Which Laptop/Surface Should I Get? - (Budget $1k - $1.5k)

LPeridots on 27/12/2020 - 21:20
Last edited 28/12/2020 - 00:23 by 1 other user

I use a Surface Pro 7 for work and love it. Currently own an Apple MacBook Pro but it’s probably 12 years old and just surviving. Not sure what laptop to get next? I just need one for basic usage, no gaming or designing needed. Versatility and lightweight is probably a preference. Thinking of getting the surface but don’t know enough of the choices available out there to make a comparison. Looking to get a shortlist of 2-3 to compare.

Any good recommendations? Not on a strict budget, but looking for something reasonable.

Added: Budget circa $1.5k. Need touch screen.

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  [Deactivated] on 27/12/2020 - 21:25

  +4

  M1 MacBook Air.

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  Hybroid on 27/12/2020 - 21:26

  Welcome to OzBargain. Thanks for posting the most open-ended question of the day. If you use both Surface and MacBook and can't make up your mind which YOU prefer, nor provide a target budget, how can we help?

  • 

    Peridots on 27/12/2020 - 22:35

    Haha I secretly prefer Surface, but like the fact that MacBook are not as susceptible to viruses like the other OSes.

    Budget max $1.5k perhaps?

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  AustriaBargain on 27/12/2020 - 21:47

  +1

  new macbook doesn't even have a fan yet it blows similar PC ultrabooks/laptops out of the water. M1 MacBook and a new Ipad should have you sorted. It's not like the Surface range is any cheaper.

  • 

    Travis J on 28/12/2020 - 07:11

    and a new Ipad should have you sorted.

    Check out Dex mode on the Tab S7+. You might see something you like.

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  Unorthodox on 27/12/2020 - 22:06

  +2

  Macbook w/ M chip.

  From the leaks for the Surface upgrades next year, it doesn't seem to be anything significant.

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  conan2000 on 27/12/2020 - 22:30

  How do you use it? I personally mostly use my laptop on my lap on the sofa, and never liked my old surface pro 3 because of this, not sure how much it has improved from this aspect though.

  Also, what is your budget and are any other features important? I.e. Personally, I won't consider a laptop without a touch screen as I use it all the time and my work laptop drives me nuts because it doesn't have it, and it takes the Macbooks everyone else is suggesting out of the options as well.

  I use a 2.5 year old Lenovo Yoga, and love the build quality, good battery life, touch screen and light weight. My partner doesn't use her touch screen/convertible features ever so they were a waste for her, and she was happy with a sub-4 hour battery life as hers never leaves the house, where as I wanted something that lasted over 10 hours as I travel with mine a fair bit.

  You could get something light weight a lot cheaper than a Macbook if that's your main criteria.

  • 

    Peridots on 28/12/2020 - 00:27

    Hmm I’d use it on the couch and also on a table that’s why I like the versatility of the surface. Touch screen for sure. Battery life would be good as well, minimum 4-5 hours probably.

    Also is there much of a difference between the surface pro and the surface laptop in terms of specs that would matter to me?

    • 

      conan2000 on 28/12/2020 - 00:46

      I ended up buying a case for my Surface to make it usable on the couch, and actually found it to be not that versatile because of it.

      Difference between the surface laptop and pro will come down to the price/spec combo you need really, they are both touch screen and the battery should meet your requirements. I wouldn't want anything with less than 8Gb RAM, if you're a light user I don't think the CPU will matter too much. The other thing would be hard drive space, most within your budget will be 256Gb or less, which definitely wouldn't be enough for me, but could be fine for you.