Microsoft is not so subtly mocking the new M1-based MacBook Pro in a video ad that appears to have been made by a typical YouTube vlogger.
“Today we have Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and MacBook Pro”, the young presenter of the video announces in advance, as if presenting an unbiased product comparison instead of an advertisement.
And you can say that things will take a certain direction when the first topic discussed is touch and stylus, two core features of Surface Pro and missing from the MacBook Pro. Well, mostly.
“The Surface comes with a pen,” notes the host incorrectly: In fact, the Surface Pro 7 does not come with a Surface pen, a fact that is mentioned in lowercase letters in a notice as he speaks. “Mac gave me this little bar,” he says, looking at the MBP’s touch bar, “but … why can’t they just give me an entire touchscreen?”
Another advantage of the Surface Pro cited in the ad is its removable keyboard, while “you get stuck with what you have” with the Mac. But the MacBook Pro keyboard and touchpad come on with the computer. With Surface Pro 7, you need to purchase a type case separately at an additional cost, just like with the Surface stylus.
Surface Pro also has the “power to run all your applications”, which apparently the Mac does not have, and “is a much better gaming device”. I’m not sure if I would call any game device other than casual, but whatever.
And then there is the price. According to the announcement, the MacBook Pro costs $ 1299, while the Microsoft Surface Pro, which normally costs $ 1130 scratched, can now be purchased for just $ 890 on sale. Hm. Looking at the Surface website, I can see that all Surface Pro models, except the Core i3 base model, are already on sale, so I assume the $ 890 cited in the ad is the Core i5 / 8 GB / 128 GB model , usually $ 899.99, but now on sale for $ 699.99, plus a signature cover, which is also on sale, now for $ 119.99. Add $ 63.99 for the Surface Pen and you’ll land at $ 883.97.
As the disclaimer states in lower case, this offer is valid until January 31 on select Surface Pro 7 PCs.
The point at which you arrive at this comparison will depend on your needs and experience. But having used these two devices, I honestly prefer the MacBook Pro (or the cheapest MacBook Air, which costs only $ 999): it has a bigger screen, a better keyboard and touchpad and doubles the disk space. And Apple’s M1 chipset proved to be a champion of compatibility and performance for the most part. I prefer Windows to macOS, but Surface Pro is a bit small and restricted for my needs.
Marked with Apple M1, MacBook Pro, Surface Pro 7