2 questions

[TheCamazing]

I am considering switching from a MacBook to a SP4. I had the SP3 for a little while and loved it, but the environment I was in demanded the apple ecosystem. Now it doesn't and I can move on from my incredibly boring MacBook pro.

1. I have an iPhone, and am super hesitant on getting a Windows phone. Even though I loved Windows 8 mobile (had the 920 & 1020). The new Lumia's, I heard, are burdened with an array of issues. How is life with those two OS's. Should I switch to android? I ask because, I like to have, some what, compatible devices. Idk how friendly IOS is with windows 10. Is it worth the headaches associated with windows 10 mobile to have all windows devices? (I know the app gap, and it doesnt really bother me) does a Windows phone make life with a surface better, I guess is my question.

2. Any news on a SP5. Should I just wait a little while, and see if they come out with a new surface? Or pull the trigger? And in that same regard, any new windows phones on the horizon.

My first post here. Always been a fan of Windows central. I do miss Windows. Sorry if this post is in the wrong topic . Blessings

 

[TheCamazing]

Two questions

I am considering and all out switch from apple back to Windows. I had an SP3 and 920/1020 a couple years ago.

I'm very hesistent on Windows phones right now. Heard they are burdened with an array of issues. My first question is, how much better is life if you have a Windows phone with a Windows computer. Is it worth the headache to have say, a Lumia 950 vs an iPhone or android when using an SP4.

That brings me to my second question. I want to get a SP. Should I wait for news on a SP5 or just pull the trigger? And news or rumors on that front?

Thanks guys. Blessings.

 

[vader42]

Re: Two questions

Here are a few things I consider to be an advantage.

1) the os on your mobile behaves the same as your pc. Things like continuum, remote desktop etc work well.

2) the store lets you use apps on your pc and mobile and only pay once, eg. 8-zip.

3) email is consistent across your machines (see point 1)

4) the two talk together easily, and sync seamlessly. You have access to your content on either machine.

5) browsing is the same on mobile or pc (except flash). Ok, so point 1 again, but hopefully you are seeing a pattern

Basically, windows 10 mobile is as close to a pc as a mobile can get. Run continuum and you might not even notice. The latest anniversary update works brilliantly.

 

[Bobvfr]

Re: Two questions

I do believe when the 950 and 950XL were released there were some issues, maybe the OS wasn't ready and MS got some bad press, I bought my 950 XL a few months ago and I have to say it shows up my now retired1520, it is a superb phone and Continuum is fantastic. If you aren't a massive app user then maybe reconsider as they are well worth a look.

I can do every thing I want or need to do, and more, with the added advantage of it turning into an almost full blown PC with ease.

Your call on the Surface Pro, one that is available or one that hasn't been announced yet.

And to be honest, the question could be, do I need and Surface Pro if I have a phone running W10 with Continuum?

If you are a pedant like me the OS across devices is now looking very good and you can have hours of fun lining up your start screens to match :smile:


PS I run a desktop and a SP3 along with my 950XL (And an Xbox One).

 

[Bobvfr]

Didn't I just reply to a duplicate post?

 

[Maurizio Troso]

I am considering switching from a MacBook to a SP4. I had the SP3 for a little while and loved it, but the environment I was in demanded the apple ecosystem. Now it doesn't and I can move on from my incredibly boring MacBook pro.

1. I have an iPhone, and am super hesitant on getting a Windows phone. Even though I loved Windows 8 mobile (had the 920 & 1020). The new Lumia's, I heard, are burdened with an array of issues. How is life with those two OS's. Should I switch to android? I ask because, I like to have, some what, compatible devices. Idk how friendly IOS is with windows 10. Is it worth the headaches associated with windows 10 mobile to have all windows devices? (I know the app gap, and it doesnt really bother me) does a Windows phone make life with a surface better, I guess is my question.

2. Any news on a SP5. Should I just wait a little while, and see if they come out with a new surface? Or pull the trigger? And in that same regard, any new windows phones on the horizon.

My first post here. Always been a fan of Windows central. I do miss Windows. Sorry if this post is in the wrong topic . Blessings

I can answer you only on 1st. I own a 650, with last Win10 Redstone1, and I'm fully satisfied.
Now if you live in US you can grab a still excellent 640Xl for a bunch of bucks, and Win10 redstone is good as desktop. Most of iussues are on older phones

 

[TheCamazing]

Didn't I just reply to a duplicate post?

Yes you did. Sorry. I thought it didn't work the first time. Idk how to delete it haha

 

[TheCamazing]

Re: Two questions

I do believe when the 950 and 950XL were released there were some issues, maybe the OS wasn't ready and MS got some bad press, I bought my 950 XL a few months ago and I have to say it shows up my now retired1520, it is a superb phone and Continuum is fantastic. If you aren't a massive app user then maybe reconsider as they are well worth a look.

I can do every thing I want or need to do, and more, with the added advantage of it turning into an almost full blown PC with ease.

Your call on the Surface Pro, one that is available or one that hasn't been announced yet.

And to be honest, the question could be, do I need and Surface Pro if I have a phone running W10 with Continuum?

If you are a pedant like me the OS across devices is now looking very good and you can have hours of fun lining up your start screens to match :smile:


PS I run a desktop and a SP3 along with my 950XL (And an Xbox One).

Thanks for the response. The only reason I'm getting a surface pro 4 is because I'm student. Or id be totally content with continuum

 

[tgp]

1. I have an iPhone, and am super hesitant on getting a Windows phone. Even though I loved Windows 8 mobile (had the 920 & 1020). The new Lumia's, I heard, are burdened with an array of issues. How is life with those two OS's. Should I switch to android? I ask because, I like to have, some what, compatible devices. Idk how friendly IOS is with windows 10. Is it worth the headaches associated with windows 10 mobile to have all windows devices? (I know the app gap, and it doesnt really bother me) does a Windows phone make life with a surface better, I guess is my question.

Switching to a Windows PC does not necessitate switching to Windows Phone too. Most computers in existence run Windows, and most smartphones run either iOS or Android. This means that most people are using Windows PCs with a non-WP phone. I'm sure you've read this here before, but Microsoft's apps on iOS are very good.

That said, I'm not saying not to switch to Windows Phone. I'm saying don't switch for the single reason of moving from Mac to Windows. However, this would be a good time to get a Windows Phone if you're wanting to do it anyway.

To directly answer this question:

does a Windows phone make life with a surface better, I guess is my question.

No.

If you think you would like a WP better, then it would be better for you. But it will not enhance your experience with the Surface.

 

[RumoredNow]

Threads merged...

User, do not duplicate your topic. It actually works against you as advice gets scattered and a coherent conversation cannot form.

 

[TheCamazing]

Threads merged...

User, do not duplicate your topic. It actually works against you as advice gets scattered and a coherent conversation cannot form.

Sorry!! First post, my mistake. Won't happen again!

 

[cnashx]

I went from a total Apple Ecosystem (MacBook Pro, iPhone 6plus, iPad Mini) to a completely Microsoft Ecosystem (Surface Pro4 & Lumia 950XL). I am very much happy with my switch, everything works well together and the progress update by update is just awesome.
Originally I got the 950XL just to test out how Microsoft and Windows has changed since I haven't used a Windows based phone since 2006. After awhile of using it I really enjoyed it and never even picked up my iPhone 6plus (I did pick up my iPad mini and MacBook as I didn't have anything else and I used the iPad for Snapchat). Eventually I decided to bite the bullet and get a Surface Pro 4 (i7, 16GB, 512GB) and am totally happy. It replaced both my MacBook Pro and iPad Mini and does everything those two could do plus SO much more. Granted I don't have Snapchat anymore but I have learned to live without it for the time being. Every other app I ever used is either on Windows officially or by a third-party, and the few that aren't were not essential apps in any way.

So in many less words; In my mind a total switch was totally worth it.

 

[Cane Prevost]

I'd be careful about Windows Phone. I owned and loved the lumia 1520. It was hands down the best phone I've ever owned. Liked it more than the Nexus 6P flagship I currently own. The lack of apps really killed it for me. The app situation on Windows phone is not getting better and likely getting worse. The other thing was the woeful (likely Google fault) support for Google apps on Windows phone. I'm a heavy Google apps user and couldn't find suitable workarounds. I was heartbroken to have to switch to Android as I loved the Windows Phone OS but I just couldn't get around those two issues.

On a side note I installed Windows 10 on my Macbook air to see if I'd get along OK with the operating system. I like it well enough and would have no problem with the switch. Contemplating a move to a surface pro as well. You might look at the soon to be released Asus Transformer 3 Pro. The specs on that one improve on the Surface Pro line. They are rumored to be a bit cheaper as well.

 

[kristalsoldier]

Since you say you need the Surface for your studies, I am assuming you are going to be relying a lot on Office, among other things. Where the Surface is concerned, its totally your call. The SP4 in its current state (speaking as one who has just bought a SP4) is an excellent device and - to me - is a noticeable upgrade from my 2-year old SP3. Its up to you - based on your needs - which version you may want to get. Personally, I got the i5 version.

About Win Phone, the question is a slightly different one. Given the recent MS push to have cross-platform apps - so Mail, Office, OneDrive, among others - the issue of using a phone with a different OS to that of the Surface is not a very important one - well, at least theoretically. How it works in real life I don't know since I use a Windows phone myself. But reading what others who use iOS and Android, the MS services seem quite good. But this is only for you to benefit from what MS has recently been talking in terms of "the experience of mobility" where your info/ data is concerned.

As is commonly known, the Windows ecosystem (with a special emphasis on mobile) is still bare compared to its iOS and Android counterparts. There are some initiatives that MS is working on in terms of app portability (iOS) and UWPs. Whether those efforts will pan out remains to be seen. Personally, I don't do much of games etc with my phone so the current status of WP is fine with me. It is stable and fluid and serves me well (battery life though could be a bit better, I feel - 950XL running the latest update - Release Preview). But if apps are important for you then you may wish to consider the other options.

Good luck!

PS: In all fairness I should say, the 950XL is one of the best phones I have owned!:grin:

 

[Ariel Takom]

Hey OP. The advice given by those above are all true, but here's one thing that they didn't mention: How to overcome the Windows Phone app gap.

So, you're an iPhone user, and you want to try out a Windows Phone? Great! Only (and undeniably) the app gap is a problem to all. BUT since you mention that you're planning to get a SP4 or SP5 (if it ever comes out, of course), you should remember that the SP4/5 are both tablets running FULL WINDOWS 10. In other words, it is a legit PC in a tablet form factor.

And guess what some PC users have been doing for the past decade? Run Android emulators on their PC, of course! This means that, for whatever app you're missing from WP, if it is available in the Google Play Store (or Android Store, as some would call it), you can run it on your SP4/5!

But bear in mind that this move is only legit if you stand by your decision, which is to use a Windows Phone as well as a SP4/5 at the same time. It would also work to NOT buy a WP (just keep using your iPhone) and get the SP4/5. iPhone can still work with Windows 10, although the sync between devices may not be as good as WP-W10PC.

tl;dr: Run Android apps on your SP4 to overcome app gap in WP. Win-win situation!

 

[jimmy s1]

Re: Two questions

950 and 950xl were released prematurely, MS trying to bring out W10M at that time with a lot of bugs, plus the 808 and 810 and their heating issues, they were total flops, not to mention the pricepoint at the time of release, MS just didnt play it right, and now they keep offering hefty discounts for the sets.

well i would get sp4 now and maybe switch the phone later when they mystical surface phone arrives next spring, altho MS is rumored to be launching another surface device this fall, could be an upgrade, but cant be sure, maybe Daniel can answer it better

 

[Lone Swordsman]

On the Surface Pro 5 front, I would wait at this point unless you're like me and deliberately searching for a cheaper option. MS is doing discounts on the SP4 now for very obvious reasons.

 

[Freedy36]

first of all, the SP4 as long as you got cash, dont even think twice.. Am talking about a tablet that can perform all sorts of tasks... Infact I cant say no more. As for the lumia flagships, there is no issue with the hardware as far as am concerned. we are talking productivity here so if you dont mind the looks and feel which are not top line, go for it. The os is in the second phase now and trust me, things have gotten a lot better.