Surface pro 4 or dell Xps 13

[chattoe]

I'm after a new device and can't decide between the pro4 or Xps 13.

I did have the pro 4 at launch but returned it due to all the issues that now seem to be mostly sorted.

So now I've waited I'm ready to jump back in but not sure which to go for.

I would not use the pro 4 as a tablet but as a laptop so I don't really take that into account.

So I'd love to hear your thoughts please people, what do I get?

 

[jmshub]

If you're not planning to use it in tablet mode often, why not the Surface Book? And if tablet mode doesn't thrill you at all, then it sounds like the XPS is the way to go.

 

[chattoe]

I think the surface book is over priced to be honest

 

[billyboyblue]

I think the surface book is over priced to be honest

for the tech / components that it comes with, it seems pretty fairly priced. Do you think it's just not powerful enough or the price, with enough beefy specs ? I've noticed a few people mention they think it's a bit over priced, but none of them ever go into details into why they feel this way.

 

[onlysublime]

if you only want a laptop, get the xps 13. seems obvious if you only want a laptop and have no need for a pen or for a tablet or desire for flexibility.

 

[right_mr1]

Good question and there is no right answer. Depends on whether you want to have a device as a tablet at times but also as a full laptop. If so then the pro 4 will fit those needs. I use mine as both and it does a decent job. Keeps me away from my Samsung tab s2 which is a great tablet.

The kickstand and screen are no doubt the killer features for me . And also using it without the type cover also.

It does have some moderately serious software bugs that **** me off but I would rather have the device those niggles than not have it at all. It's a great device overall

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[Steveborough]

Although progress has been made the SP4 is still a far cry from a stable, reliable daily driver. The screen quality control is clearly lacking; of the 15 or so SP4s I've seen up close, all had very bad bleed reminiscent of circa 1995 Toshibas! Thermals have not been dialed in yet as mine runs hot and fans are going when seemingly idle. Also, Dell seems to be way more on top of releasing timely firmware updates, usually right after Intel refreshes their vanilla drivers for OEMs. Microsoft support is the worst in the business while Dells is often one of the best.

 

[chattoe]

Thank you all for your input, I have decided to buy the dell Xps 13

 

[BryanMahendra]

Well, personally I think MS is using a wrong strategy for Surface Book. I think they are still testing the waters just like Tesla Motor Company is using phases for the roadster/model S for inventory--flagging a high price with low stock first then so on for the stable consumer models.

In terms for specific reasons "bang for the buck" you've asked, the Surface Book from reports haven't be reliable/stable and for pure perspective of hardware, MS dropped the ball somehow for the price (which fairly to say is common in 1st gen products). Such as:
1) Slow writing SSDs, by opting for the Samsung PM951 the performance of the device is on par with the storage size. Most people bought the i5 256gb model, and it manages a 500mb/s for an NVMe. In comparison, other laptops on NVMe managed 700mbs if not higher than 1000mbs.
2) Could've be better on GPU or power, for the price a 940m (1 Gb) isn't very justifiable and it actually bottlenecks performance if you're a video/graphics editor. The industry standard for base model laptops is at least a nvidia 960m with 2gb of memory anyways for premium devices. Another thing to point out, when using the default power brick for heavy task, it actually won't charge and even drops. Which is bad for default, and the only solution is to buy the bigger Surface Dock to manage it.
3) Other than that, there are a few minor annoyances like tacky/wobbling hinge and a better I/O port is needed (or at least drop the price for the Dock price/add-in usb type C)

For OP though, I have to say the Dell XPS 15 is better than the 13 for personal reasons such more I/O ports and real estate. One thing Dell or MS should've implemented is a battery charge limiter, since they're both sealed-in batteries it's beneficial for battery life (just like Samsung, Lenovo, etc). I'm glad you've decided, anyways. The Dell XPS line with the infinity display is light and fast, one of the best currently.