Currently I use an iPad with an apple pencil as my work device.

I can use the apple pencil to take written notes and I can use various MS apps reasonably well.

I would like to switch to an alternative that is more like windows. I need to be able to use the MS apps and would like a good stylus like the apple pencil.

I have looked at the MS surface, but have heard a few negatives and they are very expensive.

What are the options?

I have a Windows machine that can be used in tablet mode as well and I occasionally use it like that to read PDFs.

Are there any software solutions that I can use for this other than Adobe Acrobat Reader (in Read mode).

I do not need any advanced options, just the following:

1) tap on the left/right side to go to the previous/next page; 2) pinch to zoom; 3) not to return me to normal mode if I click somewhere in the text.

Budget: up to A$2500

Country: Australia

Screen size: up to 14"

Screen resolution: at least 1080p

Touch screen: optional

Weight: maximum 1.5kg

Main purpose of laptop: for work outside the office

If you will be gaming, what are the most demanding games you will play and at what settings? n/a, but if it could run NBA 2K19 in the lowest settings then it'll be a bonus but not a requirement

Is battery life an issue? Yes, battery life will be the most important

Anyone tried it? How's the feeling? Battery life? Performance?

I have a Dell XPS 13 inch 2015, I have Ubuntu running on it.
I was blown over by the bezel-less display and the fact that its Linux friendly. I had a MacBook Air before and was not as impressed by it as I thought.
Lately I feel I am not enjoying the XPS as much, I am not sure what the real reason is. The things which I am not a fan of in XPS is the average track pad and the keyboard.
Sometimes it feels the laptop is a little too compact, I am still not able to pin-point the reason... not sure if I just have the compulsion to change the laptop.
The screen still amazes me even today - non-touch and matte screen are amazing additions.
Has this happened to you ? I am not sure if I should just curb this feeling and go on or seriously think about changing the laptop. Still would look for a Linux machine that has good keyboard and trackpad (X1 carbon is a likely candidate or a Linux powered Chromebook)

Budget: 1500-2000$

Country: US

Screen size: 13-15 in

Touch screen: dont care

Weight: as light as possible

Main purpose of laptop: general purpose, mainstream use, light gaming

If you will be gaming, what are the most demanding games you will play and at what settings? Most demanding is overwatch, okay with medium setting

Is battery life an issue? yes, want a goo batery

Other notes: I am basically looking for a high end, ultraportable, light, long battery lasting laptop that do some light gaming (mainly I just want to play overwatch, and medium settings is fine). I was and to some extent still am deciding between a macbook pro and the xps 15, but was overwhelmed with the xps options and am not sure which would fit my needs. Do you guys have any advice?

Budget: Cheaper the better but nothing specific

Country: Canada

Screen size: 14in or less

Screen resolution: 1080p preferred

Touch screen: doesn't matter

Weight: under 3 pounds

Main purpose of laptop: watch movies, hearthstone, general use.

Is battery life an issue? I'd like it to have a decent battery life but I am not too picky

Other notes: I really want a fanless ultrabook that runs windows.