Surface Pro goes head-to-head with 'BackBook' in latest ad from Microsoft

Microsoft jumps on the trend of comparing the MacBook and PCs.

What you need to know

• A recent ad from Microsoft compares the Surface Pro and the MacBook.
• The ad highlights the flexible 2-in-1 form factor of the Surface Pro.
• The MacBook is called the "BackBook" within the ad.

We've seen a few ads calling out Apple's MacBooks over the last couple of weeks. Intel launched a video campaign and a dedicated website comparing Intel-powered PCs to Apple's M1 MacBooks. Now, Microsoft is getting in on the fun with an ad comparing the Surface Pro to the M̶a̶c̶B̶o̶o̶k̶ "BackBook."

Okay, so the ad technically is comparing the Surface Pro to the "BackBook," but it's clearly referring to a MacBook. The ad, which was shared on Twitter by Microsoft India, highlights how the Surface Pro can detach from its keyboard and be used flexibly while the MacBook cannot.

The 2-in-1 range of Surface devices come with laptop-to-tablet versatility, enabling you work from anywhere, anytime. Sign up for a demo. pic.twitter.com/p9vTM3wMAu

— Microsoft India (@MicrosoftIndia) March 24, 2021

This is a normal comparison between the Surface Pro and the MacBook, which, to be honest, don't directly compete with each other. While their target audiences might overlap some, the Surface Pro is a flexible 2-in-1 while the MacBook is a traditional clamshell laptop.

The Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro is a better comparison, as they're both clamshell laptops. Another apt comparison is the iPad Pro 2020 vs. Surface Pro 7 as both of them are 2-in-1s.

Windows PC

Microsoft Surface Pro 7

A great laptop substitute

$749 at Microsoft

The Surface Pro 7 from Microsoft is an impressive piece of kit, featuring a full-blown version of Windows. It's not quite as sensational as the iPad in terms of screen and camera tech, but for a work tablet, it's unmatched for many.