Which Device Is Better for Work and Study



I did bought already the ms pro 9 but im still thinking about returning it if the hp still win in this. Can you guys tell me if which one is better. Price is near similar.

If you choose the Surface, I recommend getting at least the 16GB version as 8GB is barely enough for Windows, which could decrease performance.

Chen said:
If you choose the Surface, I recommend getting at least the 16GB version as 8GB is barely enough for Windows, which could decrease performance.

The same goes for the Pavilion he is considering. In 2025, no one should get a device with only 8GB of RAM unless they are really constrained by their budget.

@Shan
Yes, but I checked the Pavilion, and it has upgradable RAM, so he can add more when he can afford it.

Chen said:
@Shan
Yes, but I checked the Pavilion, and it has upgradable RAM, so he can add more when he can afford it.

Good point. Each device offers a different user experience. One is a laptop and the other a tablet with half the weight and double the battery life, ranging from 15 to 19 hours. The choice depends on their lifestyle and budget. If they are frequently near power sources, the laptop may be better. However, for someone constantly on the move and using the device in different locations, the Surface with 16GB would be more suitable.

Chen said:
If you choose the Surface, I recommend getting at least the 16GB version as 8GB is barely enough for Windows, which could decrease performance.

They could also consider installing AtlasOS, an alternative to Windows that might perform better.

Chen said:
If you choose the Surface, I recommend getting at least the 16GB version as 8GB is barely enough for Windows, which could decrease performance.

Also, remember that with integrated graphics, the actual available RAM might be around 5.9GB as the GPU could use about 2.1GB.

The Surface is a premium device, while an HP Pavilion is more budget-friendly. The Surface is built better and is more reliable in the long term but has more of a tablet feel. Consider the Surface Pro 10 or the Surface Laptop if you’re looking for a laptop experience. Based on my college experience, I started with a Surface for note-taking and ended up using it like a laptop. I later switched to an HP Spectre x360 for the tablet functionality but never used it that way.

The Surface generally has a better processor and better build quality without the common issues like bad hinges that HP models, including the Pavilion, have had.

I’d go with the Surface. I’ve tried studying with both a 2-in-1 laptop and a tablet, and I found the tablet format better for my needs.

Does the Surface bundle include the keyboard and pen?

Vale said:
Does the Surface bundle include the keyboard and pen?

Yes, it’s a bundle. It’s pricier compared to the HP, but there was a 40% off sale last night making the price similar to the HP. It was a store-only deal and ended yesterday, so I bought it. I’m still trying to figure out if the HP might have been a better choice.

@Yani
Stick with the Surface. HP has known hinge issues.

Avoid HP. My brother had an Envy x360, and the hinge broke the screen. If I had to choose between these two at this budget, I’d go with the Surface without question.

Jem said:
Avoid HP. My brother had an Envy x360, and the hinge broke the screen. If I had to choose between these two at this budget, I’d go with the Surface without question.

I’ve had a different experience with HP. My sister has a lower-end model that’s survived tough conditions for five years, and my dad’s Pavilion is still in perfect condition after three years of light use. I recently bought an Elitebook, and it feels very premium from the screen to the keyboard.

I’ve never liked the combination of an i5 processor with only 8GB of RAM.

Sai said:
I’ve never liked the combination of an i5 processor with only 8GB of RAM.

Absolutely, laptops with 8GB of RAM should not be sold for more than 400 euros, especially with how memory-intensive Windows is.

@Flint
Exactly.

Sai said:
I’ve never liked the combination of an i5 processor with only 8GB of RAM.

The i5 is sufficient for most users, and the performance difference to the i7 is often minor. But 8GB of RAM is definitely too little.

If you need a new one, go for the Surface, but if you’re open to used devices, I highly recommend a ThinkPad.