Apple`s iPad Pro, Apple's first 2-in-1 tablet, is the answer to Microsoft`s Surface Pro 4. People are now becoming more and more interested in replacing laptops and tablets with devices that serves their purpose at home and even on the go.

Apple and Microsoft are competing head-to-head in the domain of 2-in-1 devices. Both the Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro are convertible devices that can be used as a tablet as well as a laptop.

Display

The Surface Pro 4 and iPad Pro have similar dimensions. The latter is slightly bigger with a 12.9-inch Retina display screen that delivers rich colours. The Surface Pro 4 sports a 12.3-inch PixelSense display with a 2736 x 1824 resolution (267 pixels per inch). The magnetic hinge of the Surface helps users attach the keyboard whereas iPad Pro has a Smart Connector interface to do the same.

Stylus and Keyboard

Being convertible, both devices feature keyboards and a stylus. The iPad Pro comes with a Smart Keyboard that lacks touch pad and is sold separately for US$169 (AU$233). Surface Pro 4 is supported by a Type Cover with trackpad, backlighting and fingerprint sensor, as reported by CS Monitor. It costs US$129 (AU$178). Furthermore, the Surface Pro 4 comes with glass trackpad and supports a mouse, which makes whole lot of difference for some users.

The Apple Pencil will cost US$99 (AU$136) but the Surface Pen comes packed with the device. The Surface Pen sports 1,024 touch levels and also houses an eraser at the bottom.

Moreover, the Surface Pro 4 has a built-in kickstand the Apple device doesn't have. The iPad Pro is available in Gray, Silver and Gold colour options whereas the Surface Pro 4 comes only in Silver.

Performance

Both devices run on different operating systems but comparisons can be drawn through the specifications. For the Surface Pro 4, users can choose from Intel Core M3, Core i5 or Core i7 processors with 4 GB of RAM to up to 16 GB of RAM. Starting at 128 GB, the Surface Pro 4 provides, 256 GB, 512 GB and 1 TB of storage space options.

On the other hand, Apple`s iPad Pro is powered by A9X processor with 4 GB of RAM. The device only comes in 32 GB and 128 GB storage options. Thus, those who need more space should opt for the Surface Pro 4.

Connectivity and OS

Although both 2-in-1devices come with Bluetooth connectivity, the Apple device supports the new Bluetooth 4.2 standard and also mobile data connection with LTE. On the other hand, the Surface Pro 4 supports a USB Type-C port along with a microSD card reader and a MiniDisplay port the iPad Pro lacks, reports PC Mag.

The iPad Pro runs on the latest iOS 9 with plenty of new apps and games. The Surface Pro 4 can prove to be the best laptop alternative with the full desktop version of the Windows 10 on board.

Price

Here, comes the most important aspect. As for the Surface Pro 4, the Core M3 model with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB storage starts at US$899 (AU$1241). The top end model with the Core i7, with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of storage will cost you US$2,699 (AU$3727). Microsoft started selling the device from today with expected shipment from Oct. 30 onwards.

The base model of iPad Pro with 32 GB comes with price tag of US$799 (AU$1103) whereas the top end model with Smart Keyboard, Apple Pencil and cellular connectivity would cost US$1,347 (AU$1,860). The device will be available in November.

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