When comparing Microsoft Surface Pro vs iPad Pro 10.5 (2017), the Slant community recommends Microsoft Surface Pro for most people. In the question“What are the best tablets for graphical illustrator work?” Microsoft Surface Pro is ranked 1st while iPad Pro 10.5 (2017) is ranked 4th.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Lightweight yet powerful
Pro Works as a tablet or a laptop
Surface Pro can be used both as a laptop and a tablet. Being that it can be used as either makes it extremely convenient to those that want power on the go.
Pro Reasonably priced
For the specs, the Surface Pros are a fantastic deal. Then factor in that you’re getting a tablet plus a laptop...it’s a no-brainer.
Pro Comes bundled with a great stylus
N-trig pen feels like a real pen and is natural to hold. There is a top button on the pen that allows for an eraser function as well as use for a wake up function.
Pro The last couple of i5 models are fanless
Pro Balanced screen colors
Pro 3:2 aspect ratio makes the device easier to hold and use
With a 3:2 aspect ratio the device is not as top heavy when holding in portrait and is easier to reach parts of the screens with the users thumbs when in landscape.
Pro New redesigned keyboard and touchpad attatchment
The keyboard attachment has been redesigned form earlier versions with a larger touchpad.
Pro Ideal for professional, creative graphical work
The Apple Pen, its big high-resolution display and the computing power (due to the A10X Fusion chip) that makes it all work fluidly and with no hiccups, even when displaying and processing demanding graphics, all combine to make this tablet a serious and reliable professional tool.
Pro If used with the Apple Pencil, it's great for tasks such as drawing or handwriting
This iPad can be used with the Apple Pencil (sold separately for $99), a digital stylus that can be used to navigate, hand write or draw. It's a very precise and fast device and extremely convenient for designers or illustrators. It's also pressure sensitive and very comfortable to manipulate.
Pro It is compatible with many things
It is easy to connect to, which makes it harder to be affected by low connection, unless if you are using one of those apps that may be glitchy. Though, I said this differently than others because you don’t have to use the Apple Pencil, if you are up for it, and you don’t have to be a professional for something with a lot of work to be wanting to buy this IPad. The price may deceive people, but it expensive for a reason! It is there for being able to be compatible with basically whatever you do or use, like a keyboard too.
Cons
Con Heavy for a tablet
Con Keyboard doesn't come with the device
You have to pay an extra $130 for the type cover keyboard.
Con Not a lot of ports
1 USB 3.0, microSD Card reader, Headset jack, Mini DisplayPort
Con Requires tweaking to reach full potential
Kinda applies to most Windows computers, but in the case of the Surface Pro, many users will benefit from undervolting (among other tweaks) to help keep performance steady and temperatures down. Especially true for the models without a fan.
Con Can be difficult to use
Unless you have a flat surface available to deploy the kickstand, it's not very laptop-like.
Con Not a very manageable tablet
Due to its size, the iPad Pro tablet is not the most manageable, or even portable, tablet. It can easily feel too big for users who like a tablet for its portability and versatility.
Con Expensive
This device is quite expensive, especially the more premium versions, whose price is closer to a laptop price than to a tablet price. Before getting this, users should really consider if it's worth it.