The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 and the iPad Pro are two of the most powerful and versatile tablet-like devices on the market today, with each offering distinct features and benefits. While the iPad Pro is an Apple icon with an emphasis on sleek design and an intuitive ecosystem, the Surface Pro 11 delivers powerful flexibility and productivity potential for those seeking a more traditional computing experience. In this article, we’ll explore some of the key advantages of the Surface Pro 11 over the iPad Pro.
1. Full Desktop-Grade Operating System
One of the most significant advantages the Surface Pro 11 holds over the iPad Pro is its operating system: Windows 11. Unlike the iPad Pro, which runs iPadOS, a mobile-first operating system, the Surface Pro 11 offers a full-fledged desktop OS. This allows users to run traditional desktop software, like Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, and other Windows programs, without compromise.
This makes the Surface Pro 11 ideal for users who need powerful, full-featured applications for productivity, coding, or other professional tasks. On the iPad Pro, many of these applications are limited in functionality due to the mobile nature of iPadOS, requiring users to make do with alternative apps or feature-reduced versions of desktop software.
2. Superior Multitasking and Window Management
The Windows 11 operating system allows for more robust multitasking and window management than iPadOS. Surface Pro 11 users can run multiple applications side by side, resize them freely, and use Snap Layouts to organize windows with ease. This type of multitasking is native to the Windows ecosystem and makes working with multiple applications much more intuitive and efficient.
While iPadOS has made significant strides in multitasking, it still doesn’t quite compare to the flexibility and versatility of the Surface Pro 11’s desktop environment, particularly when managing multiple full-screen apps at once.
3. Full USB Ports and Expandability
The Surface Pro 11 offers greater expandability and connectivity thanks to its full-sized USB-A port, USB-C, and Thunderbolt 4 support. This opens up the possibility to connect a wider variety of peripherals, including external hard drives, printers, USB flash drives, monitors, and more.
While the iPad Pro has USB-C, it lacks traditional USB-A ports and other connectivity options. Users are forced to rely on adapters or dongles for connecting older devices or peripherals, which can be a hassle for those who regularly work with multiple devices.
4. Customizable Keyboard and Trackpad Experience
The Surface Pro 11’s detachable Type Cover is another area where it has a clear advantage. Unlike the iPad Pro’s Magic Keyboard, which is fixed in terms of design and functionality, the Surface Pro 11’s keyboard can be customized in a variety of ways. The Type Cover offers a full-sized, comfortable typing experience with an optional trackpad that is highly responsive.
Moreover, the Surface Pro 11 has greater adjustability, as users can easily detach the keyboard for tablet mode or use it in a laptop configuration with an adjustable kickstand. The iPad Pro’s keyboard setup is less flexible and lacks this kind of positioning freedom, limiting how you can interact with the device in different contexts.
5. More Powerful Configuration Options
The Surface Pro 11 offers greater hardware configurability compared to the iPad Pro. Users can choose from various processors, including Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 processors, and can upgrade RAM up to 32GB or more depending on their needs. This makes it suitable for heavier computing tasks, such as video editing, programming, or running virtual machines.
The iPad Pro, on the other hand, uses the Apple M1 chip, which is incredibly powerful for mobile tasks but is somewhat limited in terms of its ability to handle heavy, desktop-level workflows. Additionally, the iPad Pro has a maximum of 16GB of RAM, which might not be sufficient for some professional workflows requiring more processing power and multitasking capabilities.
6. Windows Ecosystem Integration
For users who are already embedded within the Windows ecosystem, the Surface Pro 11 provides seamless integration with other Windows devices and services. Microsoft OneDrive, Windows 365, Microsoft Teams, and other productivity tools work natively and efficiently across the Surface Pro 11 and other Windows devices, ensuring a cohesive work experience.
On the other hand, while the iPad Pro integrates well with Apple services like iCloud and the Apple ecosystem, it may not be the best fit for those who rely on traditional Windows-based work tools. This makes the Surface Pro 11 a more compelling choice for enterprises and professionals who work within Microsoft’s suite of tools.
7. More Versatile App Support
With Windows 11, Surface Pro 11 users have access to an extensive catalog of software—ranging from desktop applications to Windows Store apps, including both traditional Windows desktop apps and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. This diversity in app types means you can run legacy applications that may not be supported on iPadOS.
While the iPad Pro has access to a wide range of apps through the App Store, it’s primarily limited to mobile-first apps. This makes it more suitable for light tasks such as web browsing, media consumption, or creative work, but less ideal for users who need access to enterprise-level software or custom desktop applications.
8. Expandable Storage Options
The Surface Pro 11 also offers more storage flexibility compared to the iPad Pro. While the iPad Pro is limited to its internal storage and offers no options for external storage (aside from cloud storage or using external drives via USB-C), the Surface Pro 11 supports external storage and SD card expansion, allowing users to easily add more storage as needed.
Conclusion
While the iPad Pro remains an exceptional tablet with powerful performance and an optimized user experience, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers several significant advantages in terms of productivity, flexibility, and desktop-grade capabilities. With its full operating system, superior multitasking, customizable keyboard, greater expandability, and more powerful configurations, the Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for users who need a versatile device capable of handling professional, full-scale tasks.
For those embedded in the Windows ecosystem, seeking flexibility, or requiring powerful computing capabilities on-the-go, the Surface Pro 11 is a more practical choice than the iPad Pro. Ultimately, the best device depends on your specific use case, but for power users and professionals, the Surface Pro 11 delivers superior performance and versatility.
