Microsoft Surface RT Review
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Conclusion:
Peering into the tablet landscape right now, it’s quite evident that Microsoft still has some serious work ahead of itself in catching up to the same level of its rivals in terms of platform functionality and comprehensiveness. Windows RT is a big undertaking for the Redmond based company, so naturally, they’re intent on giving users a unified experience to migrate them into Microsoft’s various services – like XBOX Games and its music/video services. However, as we look back at some of the first versions of other respective tablet platforms, like iOS for the iPad or the QNX based OS of the BlackBerry PlayBook, Windows RT has more of a polished appeal right from the get-go.
As for the tablet itself, there’s a good amount of value seen with the Surface’s hardware – minus the low resolution of its display. For the base $500 model, you’re getting a solidly constructed tablet that’s boasting one distinctive look that showcases Microsoft’s surprising craft when it comes to design. Throw in that it’s featuring some high quality materials with its workmanship, it no doubt rolls off the tongue as being regarded as a premium item worthy of making friends drool with envy.
Breaking the surface of the water, there’s a lot of growing up needed in the software side to make it an instant standout choice for hungry consumers. In time, though, we’re confident that Microsoft will be able to steam forward ironing out the kinks – while adding the much-needed refinements to make it a unanimous choice amongst consumers. For now, if you’re willing to experiment and try something new, the Microsoft Surface won’t disappoint.
Microsoft Surface RT Video Review:
Pros
- Quality design & solid construction
- Excellent battery life
- Full-sized USB ports
- Ability to run two apps next to one another
Cons
- Screen is nice, but not high-res
- Captures low quality photos and videos
- Extremely limited third party apps
- Random lock up and pauses with its performance
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Microsoft Surface RT
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39 Comments
36. Nadr1212 posted on 03 Nov 2012, 10:10 0 1
Yeah, I'll kinda be waiting to get the 2nd version of this tablet just bcuz I want more of the typical features like delete all emails or search bar on its app store
42. enterthemax posted on 11 Nov 2012, 14:24 0 0
Are you kidding? Search is the most complete feature in windows RT, and the store DOES have it!!
Delete all emails? What? If you're talking about SELECTING multiple mails and delete them, there is this "feature" too (obviously)...
2. mydi.maus posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:00 17 4
well this one is the one to be mine,..wishlist..
4. darkvadervip posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:17 3 0
What's the megapixel on the pro before version
5. darac posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:18 6 6
You will be able to get a Nexus 10 with FAR better display and processor for less price so..
Still i won't say this isn't a good product per se..but a low res screen is just a no these days
15. darac posted on 31 Oct 2012, 11:52 2 3
Just wait when it gets Android 5 and 6 ;)
Still, you think serious, heavy windows users will pick an RT over the full version?
For the "light ", media, entertainment and internet centric majority Nexus 10 does the job more than fine trust me
16. chaoticrazor posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:23 7 0
well for light use many are gonna go for the ipad, its sad but true.
anyway by the time of android 5 or 6 im sure windows would have evolved too
21. darac posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:49 1 4
Well, that is what I have serious doubts about actually..how frequent are major new releases for windows?
Even if they seriously step up their pace, Google is simply in another level of speed with android development.
28. Zero0 posted on 31 Oct 2012, 21:25 0 0
What less functionality? The RT is limited to the Windows Store, which has a pretty small selection of apps at this point.
Now, if we were talking about the Pro, that would be a whole different story. The Pro is basically a Microsoft-built, touchscreen laptop.
6. Kronic (banned) posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:22 9 12
Nexus 10 and ipad 4 blow this out of the water.
8. McLTE posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:44 11 3
depends on your target audience..
I'm looking at either a laptop or pad for my kids for Xmas.. I was going laptop only because there is very little in the Apple and Android tablets for school productivity.. can't easily create word docs, power point presentations.. etc.
This RT tablet COMES with the full blown office suite.. so the kids can do the Pad thing, but also do some school things as well.
Are the screens better on the Nexus 10 and the Ipad.. YES.. will my kids notice? NO.
The most compelling tablet to me is the Surface Pro.. full windows in a tablet.. mmmmmmm
9. Kronic (banned) posted on 31 Oct 2012, 10:04 2 8
iWork exists! And with all due respect tablets are not made for kids.
10. arsenaljimenez posted on 31 Oct 2012, 10:11 4 3
And what is the ipad for then? Games, for kids.
its not good enough for anything else, when I see people using it at school they mostly use that notepad
give me a breakk
get yourself an actuall laptop, or a surface, just as good
19. Kronic (banned) posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:46 1 4
You don't own it and so you don't know how capable it is.
22. haseebzahid posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:50 4 0
well indead Pro version is all the way better then any thing known as tablet to date if u dont agree u dont know what pro version is
29. Zero0 posted on 31 Oct 2012, 21:26 1 0
So I presume that you own a Surface?
20. haseebzahid posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:49 2 1
lol u are so corecct ipad seems like a toy nothing else
24. btdvox posted on 31 Oct 2012, 14:01 2 1
Your kidding right? I know your an apple fanboy but iWork is the worst office like program out there and pages, keynote and numbers suck butt.
30. Kronic (banned) posted on 01 Nov 2012, 00:56 0 2
I use them on a daily basis so I know just how awesome they are.
12. TrainFromUkraine posted on 31 Oct 2012, 11:22 0 0
You may want to consider Dell RT tablet for your kids. It can be purchased with a keyboard dock that has actual keyboard/touchpad plus a secondary battery.
37. okiwa002 posted on 03 Nov 2012, 20:11 0 0
You could put Polaris Office on your Android based tablet to create M$ Office-compatible documents/presentations.
17. Whodaboss posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:32 1 0
So, you're telling me you own a Nexus 10, an iPad 4, and a Surface therefore you know which one is better? I think that's what I understand you to be stating when you mention "Nexus 10 and iPad 4 blow this out of the water." You have first hand knowledge? Hmm... must be nice.
18. remixfa posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:37 2 0
dont mind taco... a troll will be a troll.
I will revisit when they get a software update or 2. I have some hopes for the platform, but they need to light a fire under it, especially with Goog really stepping up the nexus game.
7. snowgator posted on 31 Oct 2012, 09:22 4 0
Nice review. The Surface is a ground floor, start the ball rolling device. I would sure suggest waiting until other Windows tablets are on the market before jumping on one. But, it is nice to see the general decent (though not glowing) reviews on the Surface.
13. Joshing4fun posted on 31 Oct 2012, 11:38 2 0
Thank you for not listing "no legacy apps" as a con since this is a TABLET at the end of a day. Good review.
14. ahhxd717 posted on 31 Oct 2012, 11:49 1 0
Good review. I think that once windows 8 becomes standard, the lack of apps will be less of an issue, and with software updates, the tablet will run better. I think this is a great start for Microsoft, they just need developer support and consumer support to make those the ultimate ARM tablet that can fully compete with others.
23. downphoenix posted on 31 Oct 2012, 12:51 0 0
Disappointing that Flash doesnt work in the Modern UI version of IE. I mean, it makes sense on this tablet, since it is more basic. However, in the DESKTOP version of Windows 8, on the same modern UI, it doesnt either. Very troubling that Microsoft went this route. Hopefully its just an oversight on Adobe's part for not supporting it yet, otherwise...
34. -box- posted on 01 Nov 2012, 11:26 0 0
With the widespread adoption/deployment of Silverlight and HTML5, Flash is less and less necessary. I'm sure there'll be a way to install it on the desktop version eventually
25. lubba posted on 31 Oct 2012, 14:56 1 1
My own review will be worth more than any of these early reviews. I you have to use the surface at least a month or so to get to all w8 functionalities before posting any reviews.
26. LeoChase posted on 31 Oct 2012, 18:30 1 0
John V., the share charm is available and you can share your photos through that charm. You can even share links and html5-based youtube videos through that share charm...
27. DatabaseMX posted on 31 Oct 2012, 18:34 0 0
Exactly what problem does this device solve ?
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32. darkknight posted on 01 Nov 2012, 05:48 0 0
Well, I am not a tablet man, tablets are always and almost a mobile with large screen and no calling apportunity. I prefer much more laptops spec ultrabooks, But with microsoft I hope they will change my mind in the next edition ;=).
33. frydaexiii posted on 01 Nov 2012, 09:34 0 0
I've heard from my friend that it's pretty bad...few app choices, unresponsive at times, for now maybe the RT isn't the best choice...
35. _Bone_ posted on 01 Nov 2012, 12:45 0 1
Must say it looks pretty good, but at ~720p to start at $500 where the 32GB 1600p Nexus 10 sits it's no contest for the Samsung device. I'ma buy the $400 N10 surely, it's a stunning offer.
39. Spence posted on 05 Nov 2012, 14:49 0 0
As beautiful as this machine is when you first see it, there are a few very serious problems when it comes to normal use.
1) Hard to hold and heavy when holding it in the wide format
2) Ships with IE 10. IE 10 no longer supports Java. Or Flash. Or any other similar add-ons. That's very serious. Being unable to connect to high security websites makes this a dead machine. Might as well be using an iPad instead. It's lighter and generally better behaved.
3) The Microsoft Store is a misery to "walk" through. Everything is in very broad categories, and then when you access the category then you find a disordered jumble of apps. AND there is no Search Tool. It's a misery to sift through nearly a hundred apps looking for something.
Basically, Windows 8 / 8 RT is a disaster. They need to allow for IE9 if it is to survive as a meaningful and useful product.
As of now with IE 10, it's literally worthless.
