Thinkpad Yoga 15 vs Surface Pro 4 vs Lenovo vs Yoga 460

[Mattt]

Harro!

I have a bit of a dilemma at hand. I need to choose a 2-in-1 type machine and I don't know which is best. I do a bit of 3D modeling here and there, nothing hectic though and a lot of technical diagrams for the systems I design. This justifies my need for a stylus. Otherwise basic office work and a touch of gaming is how I would use the machine most.

Right now my choices are, in the Lenovo series, the Thinkpad Yoga 15 https://m.takealot.com/#product?id=53622888

- Doesn't come with a Stylus but otherwise highly rated, I could buy a thinkpad pen for like 400 bucks but i'm confused as to how it works, not requiring batteries and such. Is there a little charging port somewhere? Is it actually compatible with this system?

The Yoga 460
http://www.comx.co.za/Buy-Notebooks-Laptops-20EM000SZA-Lenovo-Yoga-460-6th-lp-147830.php

- Supposedly a little lacking in the performance dept.

Lastly, the Lenovo X1 Tablet which seems to have just priced itself out of my budget.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 4
http://store.orange.com/za/tablets/...-core-i5-8gb-ram-256gb-ssd-win-10-pro-284493/

- havent heard great things about Orange and not sure how much support there is for Microsoft Products here.

I'd really appreciate any advice or personal reviews. Sorry for the long post.

 

[PsychoFish]

Look, if you can afford a Surface Pro get it. I have tested a couple of Surface Pros and I've loved every single one of them. Pity they were all Demo/Testing units and thus company property, would love to use one at home.

 

[Mattt]

Well the whole idea is to make myself more portable and I can be convincing enough that my boss will pay for a Surface Pro. I just worry about support and maybe being messed around by Orange. I read a few threads on here or MyBB about terrible service.

 

[PsychoFish]

Well the whole idea is to make myself more portable and I can be convincing enough that my boss will pay for a Surface Pro. I just worry about support and maybe being messed around by Orange. I read a few threads on here or MyBB about terrible service.

Well, the Surface is supported by Microsoft and you likely won't have to deal with Orange if things go seriously sideways.

Another option (on the lower end of the scale) is the Asus Transformer. Also a very capable device and more tablet than laptop but still runs a proper version of Windows 10.

 

[VirtualForce]

Look, if you can afford a Surface Pro get it. I have tested a couple of Surface Pros and I've loved every single one of them. Pity they were all Demo/Testing units and thus company property, would love to use one at home.

Yeah, we tested those Surface Pro's too, freaking great looking, though I didnt work with them, just set them up and helped here and there. But they cancelled the project due to MS not being supported everywhere in the world (Sanction countries) and some issues with users that travel alot.

Well the whole idea is to make myself more portable and I can be convincing enough that my boss will pay for a Surface Pro. I just worry about support and maybe being messed around by Orange. I read a few threads on here or MyBB about terrible service.

Just a personal note on "make myself more portable", strictly just speaking from personal experience, listening to many people and it obviously differs from employer to employer. Ppl always go "AWESOME! I am getting a laptop!"
That just means you can pick up your laptop at knock off time, drive home and continue working, week nights and weekends too. Boss wants something urgent, you are only a phone call away! Screw holidays or being sick. Our whole JHB, CPT and DBN office workers have laptops...

Sorry, not giving any real advise to your main question, just thought I'd add my two cents.

 

[Mattt]

Well, the Surface is supported by Microsoft and you likely won't have to deal with Orange if things go seriously sideways.

Another option (on the lower end of the scale) is the Asus Transformer. Also a very capable device and more tablet than laptop but still runs a proper version of Windows 10.

Cool thanks. I'll have a look at that.

Just a personal note on "make myself more portable", strictly just speaking from personal experience, listening to many people and it obviously differs from employer to employer. Ppl always go "AWESOME! I am getting a laptop!"
That just means you can pick up your laptop at knock off time, drive home and continue working, week nights and weekends too. Boss wants something urgent, you are only a phone call away! Screw holidays or being sick. Our whole JHB, CPT and DBN office workers have laptops...

Sorry, not giving any real advise to your main question, just thought I'd add my two cents.

I see what you're saying. I work in the television industry so I don't own any of those things anyway. Also, I'll be taking over the company in a few years so I don't mind dipping my toes in the always working pool.