Surface Book 3 -vs- 2020 iPad Pro

Thanks to the Great Courses Plus for sponsoring this video. Signup for your FREE trial to The Great Courses Plus here: ow.ly/LgaU30qOAFT
Today we're looking at Microsoft's best tablet/laptop (Surface Book 3) and comparing it to Apple best tablet/laptop (iPad Pro 2020). How do they stack up against each other? Which is better for drawing and which is just the better all around device?
EMAIL NEWSLETTER: brad.site/signup/
DISCOUNTS FOR MY COURSES: brad.site/learn/
-----------------------------------------------------
Twitter:
/ bradcolbow
Instagram:
/ bcolbow
Drawing Tech Top 10 lists:
brad.site/
My Drawing and video gear:
brad.site/mygear/

[@elsicongru7400]

"If I'm stranded on a deserted island with wifi..." it'd be called a vacation, Brad :)

[@cropdeeflop1682]

No, then you wouldn’t be stranded, if your stranded, your stuck, sooooooooo, yeaaah

[@rohithvishwajith4988]

Procreate Time Lapses and Drawing bruh it was a joke don’t ruin the vibe

[@inkdew5620]

If u have internet you're not going to be "stranded" unless you want to

[@loyaltheoristgirl1018]

Lolololololololololololololololololololololololololol

[@nealliu1746]

@@cropdeeflop1682 still a vacation, but during corona

[@bahrambakhtiyar]

For me, iPad is a tablet looking like a laptop and Surface is a laptop looking like a tablet.

[@ayuca8257]

Which IPad looks like a laptop?

[@rSuarrez]

Ayu Ca with a magic keyboard, the 2020 iPad Pro 12.9 inch looks like a laptop...

[@bahrambakhtiyar]

@@ayuca8257 Are you sure you have watched the video?

[@kunledagunro4383]

True true

[@adihrespati]

And even with that accurate description, I somehow dont think people realize how Apple are going to eat laptop consumer, exactly because iPad is tablet looking like a laptop.

[@Gleichtritt]

Id say it this way: If you own a laptop: buy the ipad if you dont own a laptop: buy the surface book

[@moonlitlamp]

Gleichtritt or just buy both

[@Pizza874]

@@moonlitlamp big brain big money

[@moonlitlamp]

@@Pizza874 big brains get big money I guess

[@ddelama2]

Thats it

[@aileen9479]

What if you have neither

[@RGzRuthless]

The professionalism of his reviews and how there isn't a hint of bias towards any product is why I subscribed!

[@nickdutton6218]

And those low-key character design and art skills he drops in. Jeez, he's good :o

[@makasete30]

Of course he’s biased. It’s his opinion on what works best for him. I disagree with a number of his points because the surface book would not work well for my use case. I still respect his opinion though. What you mean is that because you agree with his points, and like the professional way he does his videos, it seems unbiased to you.

[@WakattO]

@@makasete30 he means brand bias i.e apple/microsoft fanboi-ism.

[@o.oo.o5637]

No reviews are really "honest" all reviewers own all the products, they change their opinions and switch between products regularly. Theyre completely different from us, we who buy a product and want to use it for five years.

[@dungofrungus7659]

Theres always going to be a bias especially on youtube. If you get a free tablet from XP pen to review thats already biased. I think this is one of the less biased channels though. Another thing that gets left out of reviews is how is the product after half a year of use, one year, etc. Its all fine and good if it works good in a 15 minute review. Channels that get free tablets especially from wacom are definitely not going to jeopardize their relationship. Even though they are being taken advantage of since they don't even pay the person for the time and in return they get thousands of eyes on their product without paying anything.

[@mannivines]

I literally still have no idea which to get. I've spent days thinking about it and can't make a choice! My heart says iPad, but the Surface can do so much!

[@CommonCider]

Just go with the Apple. If your heart says do it than do it! Because it’s usually what your heart wants and when you get the other product you start to regret it like within weeks

[@IcarsisTV]

Galaxy Tab s7+ is my pick!

[@nobodyknows3260]

What apps will you be using? Ipad has Procreate, and Illustrator for the Ipad should be released soon. Most design apps are not optimized for Windows tablets. When you're in tablet mode, you can't use keyboard shortcuts (well, you can, but it's not that easy). On the Ipad everything is optimized for touch. I'd get one right now if I could afford it. But for now I'm stuck with a Windows 2 in 1, which is good if you don't want to spend money on both a tablet and a laptop, but if I had the money, I'd get the Ipad.

[@IcarsisTV]

@@nobodyknows3260 I use Clip Studio and Krita. They are fantastic programs on the Samsung Galaxy Tab s7+!

[@mannivines]

@@nobodyknows3260 Well I really do want procreate and a lot of the note taking apps since I'll be going back to college next year. I have a macbook but it's pretty old which is why i'm a little on the fence about it. I'm thinking about maybe just factory resetting the laptop and using the ipad as a note taking and art tool more than anything... I'm definitely leaning towards the ipad, but I don't want to regret it later on

[@KyleHarrisonRedacted]

I just wish the Surface Pen would deal with it's jitteryness, it'd be basically perfect with that dealt with

[@4everzapy]

And Battery drain

[@gonks7071]

In photoshop, i recommend getting used to using the various “smoothing” settings for clean lines

[@joshualarson2808]

Tablet Pro recommends a specific pen for Surface devices that is much better than the standard one: the Raphael R520. I believe one of its selling points is better lines.

[@jackjude]

@@joshualarson2808 The Raphael is just a good cheaper alternative. Lacks and eraser and is missing other microsoft proprietary features custom pen pressure input. I don't think it does anything better.

[@AlessandroVene]

@@joshualarson2808 wacom bamboo ink pen 2 is the best you can use on a surface

[@miramarensis]

Great review, Brad. I have exactly both devices ( SB2, iPad Pro gen 2 though) and the Surface is the one I'd take to that hypothetical desert island. Love them both, however

[@JajaBiscit]

I’m an illustration student I got an iPad Pro 2020 with an Apple Pencil and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. It doesn’t do everything but that was something I accepted before I got it.

[@theinktician]

I remember the Acer ConceptD 7 Ezel was set to release this month. I hope Brad can get his hands on that. I *really* want to see it in action and Acer has deprived me of this experience since January.

[@ernestomartinez1655]

Great reviewa as always! Loved each catergory and how you explained them

[@bezalelsukdulary1511]

Your so consistent and your work is amazing

[@TiagoMorbusSa]

Surprising conclusion (really expected you to go for the iPad), but great comparison!! 👍

[@Dragoninja]

Mr. Colbow, nice review of each device, unbiased straight forward, Pros & Cons of both devices.

[@gianelllozano8261]

It wasn't until this video that I considered the Surface Book 3, but that's only because I'm so happy with my old Surface Pro 4 and figured that if I ever got another that it'd be in a line of the Pros. As someone who now has gotten more into creating videos, I can see that with a Book I can do what I already do and more but I suppose that will also depend on which specifications I get. Thank you!

[@MuhammadKharismawan]

The iPad need to buy BOTH the pen and the keyboard for this tho, so you need to add that to the price of admission, even more when you make the iPad win on design for that exact keyboard.

[@GuuMonster]

I really like how you approached these 2 devices Brad! Really clear and concise review, even if I'm not looking to buy these two your video is very informative for this perspective. Thank you and keep going! :D

[@sayantannandi9227]

Excellent and unbiased analysis of these two awesome devices. At the end of the day, the iPad is the best tablet, and the Surface Book/Pro etc is the best convertible. For the best all-in-one experience, however, the Surface devices win hands-down.

[@hansamitamajee1930]

The new studio setup is amazing!!

[@digitalduck643]

Hey Brad, are there any other KZbin channels that you recommend watching for a beginner procreate artist?

[@joelmulder]

For everyone considering the Surfacebook, keep in mind the hinge can be temperamental. I own the Surfacebook 2, and it has a tendency to accidentally disconnect the base from the screen for half a sec, crashing everything using the GPU. It also doesn’t always wanna come off, even though Microsoft says they’ve mostly fixed that with the 3, people are still having the problem sometimes. Lastly, remember that the hinge is a very complex moving part that will wear down over time. It WILL start having occasional disconnects as the connectors slowly wear down and loosen. I’ve stopped using my Surfacebook almost completely because of these problems (I already had an ipad when i got it, and have now also gotten a MacBook), and while I’m sure Microsoft has improved these issues, moving and disconnecting parts will always be prone to wear and tear over time.

[@Karthik-jz4nr]

Brad are you planning to review the 24 inchers realeased by Huion and Xp pen

[@FreshlyFuji]

Thanks for this awesome review Brad! I've been searching for a laptop and a tablet so having the Surface Book 3 seems like the best of both worlds. I do content creation so I love the aspects of having the functionality of the laptop with the option to play around with drawing programs. I'm not a professional illustrator, so I'm not sure how big of a deal the shakiness of the pen will be for me but I'm glad you pointed this out. I've got lots to think about!

[@terrywarnold]

I know I'm late to this video but, I got an absolute steal today on a SurfaceBook 2. Got it for $50. No issues with it whatsoever. I had been looking to try one out for a while but was unwilling to pull the trigger for even a used one cause of what they were being listed for in my area. I also have a 12.9 inch iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. It's the 2018 model but it works great for me. The SurfaceBook won't be replacing my iPad Pro anytime soon but for what I paid for it, so far, I'm absolutely loving it.

[@paperplane8780]

i really waiting for ur new ipad air 2020 review, hope u review it. great job !!

[@artistebot]

Thanks Brad, good review.

[@mymidlifeadventures4248]

I agree with your assessment on this review. Both great products but I like to travel for long periods of time and need the functionality of a full on computer. But my Surface 2 also gives me the the functionality of a tablet for drawing.

[@coffeymaker9]

This was really helpful. Thank you!

[@harmonypon7380]

I currently own a first gen iPad Pro and I love it a lot. It’s my main source for digital art (using Procreate) but I’ve been looking to the Surface Book 3 for higher processing power and I’m interested in using Blender, and I’m also really eyeballing it for the ability to be used as a tablet so I don’t have to go through all the trouble of picking out a PC and then picking out an entirely separate drawing tablet. Plus, I’m Thank you for this review, it’s very insightful! I think I will look to getting the Surface Book 3!

[@rizkydharma8373]

Your reviews are always the bestt of all!

[@allaion2897]

Because I hand write all of my notes in onenot, primarily for the automatic hand writing detection which let's me check through my handwriten notes for words like a PDF or any other document, the 2-in-1 feature is absolutely invaluable to me. I also specifically went with the highest tier surface book because that Quardo and 32gb will be absolutely invaluable for CAD since im an engineering student who plans to use this laptop for many years and Blender since I'm getting into game design

[@hk6926]

I got both . I use SB3 as my laptop and the pro for everything else.

[@mmmm_cookie_lord]

Wow, finally a video where the reviewer is not hating apple or Microsoft, but really shows the pros and cons, and judging them equally. Really enjoyed!

[@TheMassijay]

I really love my Surface Book 2 but I'm not going to do an upgrade with another Surface until Microsoft fixes the pen jitter. I'm still using the previous gen Surface Pen for taking notes which has far less jitter problems but I miss the lower latency and sometimes tilt support from the new pen. Nice video anyway!

[@KuttyJoe]

The problem with Microsoft and the Surface devices is that Microsoft's vision for the stylus is as a writing utencil, or a utility that you can use together with your Microsoft Office products. Microsoft isn't very interested in the stylus as a drawing utencil. So, they're spending no effort resolving things like jitter. It's also why they went with an inferior technology (N-Trig) even though the earliest Surface devices had Wacom technology. N-Trig is good enough for making notes One Note or whatever, but initially it wasn't even compatible with Photoshop when Microsoft first introduced it with the Surface Pro. It's really unfortunate. The Surface Book looks really, nice Microsoft has no comittment to art/artists with these devices.

[@shaanchutoori]

so i’m planning to buy the surface book as an engineering student so is it powerful enough to run autocad? buying this for the form factor but want to know how powerful is it? and is investing in the latest model a good idea

[@sethsdoodles]

KuttyJoe A counterargument is the Surface Studio and Surface Dial. Microsoft is being Microsoft. They never go all the way and always fall up short on something

[@user-vv9bw5mc5p]

I saw you were drawing on fresco? I would love if you'd show us more of it. It's one of the reasobs I want an Ipad.

[@seanshimmel8587]

One significant element overlooked… Cameras, and some of the best out there. Part of my holistic creative vision includes my photography. And yes, I don’t mind shooting with the iPad Pro rather than a phone

[@MichaelClaridaArts]

Hi Brad...great review and pretty clear of why you went the way you did. I own both as well and they both have great features. I also had to choose the Surface book as well because of the file transfer issues and the fact I use pro level apps. Man...Imagine if they would get the pen on the Surface device equal to the Apple pencil. It would be a huge game changer. I have the HP book x2 g4 that has the Wacom tech...but it was 4 grand. It is a top tier machine that is for professionals at a huge premium. However...I am still in love with my iPad pro 12.9 and my Surface. Hopefully they will fix the pen issues. It would change the game!!!!

[@melonheadthecherrybomb5886]

if you don't mind me asking for the Surface Book 3 is there an alternative solution to get around it, or is the drawing experience good enough?

[@dwayne930]

Love your videos, very informative. I just purchased my iPad Pro and want to know what's a good alternative to the Apple Pencil 2? Thank you in advance.

[@twinkharrylwt226]

Wacom bamboo stylus or logitech crayon but apple pencil is the best

[@tomthorn6596]

I loved this video! Great content 👍

[@jant7919]

I'm from Germany and you are my favorite KZbinr

[@builder6391]

Thx i have both but no pencil for iPad so I’m choosing

[@PinkGoddessLee]

As someone who used to draw mostly on my iPad and then recently got herself a Surface book 3, I’m pretty content with my Book. It also gives me the freedom to use my laptop as a part tablet. But one big down side I find is the lack of ease to transfer between the two, the obviously they’re 2 different brands

[@mindwhacker]

Amen to that just that I value weight / price a lot so the next surfacepro with the surfacepro X form factor will be the best fit for me.

[@Carla-ec6xn]

Your camera is so good that when I'm watching videos on my phone, while it's on a stand at a distance, it looks like a tiny person is talking to me 😂 I can't get over it!

[@benbrown9053]

I like dis comment and your perspective.

[@am40586]

Great review! Im looking at SB3 15in mainly for office work productivity (3:2 screen) and then using as a tablet browsing the web and other content at the end of the day. Im confident it will work well as an office work machine but do you think the 15in would be ok if used as a tablet like this? I

[@TaeKwonMoe]

The surface book 3 has the ability for expandable storage as well with a micro SD card and the nifty BASEQi adapter. Works amazing well for seamless intergration.

[@fremdepl]

Hey Brad, are you planning to check Huawei's MatePad Pro?

[@Karthik-jz4nr]

Question Question : Do you think Wacom Cintiq pro 24 is the way to go for professionals who can afford it? Or the Ipad... Pro

[@laylakosara4671]

Karthik S i padpro in my opinon

[@dh4444]

Answer answer

[@theinktician]

If they can afford a Cintiq Pro 24 they could just invest in a Zbook x2 - which has a Wacom EMR pen.

[@slimecorn]

Depends on how much flexibilty you need. iPad for less, cintiq for more

[@AxelS]

As a pro I sold my cintiq 27 for iPad Pro. Since3 years no regret.

[@nashsahagun5382]

Hi Brad! :) Which one is better the Pro 7 or the Book 3?

[@thethinker0]

A Samsung Galaxy Book Flex review please!! I know you got a chance to work with it at the last tech conference but a full review would rock!!

[@toontoon9228]

YES, Please the Samsung Flex!

[@thebradcolbow]

Planning on it. I decided to get the 15 inch, better specs and a bigger screen and it was only $50 more. The problem is that the 13 shipped last month and I'm not sure when the 15" will get here (possibly Friday?) I'm excited about it and planning a review as soon as I can.

[@bentontramell]

I work in Krita with up to 25 layers + non-destructive filters. Surface is the way to go.

[@knarsnico]

Hmm and interesting plus "thing" we can add to the Drawing stage, is with the Surface book 3 you can connect a drawing tablet or a drawing display.

[@neoperol]

Why would you buy another tablet for and 2 in 1 device, do you think that drawing in a Surface Book is so bad that you want to make circles you end up with triangles lol. Surface Book is a great device for drawing I learned in one and I've done really good piece of art with it, I don't think getting a Wacom tablet or an Ipad will transform my work 200%, just like when I sketch with an Ikea Pencil my sketch are as good as with a KuroToga pencil.

[@TheDaanDude]

I found that SideCar does work quite nice with the Ipad! Then you can use it as a graphic tablet on your mac! (but then it starts to be really expensive if you don't own one already)

[@AlexeyRome]

Great video. I have a Surface Book 2 right now, probably not looking to get the 3 and am considering the Ipad Pro. Or alternatively the Acer ConceptD 9

[@connordonnelly4161]

Have you ever reviewed something that uses Wacom's AES, like a lenovo yoga laptop? I want to know if it's any better than N-trig or if emr is the way to go

[@unleashthedog]

Hey have you by any chance tried to use precise drawing/editors CAD-like (on the Surface computers)? I’m curious if some videogame map editor (which are simplified CAD) would run and work well with the pen

[@jvncomeaux]

“Over” is a great graphic design/photoshop app for iOS. I’ve pulled off some insane pieces of work on my iPhone alone. So I’m sure it’s even better on the iPad. I think this comes down to finding proper apps that cater to you. Although I do feel like I’m caught between a rock and a hard place considering the filing systems. I’m so torn.

[@stevebellwifi]

I went for the iPad over the surface book, literally only because you have no usb ports on the surface book when you take it off the base... both look great, and definitely comes down to what you want to achieve with these devices. This is a helpful video for those looking to make that purchase soon.

[@shirazu-kun]

Can you review Huawei Matepad?

[@theadminangel2020]

I’m a big Apple fan & have been for LONG time but I really enjoyed your comparison. Great advice when considering a large purchase. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[@nnnneeeeuuuu]

I managed to buy a used surface book 2 here in Brazil, it looked brand new because the previous owner barely used it. Those laptops aren't being sold here and if you import it you're almost paying the price of a car for it. An iPad pro looks so good but it is also expensive. I got used to the line jitter, I started using clip studio pro and the line quality there is way better. That's the only negative thing I can say about it so far, I love it.

[@dzus]

Psst.. The "i" is missing in iPad in your featured still frame for the video 🤫 Edit : yea you fixed it!

[@thebradcolbow]

I fixed it because I saw your comment :D

[@dzus]

@@thebradcolbow I was wondering for a second, what's a Pad Pro 🤣

[@gaorens4901]

Can you try huawei matepad pro?

[@TheDaanDude]

OH! Does the Wacom stylus 2 also work on the windows tablet? Cause it's the same stylus manufacturer right?

[@jasonrallo]

Question, which tablet performs best for 3d renders? currently work with blender and zbrush, wondering if a tablet will smooth the work flow

[@NihatGokcen]

Everytime, every video... I learn something new! Ty Brad ty so much!

[@SuperHumaneater]

what would your opinion be on surface pro vs surface book?

[@Wraith26]

Can you do a mac mini review for artist? Is it worth it, is it good for artist, can it handle Photoshop/clip studio paint pro etc.

[@stianthomassen6693]

Brad. Start using Clip studio Paint on the ipad. No layer limits I have hit yet. Around 29000px * 11000px and still going. I was also using ProCreate alot, but now I’m using Clip Studio Paint.

[@thenicoyes7015]

Good video! Please make a comparison video on ipad pro 2020 vs. Huawei matepad pro. Thank you 👍 👍

[@pheonix4866]

5:15 - YEP I DO THAT ALL THE TIME I listen to your youtube videos while im drawing XD

[@isaacyanez7996]

hey!,have you seen the samsung galaxy book 12 inch?,i have it,and for me is like a surface (has windows) but it uses wacom tech for the pen!

[@positivity3311]

Hi, I am looking for a new drawing tablet. I am trying to decide between the huion kamvas pro 16 and the kamvas 13. Can you help me decide?

[@siddarthsrinivas5349]

Hey brad, could you maybe do a video on a laptop with a Lenovo active stylus? There is a new budget laptop called the ideapad flex 5 which comes with the pen

[@alekjwrgnwekfgn]

The new iPad keyboard is insulting (price), I think I’m done with Apple.

[@monstam8439]

A2Z There are many good keyboards not from Apple and are cheaper

[@jenilpokar170]

hey, I love your honest review but can you please do a comparison between Acer concept D3 ezel and surface book 3, I am really looking forward to it. thankyou

[@vanshbordia]

What software was he drawing on surface book?

[@nadamoonlight]

love these even though i already have an ipad and pencil

[@johnalvarado266]

Right😅 I watched it on my iPad.

[@everybody5087]

Same bro I commented on this comment on my 12.9" iPad pro 2020 with lidar. Yeah it's pretty sick

[@punpudle8865]

@@everybody5087 Same with my 11" iPad Pro 2020 128 GB with lidar because im poor but without an apple pencil because theres no stock where i live.

[@EricRamz]

iPad + Macbook. You get everything - the best tablet and drawing experience, coupled with a solid laptop. And on top of that you can use the iPad as a second display when working on the Macbook.

[@timdawg6413]

is it just me who has surface and ipad combo

[@yicelrivera2219]

@@timdawg6413 Which you prefer?

[@sufiyansubhani]

Hey pls make video on surface go vs iPad mini 2019

[@Artofizanagi]

Brad random question. I have a surface pro 4 and the pen is horrible. Do you recommend a Wacom stylus for it? Would it work?

[@minasoran9942]

Hi can u please do a review on drawing on Lenovo thinkpad X201 tablet pleaseeeeee?

[@ixweeb]

Can you try Huawei MatePad Pro?

[@tsunammie]

Can you do an updated version of the EASYCANVAS for the iPad pro!?

[@wellks4318]

Hi Brad, love your vids ! I noticed that there is not much video about about drawing on a chromebook tablet on youtube. Like the chromebook lenovo Duet, which seems pretty good for that price point, but I have no idea if the drawing experience on that kind of device is good ? Does somebody have an idea ?

[@MA-bo4yv]

Is ipad air 3 good if i use it for art only?

[@STICKYArt]

I love my 2020 ipad pro!! For now it works great for everything I need!

[@thewhite8782]

Hey Brad. I was thinking of buying the Samsung s6 because of it's features but then I stubled over the lenovo ideapad duet. It can actually do everything I wanted but is lacking a pen right now. But it supports USI stylus pens. What are your thoughts on that device?

[@BLXCKOUTZER0]

Could do a review of the Chromebook Duet with an USI stylus?

[@etherwing]

I know photoshop is a little sketchy with the microsoft pen, but does anyone know how other apps perform on the surface book or surface pro, like Clip Studio Paint or Sketchbook Pro? Do they have the same line jiggle issue?

[@adityabairathi]

Hey Brad, I was just about to buy the iPad Pro 2020 12.9 inch model, with the Pencil 2, for animation and stuff... Is is worth buying if I already have a decent PC for editing and exporting files that I create in the iPad? Cuz the Surface Book 3 is a bit over my price point at $1600... Hope you or someone can help! Cheers!

[@loidawhee2772]

Would you prefer this over the galaxy flex for drawing?

[@Hari-dv7pw]

What will happen if we put three different companies pen tablet drivers in one computers. I wanna know please reply

[@bendesignsmedia]

Oh no, Brad! the iPad was on a roll for winning these contests! I've never used the surface book pro so I'm probably not actually qualified to make a judgement here, but I'd go with iPad every time.

[@hans-joachimdederding4735]

Hey Brad, don’t you miss the Thunderbolt 3 Port on the Book 3?

[@meow5316]

thank you for this vedio

[@jameslattier3940]

Does anyone else learn drawing tips while watching him draw on reviews/comparisons?

[@ji-jo]

Hi Brad, would you recommend to buy iPad just for drawing. I'm looking for a device just to draw illustration (hobby and stuffs) and upgrading myself from Wacom pen tablet. It would mean a lot if I get your suggestions. Thanks

[@thebradcolbow]

Yes, for just drawing I love the iPad

[@ancientanecdotesyt]

How do you make your videos

[@azatecas]

i dont like apple as a company but their apple pencil low latency has me hooked, it makes for such a better drawing experience. I borrowed an ipad pro and tested the pencil for a week or so, but im broke so im waiting for a used ipad 6 or 7th gen used in my area

[@editoons15]

Hey brad can you do a review of the Huion H610 Pro V2?