Skip to main content

Microsoft Surface the most popular tablet, says J.D. Power

Tablets aren’t the most popular mobile devices on the market, but of the ones that are available, customers are most partial to those made by Microsoft. On April 7, J.D. Power announced that Microsoft won the award for U.S. Tablet Satisfaction, edging past Apple and its iPad. This marks the first time the Seattle-based company has won the award, which has previously been claimed by the iEmpire.

Microsoft’s aggregate score of 855 points out of 1,000 (Apple achieved 849) was due largely to its tablets’ high marks in terms of features and styling and design. “These [Microsoft] tablet devices are just as capable as many laptops, yet they can still function as standard tablets. This versatility is central to their appeal and success,” said Jeff Conklin, vice president of service industries at J.D. Power in a release.

Recommended Videos

Customers were most impressed with Microsoft in three performance areas: pre-loaded applications, internet connectivity, and availability of manufacturer-supported accessories. As it turned out, Microsoft Surface owners also use their accessories the most (in particular the Type Cover and Surface Pen). Tablet enthusiasts were also impressed with Microsoft’s variety of input/output connectivity and the amount of internal storage.

And while Apple generally hangs its hat on design, it would appear that customers are quite taken with Microsoft’s aesthetics, too. Indeed, when it came to tablets, Microsoft won over users in terms of tablet size, quality of materials, and attractiveness of design. That said, both Apple and Samsung produce tablets that leave customers quite happy as well, but just not quite as happy as Microsoft, apparently.

On the other end of the spectrum were Acer and Asus, who this year were below average when it came to customer satisfaction. Amazon, surprisingly enough, scored in the middle of the road — apparently, book lovers are quite pleased with its e-reading options.

So if you’re looking for yet another device to add to your stash, you may want to look at Windows and its Surface lineup.

Lulu Chang
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
I regret buying the iPad Pro. This surprising Windows tablet showed me why
Asus ProArt PZ13 sitting atop an iPad Pro.

I’ve been an iPad-as-a-computer guy ever since Apple put the M1 silicon inside the iPad Pro. Earlier this year, I dropped $1,800 and got the new iPad Pro with the whole accessory kit in tow.

I wish I had the patience to wait and pick the Asus ProArt PZ13 instead. In doing so, I would have saved myself a cool $800, enough to buy a decent laptop, or even the lovely M4 Mac mini for my desk, and lived in peace.

Read more
Is your child safe from inappropriate apps on Apple App Store? A report says no
App Store screenshot on iPhone.

Apps aimed at children have been available since the inception of the App Store. However, not all apps created for minors are safe to use. This is the main finding of a new survey conducted by two child safety organizations. The report presents the results of a 24-hour research study in which 800 apps were reviewed, and the findings are concerning.

The Heat Initiative and ParentsTogether Action study found that Apple's App Store is a mass distributor of risky and inappropriate apps to children. Many apps have features that put children at risk of sexual abuse and exploitation, low self-esteem and poor body image, disordered eating, exposure to sexual and violent content, and more. Apple claims that the App Store is a safe place for children, but the study found that Apple takes no legal responsibility for the veracity of age ratings.

Read more
An Apple insider says a new iPad is coming in spring 2025. Here’s what we know
Someone holding the iPad (2022) with the display turned on.

Apple did not release any new iPads in 2023. However, this year marked a significant change with the introduction of all-new versions of the iPad mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro. Notably absent from this list is the standard iPad, which hasn't been updated in nearly three years. This is expected to change in the coming months. According to MacRumors, Apple plans to release an updated iPad alongside the iPhone SE 4 in spring 2025.

While limited information about the upcoming iPad is available, several details have emerged in recent months. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the new tablet is expected to support Apple Intelligence, just like all iPads released in 2024 do. This support suggests that the 11th-generation iPad will likely have a newer A-series chip and at least 8GB of RAM.

Read more