Video summary

Is Surface Pro 9 Better Than M2 iPad Pro For STUDENTS?

Main summary

Key takeaways

Technology

Summary (Technological concepts & student-focused comparison)

The video compares the M2 iPad Pro vs the Surface Pro 9 for students across multiple “use case” categories. It argues that while the iPad can be faster, the Surface is the more complete computing solution thanks to Windows 11 and broader desktop software support.

1) “Replace my laptop” / software compatibility

  • Surface Pro 9 (Windows 11):
    • Can download and run any Windows apps, including niche/professional coursework tools.
  • iPad Pro (iPadOS + App Store only):
    • Limited to iPad-optimized apps; many desktop-only or niche academic/pro workflows aren’t available.
  • Speaker’s student example:
    • After ~3 years, the student needed many apps that weren’t on iPad.

2) Desktop app features vs iPad app limitations (Chrome example)

  • Surface:
    • Supports right-click and more “desktop-class” browser behavior.
    • Chrome on desktop supports extensions useful for school (e.g., grammar tools, timers).
  • Chrome on iPad:
    • Missing those capabilities, resulting in a less capable workflow.

3) Multitasking & window management (big deciding factor)

The video emphasizes Surface multitasking as more effective:

  • Surface:
    • Keyboard shortcuts and window snapping (built-in, plus PowerToys for additional snap layouts).
    • Faster switching/rearranging between lecture recording, notes, and assignments.
  • iPad (Stage Manager, iPadOS 16):
    • Improved multitasking, but missing window snapping.
    • No third-party solution to add snapping; more manual resizing/dragging is required.

4) Performance tradeoff (iPad faster when tasks fit iPad)

Despite workflow limits, the M2 iPad Pro can be faster for tasks the iPad does well.

  • iPad strengths:
    • Strong video editing performance.

  • iPad limits:

    • Professional apps are limited or feature-reduced on iPad.
    • Mentioned examples:
      • DaVinci Resolve: “coming soon” but described as “cut down.”
      • Lightroom/Photoshop iPad versions: often show features that aren’t available.

  • Surface performance note:

    • Fanless (SQ3) Surface Pro 9 is discouraged due to low single-core Geekbench (~1000), slower than an S22 Ultra.
    • Intel Surface Pro 9 is recommended over SQ3 unless:
      • fan noise matters, or
      • long battery life without fans is critical.
    • Intel Surface Pro 9 is still expected to be slower than the M2 iPad’s peak performance.

5) Pricing

  • Surface Pro 9 costs somewhat more than the 11-inch iPad Pro.
  • For a 12.9-inch iPad Pro comparison, prices are described as about the same.

6) Tablet experience (portability, touch, screens, cameras, accessories)

Portability & touch

  • iPad:
    • Lighter/thinner; designed for touch first.
  • Surface:
    • Touch-capable as well; Windows 11 UI elements are large enough for touch.
    • Includes touch-based right-click via touch-and-hold.
  • Speaker’s take:
    • Surface touch is workable after adjustment, but not a huge advantage over iPad’s touch-first design.

Display

  • Both:
    • 120 Hz laminated screens; both feel great for writing.
  • Anti-reflection:
    • Surface reflects more light (no anti-reflection coating).
    • iPad handles glare better (angle adjustment helps).

Cameras

  • Back camera:
    • iPad Pro back camera described as better.
  • Lecture slides:
    • Both are adequate.
  • Calls/selfie:
    • Surface preferred because it’s centered; selfie camera is “decent” on both.

Face security

  • Both support Face Unlock / Windows Hello and are quick.

Kickstand & keyboard

  • Surface:
    • Built-in kickstand + detachable keyboard, but keyboard on a lap is described as flimsy/unstable.
  • iPad:
    • No built-in stand, but magnet/dock-style stands are praised for stability and writing posture.
    • Magic Keyboard with trackpad makes it feel more “computer-like.”

7) Digital handwriting & note-taking apps (key student workflow)

Digital handwriting is presented as a major advantage for students (math, proofs, diagrams, and annotating slides).

OneNote

  • Available on both platforms.
  • Writing/tracking is described as more precise on Surface.
  • Speaker highlights collaboration and “infinite space.”

Notability

  • Only on iPad (speaker sees this as a downside for cross-platform choice).
  • Good for a “paper-like” workflow and exporting notes as PDF.

Tracking performance by platform/app

  • Apple Notes (iPad): ~perfect/100% and extremely responsive.
  • Notability/GoodNotes (iPad): ~90% perfect; slight lag but acceptable.
  • OneNote (iPad): worst among the compared options; still usable but feels inferior to Windows.
  • Surface Slim Pen 2:
    • Strong tracking “everywhere,” attributed to OS-level predictive tracking.
    • Optional/adjustable vibration feedback.
    • Pen preference: Slim Pen 2 favored due to two buttons for easy tool switching/erase.

8) Multi-display / external monitor workflows

  • Surface:
    • Connects a monitor and “extends” the display.
  • iPad:
    • Typically mirrors by default, with limited/partial “extend” behavior via newer iPadOS versions.
  • Sidecar (with a MacBook):
    • Wireless second monitor support, but capped at 60 Hz.
    • Adds compression artifacts and input lag, noticeable for interactive tasks like coding.

9) Media consumption (shows/video)

  • Screen/video quality:
    • Surface screen similar to the 11-inch iPad Pro.
    • 12.9-inch iPad Pro described as superior due to:
      • mini-LED brightness
      • true black
      • better HDR performance
  • Speakers:
    • Both are good, but iPad speakers sound slightly better.
  • Couch comfort:
    • iPad’s light/minimal design is convenient; Surface is also easy enough without feeling too clunky.

Practical conclusion (as stated)

  • Surface Pro 9 is presented as a strong all-around student option because it functions like a full computer: Windows app ecosystem + better multitasking/window snapping.
  • iPad is positioned as excellent for handwriting and media, and can perform strongly when tasks match iPad-supported apps—but is less reliable as a single device for academic workflows, especially STEM.

Main speakers / sources

  • Primary speaker/source: Unnamed single YouTube reviewer (“I” voice) comparing M2 iPad Pro vs Surface Pro 9.
  • Sources referenced (not separate speakers):
    • device/software features: Windows 11, iPadOS 16/16.2 Stage Manager, Sidecar, and app/browser behavior (OneNote, Notability, GoodNotes, Chrome extensions)
    • benchmark reference: Geekbench

Original video