Surface Pro vs iPad Pro

[nkg2]

A client of mine is looking at taking his projects closer to BIM and wanting to create databases to gather field data to integrate with project drawings and work flow management (i.e. Work orders, repair histories, locations, etc). How does autodesk products work with either devices? One favor more over the other? Are there better apps on one platform vs the other?

[chriscowgill7373]

the Surface Pro runs windows, so you can run straight up Autocad products.  They run, not super fast, but they run.  I do full on design, and used a surface pro as my only machine for about 2 years before I went back to a desktop (was working on a huge model).

iPad not so much, but there is with the new subscription something called autocad mobile, no idea what it is, I'm not an i person.

[nkg2]

Not looking to do design per se in field, mainly field verification, data gathering, etc. I have enjoyed the apps on my iPad Air but frustrated that I can't really do two programs side by side. Also didn't know if there were better apps for field maintenance and work order processing that utilizes drawings provided. I use windows 10 but never got apps for it and not real sure what's available. Apple there are too many apps and not enough substance behind it to tell me what's there. Kind of hoping someone who have that experience.

[tcorey]

If he wants to use the device for more than just viewing, measuring and markup, go with the Surface. It will run real AutoCAD, not apps. He will be able to customize to his heart's content.

I have AutoCAD Mobile on my iPad. It's a nice program, but it's not AutoCAD the way we know it, not even close. It's not meant to be. It has it's place in the ecosystem.

[nkg2]

Thanks Tim. I appreciate the feedback about the limitations. I have seen some myself but I thought maybe there were some better improvements or field to database applications better suited for the iPad. The iPad is cheaper and easier to handle by far. The client is not necessarily looking to redraw on the fly but mainly to document errors, catalog changes, and take in visual representations of the area. This would be associated typically with say work orders or routine maintenance. Don't know if I could trust a field guy with a $2k field laptop let alone a $900 iPad lol.

Maybe sometime autodesk will bridge GIS, AEC Suites, and field services together with a kick ass app that talks across all platforms and a recommended device to do that.

By the way which processor is running your surface?

[chriscowgill7373]

Get the i5 at a minimum. 8gb ram minimum

[Anonymous]

Depends on what you're looking for. Starting out with painting and sketching, I'd say the iPad Pro / surface pro  is an excellent choice. It's really portable and no hassle to use.
On the other hand, if you need more advanced programs and will do things like photobashing and 3d-work then the XP-Pen Artist 12 Art Tablet with screen would be the logical choice, a XP-Pen Artist 12 (learn more from https://www.storexppen.com ) would work better since x86 apps are more versatile. as those are things the iPad Pro / surface pro  just isn't equipped for.

[tcorey]

Thanks for chiming in. Your response is so off-topic as to make me think you simply troll the Internet, looking for where you might advertise your tablet.