New computer / tablet - asking the Brain trust

DuckDogDr

I have a new side gig at the local community college and apparently I can’t do my lessons / power points because my software is out of date. Currently using an “Early” 2013 MacBook Pro. According to everything online the update is only for “Late model MacBook Pro 13’s”

The teaching software requires the newest version of OS to function version 11; with 12 soon to be released. Apparently due to age mine will not update beyond version 10.15.7

Truth be told I loved my 2007 MacBook Pro until I killed it with a milkshake.. My 2013 has always been quirky and never operated as smooth as my old one and I just never really took to it.

#1 is there anyway to force the update
#2 I’m not technically in love with the Mac OS.
The only program i really love is MacDive for logging my scuba adventures .. . But apparently I’m locked out of its update as well..

#3 I’m really considering a surface Pro vs a new MacBook.
software at the clinic is windows based … 

I can make both “work” but I am proficient at neither.
If I had my druthers the students would be getting paper tests but I’m old fashioned 

Help with decisions … anyone used the surface pro and liked it or am I being stupid considering and just stick with Mac .

I really did not have this in the budget and I think it’s silly to upgrade when the machine could potentially still work

DuckDogDr

Corv

I bought a new 15" Macbook Air to replace my 2014 Macbook Pro, which still had an older OS. My battery life seems excellent and it's a lighter package. It has similar specs otherwise. The old Pro sold in minutes on a neighborhood forum.

For me, this was a good update. Using AirPrint, I can still use my old but excellent office printer.

GrateEggspectations

Paging @Botch

Legume

I just switched from surface pro tablet to a 13" M2 MacBook Air.  There are a few things I like better about windows, but not many. Unless you're buying top of the line, fully loaded machines, windows upgrades will outpace the hardware too, probably faster.  Surfaces are also expensive for comparable hardware, in my experience.

JohnInCarolina

Your standard laptop lasts about 3 years.  Macs tend to last quite a bit longer, in my experience.  So much so that there are many people around who have run into the problem you're encountering now, where a 10+ year old Mac is no longer supported by the company and you can't upgrade its OS.  This has happened to my wife a few times now.  

So while the Mac laptops are more expensive, they tend to last quite a bit longer.  Just something to consider.  

Langner91

JohnInCarolina said:

Your standard laptop lasts about 3 years.  Macs tend to last quite a bit longer, in my experience.  So much so that there are many people around who have run into the problem you're encountering now, where a 10+ year old Mac is no longer supported by the company and you can't upgrade its OS.  This has happened to my wife a few times now.  

So while the Mac laptops are more expensive, they tend to last quite a bit longer.  Just something to consider.  

You just had to say it.  As I type on my four year old windows laptop, I am trying to not curse you.....

I was hoping to get five, or maybe six. But, now I will have to shop for laptops.

cookingdude555

I have both. I have a surface pro 3 and a MacBook Pro M2 max. I ended up giving the surface pro 3 laptop to my college son and use the MBP for my work. I don’t think you can go wrong with either. Go with the ecosystem you are in. I have found Microsoft office software to work fantastically on the Mac, and I use it to teach with at my local community college. Although I teach online and the platform I use is mostly irrelevant to the content I am teaching. 

JohnInCarolina

Langner91 said:

JohnInCarolina said:

Your standard laptop lasts about 3 years.  Macs tend to last quite a bit longer, in my experience.  So much so that there are many people around who have run into the problem you're encountering now, where a 10+ year old Mac is no longer supported by the company and you can't upgrade its OS.  This has happened to my wife a few times now.  

So while the Mac laptops are more expensive, they tend to last quite a bit longer.  Just something to consider.  

You just had to say it.  As I type on my four year old windows laptop, I am trying to not curse you.....

I was hoping to get five, or maybe six. But, now I will have to shop for laptops.

I think the three is an average, and it might be 3.5.  Anyway, some last longer.  As long as you have a decent backup of your drive I’d use it until it starts to show signs of dying.

stlcharcoal

I've had Surface Pro 2, 3, 5, and now run an 8.  All of them except the the 2 have been great.  I run multiple monitors from it at the office and home and that's the only thing they're ever wonky displaying sometimes.....but that's always been a windows issue detecting hardware especially when I changes frequently with a sleep or hibernation in the middle.  Each one had gotten better about it over the years.  They're great for traveling, working in the car, etc since the keyboard and kickstand are built in.  Can't say I've ever used it as a tablet or used the pen though.  My recommendation is to get the most RAM you can afford......use one drive for the memory, but spend the extra $$ on the RAM.

DuckDogDr

Thanks guys. I really am kinda dumb with this stuff.

in theory could I get an iPad as a stand alone device  and download PowerPoint, word and all the goodies and use like a regular computer or do I need a true lap top as the “mother ship” to an iPad 

Ozzie_Isaac

In my new role, I am switching everything over to a Mac after only using Windows laptops.  I have to say, I really like the Mac.  Stability wise it is much better.  I use Microsoft Office Products, Adobe Creative Suite, and Google Suite.  I used my son's old 2016 MacBook Pro for a few months then got a Mac mini M2.  We also have a 2013 Mac Air still kicking around.

During the time the Macs have all been working I have had multiple Windows laptops die and need replacing.  Macs seem to run out of software (10+ years) before the hardware stops.  My Windows Laptops were lucky to get 3 years, two died in less than 2 years.

My Windows desktops though last a long time and are easily to fix and upgrade.

TL:DR - Mac runs Office Suite really well, their hardware seems to last a long time, and I personally haven't run into stability issues.  Long time windows user is now a convert.

lousubcap

No comment on the laptop issue but I can attest to the long-term reliability of a Mac desktop which would likely translate to their entire line.  I came over to the dark side from Microsoft /Windows over 9 1/2 years ago with a Mac.  And it has outlived all the software upgrades but still runs along just fine for a truly non-power user like me.  I also use the Microsoft office suite and Adobe with no issues. 

You may pay more going in but as mentioned above, once you sort out the life-cycle costs I am confident you will come out well ahead with a Mac.  FWIW-

Gulfcoastguy

A few years before I retired I switched from Windows pcs at work and at home to an iMac at home. I had no option except to continue to use a Windows laptop at work and as noted we had them scheduled on a 3 year replacement cycle. The iMacs seem to be giving me about 7 years each, mainly because of OS software bloat. Using Mackeeper software to clean the memory daily helps tremendously. It is also a decent antivirus, adblocker etc. I stick to desktops but I have heard that their laptops are good if a little pricey. The nice thing is that my Apple devices all backup to each other.

caliking

Had some versions of the Surface Pro business from work for a couple of years, and hated each one.

Regular "laptop" needs one point/plane of support, i.e. clamshell type of hinged design, but the Surface needed two... one to support the keyboard part, another to support the screen part.  Couldn't get past that. 

xfire_ATX

I had a Surface Pro for work for 2 years...

Cons- The adapter to monitor is clunky, cant use it in your lap very easily.
Pros- Very light, i liked the touch screen when needed, I couldnt tell a difference in the OS from desktop.
Neglible- I bought the pen to take notes, native software to do it was BS so had to buy some.  Meh.   I bought the reMarkable 2 its way better.

In the end you can get laptops similar in weight and touch screen so I wouldnt go back.