I have an Apple iPad and a Microsoft Surface Pro. As Apple (with Jim Cook) seems to speak out against these products (link), it seems to be in order to provide a head-to-head comparison. Of course, these are just the models I have here, but you will get the idea.
Qualitatively, the Microsoft Surface Pro device is better for file transfer, it has full USB connectivity, it runs a full Microsoft Windows operating system including all software options, it has fast processing and memory that is vast even for a laptop, and it is just 22% larger, heavier and pricier than an iPad. So in other words, it is by far the better device for serious work, while it is certainly not a fast game machine.
The iPad however is certainly lovable, it has a large degree of restrictive harmlessness and definitely does not go out of its way to “perform”.
| Focus on | Apple iPad 3 | Microsoft Surface Pro 3 | Surface Pro better by (%) |
| Weight | 652g | 798g | -22% |
| Display size | 9.7 inches | 12 inches | 23% |
| RAM memory | 1 GB | 8 GB | 700% |
| Price | ~ 900 CHF | ~ 1100 CHF | -22% |
| CPU | Apple ARM A5X | Intel Core i7 | iPad processor is by far inferior |
| CPU geekbench 3 AES single core score | 14800 MB/s | 2620000 MB/s | ~ 11000% (!) |
| CPU geekbench multi-core score | 415 | 13098 | ~ 3000% (!) |
| runs software: IDL | no | yes | 100% |
| runs software: Texmaker | no | yes | 100% |
| runs software: Virtual Machines | no | yes | 100% |
| runs software: Linux | no | yes | 100% |
| runs software: full Office applications | no | yes | 100% |
| runs software: Apple iOS apps | yes | no | -100% |
| Sum | around +15000% better |
