microsoft surface pro vs macbook air: Which is Better for You in 2023?
In today’s world, the decision of what type of laptop to buy can be overwhelming. With the wide range of laptops available, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best for you. Two of the most popular laptops are the Microsoft Surface Pro and the MacBook Air. Both laptops offer great features, but which one is the best for you? In this article, we will compare the Microsoft Surface Pro and the MacBook Air, looking at the specs, features, and price to help you decide which is the right laptop for you.
| Microsoft Surface Pro | MacBook Air |
|---|---|
| 12.3-inch PixelSense display | 13.3-inch LED-backlit display |
| 7th Gen Intel Core i7 processor | 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor |
| Windows 10 Home | macOS Sierra |
| Up to 13.5 hours battery life | 12 hours battery life |
| 9.1mm thickness | 17mm thickness |
| 2.3lbs weight | 2.96lbs weight |
The Microsoft Surface Pro and the MacBook Air both feature powerful processors and long-lasting battery life. However, the Surface Pro has a smaller 12.3-inch display, runs Windows 10 Home, is thinner (9.1mm) and lighter (2.3lbs) than the 13.3-inch MacBook Air (17mm, 2.96lbs). The MacBook Air runs macOS Sierra and has a longer battery life (12 hours vs 13.5 hours).
Microsoft Surface Pro Vs Macbook Air: In-Depth Comparison Chart
| Surface Pro | MacBook Air |
|---|---|
| Display | Display |
| 12.3-inch PixelSense Display | 13.3-inch Retina Display |
| Processor | Processor |
| 7th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7 | Intel Core i5 or i7 |
| Memory | Memory |
| 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM | 4GB, 8GB or 16GB RAM |
| Storage | Storage |
| 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Graphics | Graphics |
| Intel HD Graphics 615 or Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 | Intel HD Graphics 6000 |
| Battery | Battery |
| Up to 13.5 hours | Up to 12 hours |
| Weight | Weight |
| 1.69 lbs (766 g) | 2.96 lbs (1.35 kg) |
| OS | OS |
| Windows 10 | macOS |
| Price | Price |
| $799 and up | $999 and up |
Microsoft Surface Pro vs MacBook Air
Design
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a tablet/laptop hybrid with a detachable keyboard and kickstand for easy viewing. It has a sleek, modern design that is lightweight and portable. The MacBook Air has a more traditional design with a clamshell laptop form factor. It is a bit heavier than the Surface Pro, but still lightweight and portable.
The Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio which is great for productivity. The MacBook Air also has a 12.3-inch display, but with a lower resolution of 2560 x 1600 and a 16:10 aspect ratio. It is still a great display, but not as good as the Surface Pro.
The Surface Pro has a touchscreen display with support for Microsoft’s Surface Pen. The MacBook Air does not have a touchscreen and does not support the Apple Pencil. This makes the Surface Pro better for productivity and creative work.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a USB-C port, a USB 3.0 port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. It also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 3 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity.
The Surface Pro has better connectivity with more ports and support for the Surface Pen. The MacBook Air is more limited but still offers good connectivity.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Pro is powered by Intel’s 8th-gen Core processors. It has up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage. The MacBook Air is powered by Intel’s 7th-gen Core processors and has up to 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage.
The Surface Pro is faster and more powerful than the MacBook Air, but both are still great for productivity tasks. The Surface Pro is better for more demanding tasks like video editing and gaming.
Software
The Microsoft Surface Pro runs Windows 10 Pro, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. It is a full-featured operating system that is great for productivity and creativity. The MacBook Air runs macOS, Apple’s operating system. It is also a full-featured operating system with great support for productivity and creativity.
The Surface Pro has access to the full range of Windows apps, including the Microsoft Office suite. The MacBook Air has access to the full range of macOS apps, including the iWork suite.
The Surface Pro and MacBook Air are both great for productivity tasks, but the Surface Pro has better software support with access to more apps.
Battery Life
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a battery life of up to 13.5 hours. The MacBook Air has a battery life of up to 12 hours. Both laptops have good battery life, but the Surface Pro has a slightly better battery life.
Price
The Microsoft Surface Pro starts at $799 for the base model. The MacBook Air starts at $999 for the base model. The Surface Pro is more affordable than the MacBook Air.
Verdict
The Microsoft Surface Pro is a great laptop for productivity and creativity. It has a great design, good connectivity, excellent performance, and good battery life. It is also more affordable than the MacBook Air. The MacBook Air is also a great laptop, but it is not as good as the Surface Pro.
Microsoft Surface Pro vs MacBook Air
Pros
- Microsoft Surface Pro has a larger screen size than a MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Pro offers more ports than a MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Pro is more powerful than a MacBook Air
Cons
- Microsoft Surface Pro is more expensive than a MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Pro is heavier than a MacBook Air
- Microsoft Surface Pro has a shorter battery life than a MacBook Air
Microsoft Surface Pro Vs Macbook Air: Which Is Better?
Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Apple MacBook Air are both great options for a variety of users. The Surface Pro offers a unique hybrid laptop-tablet experience and is great for people who need a device for both work and play. The MacBook Air is great for everyday use, providing a lightweight and powerful laptop experience. It is great for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable and versatile laptop. Which device you choose depends on what features you need, what you can afford, and what you plan to do with your device.
The Microsoft Surface Pro is the more versatile of the two options. It offers an amazing tablet experience, with a convenient touchscreen and pen input, as well as a laptop experience, allowing you to get your work done. It is also more powerful, with an Intel Core processor and up to 16GB of RAM. The downside is that it is more expensive than the MacBook Air.
The Apple MacBook Air is the more lightweight and affordable option. It is great for everyday use, with its slim and lightweight design, long battery life, and macOS operating system. It is less powerful than the Surface Pro, with an Intel Core processor and up to 8GB of RAM. However, it is a great laptop for students, professionals, and anyone who wants a reliable and versatile laptop.
In conclusion, both the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Apple MacBook Air are great options for a variety of users. Which one is the better choice for you depends on what features you need, what you can afford, and what you plan to do with your device. The Surface Pro offers a unique hybrid laptop-tablet experience, while the MacBook Air is great for everyday use.
Microsoft Surface Pro Vs Macbook Air Few Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air?
The main difference between the Microsoft Surface Pro and the MacBook Air is the operating system. The Microsoft Surface Pro runs on the Windows 10 operating system, while the MacBook Air runs on the macOS operating system. Both operating systems have their advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on what you prefer and what you are used to. Additionally, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a 2-in-1 laptop/tablet hybrid that can be used as both a laptop and a tablet, while the MacBook Air is strictly a laptop.
How much storage do the Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air offer?
The Microsoft Surface Pro offers up to 1TB of storage, while the MacBook Air offers up to 512GB of storage. Additionally, the Microsoft Surface Pro also has an option to upgrade to a larger storage size if needed.
What type of processor does the Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air have?
The Microsoft Surface Pro has an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, while the MacBook Air has an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. Both processors are powerful enough to handle everyday tasks and are more than capable of running intensive applications.
What type of display does the Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air have?
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch PixelSense touch display with a resolution of 2736 x 1824, while the MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch Retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600. Both displays are bright and vibrant and offer excellent picture quality.
What type of battery life does the Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air have?
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a battery life of up to 13.5 hours, while the MacBook Air has a battery life of up to 12 hours. Both laptops offer excellent battery life, allowing you to stay productive for long periods of time without having to worry about charging.
What type of ports does the Microsoft Surface Pro and MacBook Air have?
The Microsoft Surface Pro has a USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort, a microSD card slot, and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air has two USB-C ports, a headphone jack, and an SD card slot. Both laptops offer the necessary ports for connecting to external devices, but the MacBook Air offers more modern ports.
M2 Macbook Air vs Surface Pro 8
In conclusion, the Microsoft Surface Pro and the MacBook Air offer two distinct options when it comes to quality laptops. The Surface Pro offers great performance and portability, while the MacBook Air offers an impressive battery life and lighter form factor. Ultimately, it is up to the individual user to decide which laptop suits their needs and budget the best.
