Both the ThinkPad X12 and the Surface Pro are essentially great ultrabooks with kickstands, but a faster processor, a better keyboard, and a lower price make the ThinkPad X12 a better Surface than the Surface right now. Lenovo’s ThinkPad X12 Detachable is one of many Windows tablets that copy the formula Microsoft uses for the Surface Pro 7. In addition, iPadOS and its apps are limiting if you do any kind of coding or web development, or if you want to use external monitors or other accessories. But Apple’s Smart Keyboard Folio has no trackpad and isn’t as pleasant to type on as the keyboard covers for the Surface and other Windows tablets, and the much-superior Magic Keyboard is expensive. And the latest version of iPadOS handles keyboards and mice, external storage, file sharing, and web browsing better than previous versions did. It has a huge library of finger-friendly tablet apps, including lots of options for drawing, writing, or editing photos, audio, and video. All iPads work great with Macs and iPhones in an Apple-centric workplace, and iPadOS is easy to use and simple to update, back up, and restore. The 11-inch iPad Pro is great if you primarily intend to use your tablet as a tablet, controlling things with your fingers or the excellent Apple Pencil add-on, but you also want decent keyboard and trackpad support in a pinch.
