Microsoft’s Surface Pro 12-inch is making waves in the competitive landscape of 2-in-1 devices, standing shoulder to shoulder with Apple’s iPad Air. Currently, a pair of enticing discounts on the Surface Pro 12-inch and its accompanying keyboard are making this device particularly appealing. With a generous 0 off, the Surface Pro 12-inch is now available at its lowest price ever, while the keyboard is also seeing a first-time discount, priced at 7.12.
Whether you’re gearing up for the school year or simply seeking one of the finest 2-in-1 devices on the market, these Surface Pro 12-inch discounts deserve your attention. Often dubbed the “Windows iPad,” this convertible PC shines in its own right. In our review, it garnered an impressive 4.5 out of 5, praised for its fanless design, robust performance, and vibrant 90Hz display. Our Editor-in-Chief, Daniel Rubino, remarked, “All in all, this first-generation device is an excellent choice for students, professionals, and tech enthusiasts seeking a lightweight and powerful Windows tablet experience. I genuinely had fun using it.”
For those in search of a Windows-powered 2-in-1, the Surface Pro 12-inch comes highly recommended. Its compact form factor makes it easy to transport, seamlessly fitting into a bag or being carried around with ease. If you’re torn between the Surface Pro 12-inch and the similarly styled iPad Air, a deeper comparison may help clarify your decision.
Surface Pro 12-inch vs iPad Air
At first glance, the Surface Pro 12-inch could easily be mistaken for an iPad Air. Microsoft has embraced this comparison, crafting the Surface to echo the design aesthetics of its Apple counterpart. Both devices feature a boxy chassis, rounded display corners, and uniform bezels—design elements that have become synonymous with the iPad Air over several generations, marking a notable shift for the Surface lineup.
Senior Editor Zac Bowden aptly noted, “If you tried to perfect the iPad Air, you’d get the Surface Pro 12-inch.” His analysis delves into the subtle distinctions between the two devices, even down to their weight. It’s fascinating how two devices can share such similarities while remaining fundamentally different. Microsoft has dedicated years to refining Windows for a tablet format, optimizing it for the Snapdragon X processor that powers the Surface Pro 12-inch. In contrast, Apple has developed iPadOS to emulate a full computer experience while retaining its well-loved tablet interface.
Ultimately, both devices have their unique merits, and it would be misleading to declare one as superior to the other. If your needs lean towards a full PC experience or you prefer a kickstand on your device, the Surface Pro 12-inch is a solid choice. Conversely, if you seek an exceptional tablet that can also handle light computing tasks, the iPad Air stands out as a worthy option.
Current pricing also plays a significant role in the decision-making process. The Surface Pro 12-inch, along with its keyboard, is available for 7.11, which is notably less than the retail price of the 13-inch iPad Air equipped with an M3 processor. For a more accurate comparison, the iPad Air can sometimes be found discounted to as low as 9, although a recent 0 discount has just expired.
It’s worth noting that the Magic Keyboard for the iPad Air comes at a steep price of 9, which is 1.88 more than the current price of the Surface Pro 12-inch keyboard and 9.01 more than its retail price. This price disparity further enhances the appeal of the Surface Pro 12-inch, making it a compelling option for those in the market for a versatile 2-in-1 device.