbook and then write things down on the iPad (I assume it's a powerpoint?). Does mac have some function where you can project the screens of each of them to the other? Do you bring both of them to school with you?

Love to use the two with the app called "duet". Basically turns your iPad into a second monitor. Dual screens on the go ftw.

 

[TX_AK]

I'm a surface pro 4 user who despises most apple products just because I am more familiar with the windows OS. I love my surface pro 4 but have to warn you, if you like to rest your computer on your lap, don't buy it. This may sound really stupid, but I used the surface at the store and loved it, but didn't anticipate the inconvenience of having to balance the thing with the flimsy keyboard on my lab when I need to whip it out and don't have a table.

What does the battery life look like. Does it last all day, or are you always looking for an outlet?

 

[Giovanotto]

Whichever one isn't owned by a company that emphasizes screwing over their consumers and overcharging for everything. Should be an easy decision.

ps. don't get the surface pro, get the surface book.

 

[cognytive]

Hey just my two cents:

I currently use a surface book w/out the dedicated GPU and the flexibility is absolutely amazing.

I study two ways:

(1) I detach the screen, and annotate powerpoints while splitting the screen in half (lecture capture on the left, ppt on the right). It is absolutely fantastic and really comes in handy.

(2) I use the laptop mode to make anki cards and review powerpoints that I have previously annotated. Works extremely well -- especially if you anticipate annotating a lot; best of both worlds.

If for some reason you don't end up annotating, just use it like a regular laptop! I promise it'll be able to handle anything you throw at it.

PM if you have any questions!

 

[aalamruad]

Hey just my two cents:

I currently use a surface book w/out the dedicated GPU and the flexibility is absolutely amazing.

I study two ways:

(1) I detach the screen, and annotate powerpoints while splitting the screen in half (lecture capture on the left, ppt on the right). It is absolutely fantastic and really comes in handy.

(2) I use the laptop mode to make anki cards and review powerpoints that I have previously annotated. Works extremely well -- especially if you anticipate annotating a lot; best of both worlds.

If for some reason you don't end up annotating, just use it like a regular laptop! I promise it'll be able to handle anything you throw at it.

PM if you have any questions!

I don't know about this, actually. One of the main reasons I chose a MBP was for heavy programs for research that I heard a surface book couldn't handle nearly as well.

 

[Nikj]

Last laptop bit the dust. Currently computer-less. Should I get the new surface pro or a MacBook pro for med school?

Background: I don't code or anything. I really am going to just use my computer for doing research/ making anki cards/ general internet surfing/ taking notes/ writing emails.

Surface pro pros:
I like the idea of being able to write on the powerpoints and stuff. I think it would be good for making Anki cards being able to draw things and pull pictures from actual books/ ppt slides.
cons: the keyboard is weak. I have heard people having some buggy issues with it.

Macbrook pro pros:
Everyone knows these computers a beasts and it will last me for a long time with very little issues. I can still pull some pictures by cutting out a screen shot for anki and stuff. It will have an actual keyboard which is better for me.
cons:
I cant really annotate in powerpoints or pds of draw my own pictures on anki cards.

A lot of the attention with the surface is it's ability to draw on ppts, but that can be overcome with a simple drawing pad/ipad device.

Macs are really useful for studying in groups, especially with things like airdrop, screen share, connecting to peripherals when studying, etc.

 

[Dr. Jan Itor]

If you're going not going to go Mac, it would probably be best to skip the Surface Pro and just go for the Surface Book.

A year or so ago for work, I had to switch to a Surface Book from a MBP. It was annoying at first but I've really enjoyed having it for class.


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[787593]

Last laptop bit the dust. Currently computer-less. Should I get the new surface pro or a MacBook pro for med school?

Background: I don't code or anything. I really am going to just use my computer for doing research/ making anki cards/ general internet surfing/ taking notes/ writing emails.

Surface pro pros:
I like the idea of being able to write on the powerpoints and stuff. I think it would be good for making Anki cards being able to draw things and pull pictures from actual books/ ppt slides.
cons: the keyboard is weak. I have heard people having some buggy issues with it.

Macbrook pro pros:
Everyone knows these computers a beasts and it will last me for a long time with very little issues. I can still pull some pictures by cutting out a screen shot for anki and stuff. It will have an actual keyboard which is better for me.
cons:
I cant really annotate in powerpoints or pds of draw my own pictures on anki cards.

Mac

Surface pro is the superior product and anyone that says otherwise is a millennial snowflake.

Fight me

 

[Robotfishbrain]

I think it's important to note the difference between the surface pro and the surface book. The former is equivalent to a regular macbook (NOT the pro), while the surface book is the same tier as the macbook pro

 

[akuko2]

What does the battery life look like. Does it last all day, or are you always looking for an outlet?

I usually get 5 hours out of it but I like the brightest setting.

 

[NeuResurgens]

I bought a brand new MacBook Pro with the touch bar and got an external monitor as well. Absolutely love it.

Some people love the surface for its touchscreen, particularly for handwriting notes in a digital format. For me this is the biggest thing the surface has that MacBook Pro doesn't. I don't personally use a computer for note writing so it wasn't a big deal for me, but if you want that ability you might consider the surface.

Also let's refrain from an apple vs. droid/PC pissing contest shall we. I'll never understand why people connect which brands they use to their self worth. Figure out dispassionately which one meets your needs.

 

[787593]

I bought a brand new MacBook Pro with the touch bar and got an external monitor as well. Absolutely love it.

Some people love the surface for its touchscreen, particularly for handwriting notes in a digital format. For me this is the biggest thing the surface has that MacBook Pro doesn't. I don't personally use a computer for note writing so it wasn't a big deal for me, but if you want that ability you might consider the surface.

Also let's refrain from an apple vs. droid/PC pissing contest shall we. I'll never understand why people connect which brands they use to their self worth. Figure out dispassionately which one meets your needs.

My MacBook understands, she listens...

 

[cellsaver]

I have purchased all of my MBP on the Apple Clearance site.

I am still using my mid-2012 MBP and just doubled the RAM to 16 GB in spite of Apple saying it could only handle 8 GB at 1600 MHz.

try their clearance webpage

Refurbished MacBook Pro 15" - Refurbished Notebooks, 1-Year Warranty

screaming machine

 

[Oh_Gee]

Last laptop bit the dust. Currently computer-less. Should I get the new surface pro or a MacBook pro for med school?

Background: I don't code or anything. I really am going to just use my computer for doing research/ making anki cards/ general internet surfing/ taking notes/ writing emails.

Surface pro pros:
I like the idea of being able to write on the powerpoints and stuff. I think it would be good for making Anki cards being able to draw things and pull pictures from actual books/ ppt slides.
cons: the keyboard is weak. I have heard people having some buggy issues with it.

Macbrook pro pros:
Everyone knows these computers a beasts and it will last me for a long time with very little issues. I can still pull some pictures by cutting out a screen shot for anki and stuff. It will have an actual keyboard which is better for me.
cons:
I cant really annotate in powerpoints or pds of draw my own pictures on anki cards.

FWIW i have the surface pro 4 and have never had an issue with the keyboard except for that 1 time i was an idiot: my keyboard wasn't registering my typing but it was b/c there was a small piece of tissue caught between in the connector between the tablet and keyboard lol

 

[Oh_Gee]

What does the battery life look like. Does it last all day, or are you always looking for an outlet?

i have the m3 processor of the pro 4 and the battery life is garbage, like 3-4 hours. but i'm almost always around a power outlet where ever i go so it's not an issue

 

[ridethecliche]

SURFACE PRO SURFACE PRO SURFACE PRO

 

[CapuccinoCup123]

Excuse my ignorance, but is it hard to get by with MBP and regular notebooks/pencils. Does the ipad make things that much easier?

 

[Scrubs101]

Excuse my ignorance, but is it hard to get by with MBP and regular notebooks/pencils. Does the ipad make things that much easier?

I havent started school yet but this is what ive heard. Its better to carry a 1lb tablet than 9 10lb 3in binders(my school does coursepacks), and being able to just control F something in your notes is incredibly helpful. Ive always been a pen and paper kind of guy, but i was convinced to give it a try once i saw how many pages of notes there are per class lol

Edit: but you can still totally get away with just a laptop, theres no need for a tablet. Just a convenience for some

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[jcorpsmanMD]

I havent started school yet but this is what ive heard. Its better to carry a 1lb tablet than 9 10lb 3in binders(my school does coursepacks), and being able to just control F something in your notes is incredibly helpful. Ive always been a pen and paper kind of guy, but i was convinced to give it a try once i saw how many pages of notes there are per class lol

Edit: but you can still totally get away with just a laptop, theres no need for a tablet. Just a convenience for some

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I didn't even consider this aspect of why the IPad Pro is useful. Thanks! Great point.

 

[Nietzsche's Barber]

I havent started school yet but this is what ive heard. Its better to carry a 1lb tablet than 9 10lb 3in binders(my school does coursepacks), and being able to just control F something in your notes is incredibly helpful. Ive always been a pen and paper kind of guy, but i was convinced to give it a try once i saw how many pages of notes there are per class lol

Edit: but you can still totally get away with just a laptop, theres no need for a tablet. Just a convenience for some

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Right on. I only use my laptop at home and in class. I use my iPad Pro everywhere else (I migrate when I study). I couldn't imagine using binders anymore...

 

[oznefu]

The real question is....do you go white or black bezel?


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