Debating between the Pixelbook and Surface Pro (2017)

[anon(7901790)]

The SP4 definitely updates faster than most other Windows devices, but when a Creators Update hits, it still takes a bit of time.

Yeah, but Creators Updates are only twice a year. If you are a Win10 Pro user (which is what comes on the Surface Pro), you can defer them to when it is more convenient for you.


A couple of other things that puts the Surface Pro (2017) ahead.

a) It has a microSD card slot. It can read microSD cards up to 2TB (but the largest legit microSD card that is currently available is 512GB)

b) You can use biometric logins either facial recognition. Or you can get the Type Cover with the finger print reader built in.

The Pixelbook does have USB Type C and it is a nice machine. However, the SP (2017) is still the better deal.

 

[Mike Dee]

Yeah, but Creators Updates are only twice a year. If you are a Win10 Pro user (which is what comes on the Surface Pro), you can defer them to when it is more convenient for you.


A couple of other things that puts the Surface Pro (2017) ahead.

a) It has a microSD card slot. It can read microSD cards up to 2TB (but the largest legit microSD card that is currently available is 512GB)

b) You can use biometric logins either facial recognition. Or you can get the Type Cover with the finger print reader built in.

The Pixelbook does have USB Type C and it is a nice machine. However, the SP (2017) is still the better deal.

Well I would go as far as saying it might be the better deal for you and other users that have similar needs. For what I need in terms of personal usage the Pixel is just faster in every way that I use it. When I need the extra abilities I use what my employer gives me. If you need to be able to everything and can only have one machine then the Surface is more of a no brainer.

 

[garak0410]

I have both a Surface Book 2 and a Pixelbook. Both have their functions in my life.

My Surface Book 2 is my "do everything and anything" device. It is fast, well built, can play any game at Ultra settings, Adobe Suite, Office, etc.

The Pixelbook is a joy to use and has replaced my tablet. It is surprisingly functional and being able to Android Apps is a plus. However, it still feels lacking. It may be a while before we get to run full versions Adobe, video editing or high end gaming. Plus, the App Launcher is a mess, such a mess that I just feel disorganized and messy when using it. I've just gotten in the habit of just pressing the "start button" and typing what I need or going to the website. And I still wonder if I truly need it? It is often a tool but not my go to machine. So the debate is up of I need both this and the Surface Book. My Pixel 2 XL is good enough as a "tablet" too. I'm still within my return period for the Pixelbook and it is tempting to take it back.

While the Microsoft Store still needs a lot more quality "tablet apps" for when you want to use it as a tablet, you can easily use Chrome and use the "Create Shortcut" and "Open as Window" and then PIN to start menu. It works great and is often touch friendly.

It is becoming a harder decision these days with the Chrombook's strides but I'd still go with the Surface Pro.

 

[revtech]

(although I'm not sure if the installed Office suite might have more bells and whistles than the online version).

Just fwiw . . I work regularly with Word docs that have three or four columns, and I can't use office online because it doesn't support columns in a document. Just one example of a feature that might be a deal breaker for the op that he/she would need to check into . . .

 

[revtech]

As a user of both, a real downside is how long Windows 10 takes to update and at times when you need it most it does so without asking.

This is becoming my biggest pet peeve as well pushing me toward the Chromebook/ Pixelbook setup . . .

 

[Mike Dee]

Just fwiw . . I work regularly with Word docs that have three or four columns, and I can't use office online because it doesn't support columns in a document. Just one example of a feature that might be a deal breaker for the op that he/she would need to check into . . .

That's interesting because when I purchased a Windows machine for the wife Best Buy was pushing Office 365....I said no thanks

 

[Mike Dee]

This is becoming my biggest pet peeve as well pushing me toward the Chromebook/ Pixelbook setup . . .

It's a terrific experience and I don't worry about viruses.... Not that I really worried much prior.

 

[Syton]

I think mentioning the new HP Chromebook X2...it's the first detachable chromebook and has Intel's 7th gen processor. And at $599 with keyboard and pen included it's a much better value choice.

 

[Mike Dee]

Here is a good read by Jerry Hildenbrand, who tells it like it is

What makes a Chromebook so secure? https://www.androidcentral.com/what-makes-chromebook-so-secure

 

[Itsa_Me_Mario]

For me the only use case I want a Windows laptop for is gaming, which doesn't really exist on chromeos yet. That said, the surface book sucks for that use case, so it gets crossed off the list. I've used the surface and it's among my favorites for Ultrabooks, but just not worth me spending money on it since, in my opinion, the pixelbook is better at everything I'd actually use it for and neither one does the only thing I'd want from a laptop that the pixelbook can't do.

 

[Golfdriver97]

I need help making up my mind. The Surface Pro is on sale at Best Buy for $799 and the Pixelbook is $848 on Amazon right now (i5, 128 GB version). I will mainly use it for work. I am a therapist, have a private practice and most of my stuff is web based, although I use Office for documents, presentations and spreadsheets. I've been a MacBook Pro user for years and this would be the final break from Apple since I have an Android phone now. I realized how much I was paying for the MacBook and how little I was using the features. Will not having a full laptop limit me or is the Pixelbook and Chrome OS fully able to replace a laptop ? I read an article that says Consumer Reports is no longer recommending the Surface Pros or Microsoft devices. I just want to make sure I'm not going to be left wanting.

May I suggest trying a Chromebook and keeping in mind one thing: most retailers have a 2 week return policy for consumer computers. If you don't like it you can return it. Try watching a few YouTube videos on reviews or even some how tos just so you get a feel for what you are getting into.

I have a Chromebook C720, and I got an upgraded one last summer. Wound up giving that to my mom as she needed a portable computer more than I did. My 720 definitely is show it's age, and I would without question get another Chromebook.

Like you may be thinking, I was unsure of the idea myself. After a few days I had already decided I was keeping it.

 

[Mike Dee]

May I suggest trying a Chromebook and keeping in mind one thing: most retailers have a 2 week return policy for consumer computers. If you don't like it you can return it. Try watching a few YouTube videos on reviews or even some how tos just so you get a feel for what you are getting into.

I have a Chromebook C720, and I got an upgraded one last summer. Wound up giving that to my mom as she needed a portable computer more than I did. My 720 definitely is show it's age, and I would without question get another Chromebook.

Like you may be thinking, I was unsure of the idea myself. After a few days I had already decided I was keeping it.

Several years ago one of our IT people suggested a Chromebook and I scoffed at the idea thinking it was just a browser with a screen. Probably closer to the truth than it is now but I must admit since I own the Pixelbook I couldn't be happier.

 

[IanThomas]

I went all in and bought the i7 16/512 Pixelbook.

Advantages:

Objecively, it is one of the best designed and looking laptops out there. In my subjective opinion, it is the best.
Speed: open lid, use.
Tablet mode: swing lid around, use.
Keyboard: the best.
Trackpad: the best.
Chrome OS: fast, has most things you need.
The Playstore makes up the shortfall.
Chrome will d/l most desktop applications.
Long battery life.
Nice backlighting on the keyboard.
Touch screen when in laptop mode.

Disadvantages:
A little heavy in tablet modee
Sometimes there are application gaps: I am still struggling with getting the full editing suite on Office 365 (to edit others' papers).
Sometimes you have to have both desktop applications and PlayStore apps to get everthing done (and remember which one you're in!).

However, t advantages far outweigh the disadvantages and I have'nt regretted my choice for one minute.

 

[revtech]

That's interesting because when I purchased a Windows machine for the wife Best Buy was pushing Office 365....I said no thanks

Mike, I apologize for not being more clear, I'm guessing office365 would support columns being as it's a paid program, I was referring to the free option of office online which has been mentioned by some as an alternative to Google docs on Chromebooks. The long and short of it is the free office online is not as robust as the paid office 365; I think many people assume it's the same thing.

 

[revtech]

Does anyone know if the Surface Pro pen will work with the pixelbook?

Edit: decided to Google it and it appears that it does not . . .