Surface Pro 4 i5 4gb or 8gb

[ChrisHeathcote]

the time has finally come to replace my iPad and have decided that I would like something that I can also do basic photo sorting whilst I am away, to try and save time when I get home. This got me looking at the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, which on the face of it seems like the best of both worlds (tablet and laptop). I would be using it for general browsing, but also running MS Office and also Lightroom for cataloging, rating, adding tags etc. heavier Photoshop editing will be done back at home on my 27" iMac.

I started off by looking at the SP3 i7 which runs with 8gb ram and a 256gb SSD, I also got looking at the newer SP4 but from a cost point would only be looking at the i5 (same Ram and SSD). I like the compact sizing of the SP range as it isn't hugely bigger than the iPad.

Currently my workflow consists of photos taken on an eyefi card, reviewed and shared via iPad/phone. This then adds the images to google photos, I the. Have to go through everything again when I get home (not a fan of the LR app, can't see the point to be honest)

I can't decide between older tech i7 or newer i5. Any other suggestions are welcomed

 

[dejongj]

I'm using older tech i5 connected to a 4K external screen as my daily computer The i7 should have a bit more headroom.

Any either will be fine.

 

[ChrisHeathcote]

Out of curiosity what are people's thoughts about the i5 4gb SP4, currently it is nearly £400 cheaper than the 8gb version. How would 4gb manage Lightroom.

I would be using it for sorting photos when I am away from home, workflow would typically be import RAW files for sorting, rating, keywords basic editing and then export the entire catalogue to an external ssd ready for import to my iMac when I got home. My PS usage is minimal at home so can't see it being much greater away from it, although I have started using Th Nik Collection

 

[dejongj]

If all you use it for is just that, I'm sure you are fine. The risk is that you like it so much and want to use it more and you can't upgrade the ram. I'd go for the 8GB version.

 

[ChrisHeathcote]

Thanks JP, I hear what you say. The wife has a 13" MBA i5/8gb/256gb as well, so my thoughts are that if I wanted to do anything heavier I could import the catalogue into there if we're away. I think I'd still leave final edits to the imac. I guess what I'm after is a tablet which will operate lightroom and full Office 365 (for work use). The SP4 is probably overkill but the best option I think, Ive also looked at the ipad Pro, but can't get my head round working with LR Mobile and 2 desktop units and the Office 365 integration isn't as good as the SP4 (why didn't they put OSX on the pro )

 

[dejongj]

I agree. That was the reason I ended up with the Surface. And now it's my main machine.

Keep it low cost It will be fine. Or get a secondhand Pro 3. There are some fantastic bargains to be had. Unlike Mac equipment the depreciation is eye watering.