iPad Mini or Microsoft Surface Tablet?

I have written about tablets and the new Windows 8 or RT tablet version in previous blogs before. So by now I’m sure most people are aware of the newest tech from Microsoft, the surface tablet.  With Christmas just around the corner, this will be a tough year to introduce something new into this market. Insight on which product will out sell and outperform is pouring in with reviews about the new surface on every major news site. I’m sure the new windows 8 surface tablets will be on quite a few Christmas lists this year because of its sleek design, great ads, and appealing new alternative to the Ipad dominated market.

I’m a windows fan I won’t try and hide it, but I also completely respect, and get why Mac users love their Ipad’s!  I have setup or reloaded dozens of Ipad’s since their release and I do love the intuitive feel of the Ipad but some frustrations like no native use of java and flash are extremely frustrating and keep me from owning one for my business.  Yes there are some workaround’s, but nothing makes me feel more confident than verified support on the most widely used market like windows machines. You know how frustrating it is to try and do mobile banking on an Ipad?  Or watching flash and java websites not load completely makes me want to just say forget it! If you are a mac fan I feel your pain and urge you to try something new.

Windows 8 Surface RT Tablet it’s a mouthful to say but it is an amazing product that will gain momentum over this holiday season for sure. I myself will be purchasing a surface tablet very soon and will be doing a full review of it once I have given it a solid month’s use.  But from a techs point of view I personally would choose a new W8 tablet over the new Ipad Mini. My reasons are the support that will come for future products is going to be MASSIVE! Windows has sunk a good chunk of money into this and they will make sure it is supported for all the latest and greatest apps. I can do my mobile banking with no worries and load that flash site without scratching my head thinking is that all? The price point for the windows tablet starts around $499 for the 32 GB version with no touch cover, up to $699 for the 64 GB version that comes with the touch cover. The touch cover or the Type cover also come into play and compete for your attention. The Touch cover which is the snap on keyboard for the tablet is a completely flat touch sensitive alternative to the old mechanical feeling keyboards. The price for the touch cover comes in at $119 and the Type cover being just a bit more at $129. It all comes down to feel and personal preference. I personally like the old style feel and the separation of keys that the Type cover offers.

Like I say in every blog post do your research thoroughly, and know what you MUST HAVE to make your new purchase the best option.  I have tried the Ipad mini and it is just that a miniature version offering nothing new to the market of tablets. They still have the same worries that the original Ipad’s have but are attractively priced starting at just $329 for the 16GB version and it goes up to $659 for the 64GB with Wi-Fi and Cellular attached devices.  Windows Surface and the Ipad Mini both give users options for external keyboards, covers, cases, and all the good add-ons that you can imagine.  They are similarly priced on the Higher end models so be prepared to spend a minimum of $500 to get something good.  I know what Santa will be putting in my stocking this year.