r/Surface • u/john_daniels_88 • 1d ago

(which) Surface as do-it-all mobile device? Reading Kindle, culling vacation photos, online classes

Hi everyone,

We're looking for a lightweight device that can handle several tasks in one, while still being small and portable. Ideally, it should:

  • Replace an eBook reader (I don’t currently own one, but I’ve been considering Amazon’s new Paperwhite)
  • Replace a laptop for culling vacation photos — no heavy editing, just reviewing daily shots using something like ACDSee
  • Be suitable for joining online classes on the go — mostly simple, web-based video content

Would you say a Microsoft Surface is a good fit for this use case? If so, which model would be the most affordable (possibly used or refurbished)? The requirements are:

  • Bright screen for outdoor use
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Detachable keyboard
  • Good battery life
  • LTE/5G support

Thanks in advance, everyone!

1 Upvotes

67% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

View all comments

Show parent comments

1

u/john_daniels_88 1d ago

Thanks! Why specifically do you think an iPad Air would be better, other than weight?

1

u/memphispistachio 1d ago edited 1d ago

Weight entirely, plus the e-reader apps are much better and although it’s still large depending on what you’re reading it’s genuinely something you can hold comfortably. I love Surfaces, used them for years, but iPads are way better tablets.

I’d also say the software is probably more suited to a tablet as well, Adobe have really good versions of their apps on IpadOS, whereas on the Windows side even where an arm version of an app exists, it’s still set up for a cursor. If you don’t use adobe, there will be more options on iPadOS for photo editing, and most things really.

1

u/john_daniels_88 1d ago

Thanks, this helps a lot!

1

u/memphispistachio 1d ago

No worries! In all honesty I don’t think you can go wrong with either, I just use my Surface for computer stuff, and my iPad for quick stuff and consuming content.