Yes, that's exaclty what I was saying. Apple sucks, which means iPad sucks, which is what this thread is about, should I use an iPad or laptop.
A Surface would be better than a laptop because its more convenient at the table. An iPad wouldn't be better than a laptop (unless you're talking a Mac laptop) for the reason that Apple products are inferior.
I'm afraid you didn't get the memo. If you can't participate in the discussion without blunting disparaging a company and fans of a product, then do not participate.
I am not an Apple fan-boy. I worked 13 years for one of the largest computer companies in the world. I'm not a fan of Mac OS, as it has morphed a lot since OS7 or so. But I do respect that the iOS devices generally have features I want, and lack features I can live without. I am extremely technical (i have a patent, I write software for a living, there's a picture of me taking a server apart and putting it back together blind folded at a trade show). Anything you can do, I've probably done as well. I also acknowledge that Apple products cost more. And I advise folks of that when they ask me which is better.
The OP asked about an iPad vs. using his laptop. Certainly, there are alternatives to an iPad that are cheaper, and just as functional. But that's just extra info for him to consider. We're not here to sway him from an iPad specifically or particularly because one of us doesn't like the brand/product.
It is possible to extol the virtues of Surface, without saying Apple Sucks. Which is frankly, trolling.
If Apple sucks, then why was my iPad with Numbers running my character sheet better than using my Win7 laptop with Excel 2010 on it? because it was a better form factor and had just enough features to do the job.
My outcome says Apple doesn't suck. That in turn doesn't mean that Apple is the BEST. it may be that Excel 2013 running on a Surface Pro which is about the same form factor as an iPad because Excel is more powerful than Numbers (which I did find some spreadsheet features missing when I imported my file).
An in turn, you can get the same quality of effect that I got on an Android device for less money.
That does not mean Apple Sucks.
Apple Sucks if the Numbers program fails to run my spreadsheet at all. If using it was clunkier than using my laptop was. Since the iPad succeeded and improved upon the overall experience compared to using my laptop, it did not fail.
Your discussion on the benefits of Surface are worthwhile. Your bashing of iPad in your opening statements is trolling and not productive to the conversation.