On the outside, both tablets look very similar.
The Surface Kickstand is Brilliant
When you dive deep, the Surface starts to look more appealing.
Theres also the matter of the Windows versus Mac operating systems.
Sascha Brodsky / Lifewire
Downloading updates is just much less of a hassle on a Mac.
They happen quietly in the background without interrupting my work.
With Windows, Im constantly told I need to update my Surface for some critical reason.
Sometimes, the Surface even seems to restart itself and go through a long bootup process.
But Windows is still more efficient for work if you ignore some of the inevitable snags.
On Mac, you have to navigate to the window bar and find “Paste and Match Style.”
Its a small thing, to be sure, but doing this multiple times a day can interrupt workflow.
The Surface has so many things going for it that I prefer it to the iPad in some instances.
Its convenient to bring up the Windows Journal app when I want to jot down some notes quickly.
Without even a Home button, the iPad is just a monolithic slab.
Id like a few more buttons to customize.
But theres no denying the iPad works no matter what you throw at it.
The iPad also wins when it comes to essential accessories.
As much as I admire the Surface stylus and keyboard, the iPad has them beat.
My Magic Keyboard for iPadis a transformative devicethat lets me work and play whenever I want.
By contrast, the Surface keyboard is a little tricky to deal with.
In spite of its faults, however, I just cant quit the Surface.
I love that I can run nearly any Windows app on the Surface.
And even though the iPad offers millions of high-quality apps, it feels limiting.
Its a good thing I have both.
