Surface RT

http://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/tablets/microsoft-surface-rt-1085839/review

Microsoft Surface RT was released late in 2012 and was the poster boy for Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 designed for ARM-powered systems. This is a cut-down version of the full Windows 8 operating system.

That means you can only use new Windows apps from the Windows Store. There is NO support for desktop apps such as iTunes, Photoshop, VLC, Filezilla and more, although the desktop is still there for use with the integrated Microsoft Office 2013 apps.

If you need full desktop app support but like the Surface design, there's also an Intel version of Surface running Windows 8 Pro and called Surface Pro.

Other Windows RT tablets and hybrids have been available, including the Asus Vivo Tab RT, Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 11 (though that was replaced with the Intel-powered Yoga 11S), and Dell XPS 10. 

At 9.4mm thick, it's exactly the same thickness as the iPad 4, except that instead of masking its true girth with tapered edges, Surface's design looks as if it's been chiseled from a slab of slate.

It's square and boxy, but fresh looking and the magnesium 'VaporMg' coating gives it a cool finish.

The 16:9 screen is suited to Windows, it enables you to multitask apps and 'snap' them literally side by side. It feels like you're using a laptop and that's a big leap towards a genuine hybrid experience.

Of course, the rear kickstand is an iconic part of Surface. It's also made of metal, and does a good job of propping up your tablet - to an angle of 22 degrees - even when on your lap.

We tested the 64GB Microsoft Surface, which offers plenty of storage, and even a Micro SDSX port hidden under the kickstand, which enables you to boost storage by another 64GB.

That makes Surface a great deal when you consider that you can get nearly 100GB of storage for the same price as the 16GB iPad. That's also not including the USB port for connecting USB storage, as well as traditional Windows peripherals.

Being able to plug in a memory stick in is especially refreshing, and makes Surface a genuine alternative to the iPad.

Of course, one of the headline features is the Touch Cover, the clip-on keyboard that enables you to use your Surface as either a tablet or laptop. It feels shockingly light, as if it's made of cardboard.

Typing takes some getting used to, and the click sound that's used to denote a successful key press is essential to effective typing, as the lack of tactile feedback can be disorientating.

However, the keys are sensitive and speed typing is certainly possible with a few hours of practice.

What's more, despite the flat keyboard feeling like it's been hewn from old egg boxes, it features a multi-touch trackpad, should you want to use a mouse while in the traditional Windows interface. 

The Touch Cover maybe a triumph of design but we would heartily recommend investing in the Type Cover for comfortable typing.

This offers a much more natural typing experience, and is one of the most spacious tablet keyboard accessories we've used.

It's much more comfortable and can easily be used for longer periods, but it does have an annoying flex in the middle, so the keys tend to bounce if you're a heavy typist. 

There's also micro HDMI, which means that Surface can be connected to a TV or external display, and used in presentations much more easily than the iPad.
Of course, Surface has a trick up its sleeve that the iPad can only dream of. The ability to watch media files of all types and be able to load them via USB or MicroSD, rather than the annoying proprietary iTunes software, is a big coup for Surface.

Fortunately, battery life was a huge success on Microsoft Surface, with fantastic longevity which puts it among some of the longest-lasting tablets money can buy.
We looped a 1080p WMV video in the built-in app that ships with Windows RT until the battery died, a test we run on every tablet that graces the TechRadar testing lab. Under these conditions Surface lasted an impressive 450 minutes, equaling a gob-smacking 7 ½ hours. This is nearly two hours longer than the iPad 3, which suffers from powering that glorious Retina display.

We liked

The great build and built-in kickstand is a key part of Surface, and provided us with plenty of pleasing moments when we momentarily searched for a place to prop up our tablet before remembering there was no need.

The detachable Touch Cover and Type Covers with their multi-touch mouse trackpads for working in the traditional Windows environment were also some of the best mobile keyboards money can buy, and the lack of hassle in linking via Bluetooth, and the associated power drain with wireless technology makes Surface a true laptop replacement.

We disliked

The Windows Store needs a lot of work, fast. With the potential of Windows 8 being able to run across PC, tablet and the allure of a well-received Windows Phone 8, it shouldn't be hard to attract developers.

However, here we are, with a predictable shortfall in apps which will slow the pace of adoption, which will in turn slow the pace of developer attention. Microsoft needs to break this cycle.
The loading time of Windows apps was also disappointing, as was the drop in frame-rate on our 1080p video tests. While the latter was barely noticeable and wouldn't catch the attention of 90% of Surface buyers, the time spent looking at app splash screens was a cause of irritation.
The interface and navigation of Windows 8 needs to be snappier on Surface, and then consumers will appreciate it.

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/microsoft-surface-rt/4852-3126_7-35332494.html

Pros First tablet that truly can be used for creation and typing, and that actually lives up to that need
Ports and expandable memory :USB,HDMI compatibility, SDXC cards
Fast and beautiful to use (Win 8 RT)
Long battery life
Awesome kickstand and keyboard

Cons Obviously very light on popular iOS and Android apps for now.
Windows RT is really good, but will need some TLC and a few updates to smooth out the rough edges.
Learning to use another new OS takes a bit of getting used to.
Wish Office 2013 was Metro

Summary Having had a chance to get a hands on with this today (friend of mine works at MS and has had it for a bit but finally let me check it out) I can say I no longer have any reservations about ordering this.It is amazing, and makes my iPad feel kinda old. I have toyed with Windows 8 a bit on some older non-touch laptops. Actually being able to use the touch screen took me from being impressed but somewhat skeptical of Win8 to being a believer. It just works, and I am impressed. I believe in the Microsoft vision. I own a Windows Phone now (used to own BB and Android), and I love my XBOX a bit too much...

That said, I wasn't really completely sold on Windows 8 until today. I ordered a Surface knowing it might sell out, and hoping that if it was a great product I would end up being the first to own one, but if it wasn't great, then being able to return it. I love it. My iPad is great. Kids love the apps (which I will surely need to see more of in the marketplace for Win8 RT), but I needed and now will finally have a tablet that I can type on and build and run PowerPoint presenations at my school/business. This is huge, and using a keyboard that so beautifully attaches/detaches from this tablet, I suspect I will eventually wonder how Apple didn't see this coming and never built one. All in all, Microsoft has some obvious work to do to clean up some rough edges... I am sure with a little more time I will see them more and more, but there were a few just in my time giving this a spin. That said, the experience is really amazing to hold and use. I am really really impressed so far, and I think that the future is bright for Windows 8 products (not just Surface).

Also, I am split between the Surface and the Surface Pro (w/ intel inside). I truly wish I could have an intel one today, but I believe the cost will be more than I want to part with today. As I need to replace an aging and nearly dead HP laptop, I am now confident that the Surface RT will fill the needs of my previous laptop usage well, and instead I will be buying an All-in-One touch screen HP or Dell soon.

So, in short, I went from being on the fence but leaning towards expecting this to be a good/great product, to being convinced it is a good/great product. If you want a tablet that allows for all of the current functionality of 10" tablets, but also want a modern, beautiful, and exciting new User Interface that allows for typing and actual creation of Powerpoint, Word, and Excel type productivity, the Surface is a great candidate in a class of its own.

If you need the apps right now because the tablet is used to keep kids busy or you have a very specific app need, you likely wont get any of that for at least a few months (Apple's app store has about 250k of apps, and Windows app store is not projected to be at 250k apps until this time next year).

My suggestion is to go to a Microsoft store and give it a shot and see what you think. Personally, I am loving what I tried this morning. Also, I believe that the 7" tablets are a great choice for consumption, while 10" tablets like this are gonna be your best choice for creation... just my two cents. Enjoy it. It is fantastic!

Updated on Nov 18, 2012

So, I have been using the Surface for nearly a month now, and for what equates to several hours a day. I have found things I love, and things I don't love. That said, this is still the most amazing piece of Tech I have ever personally used. It is everything I have been looking for in a tablet, and yet it has nearly replaced my laptop.

I say nearly, because the Surface is not as powerful as my 3year old HP Gaming laptop. I can and do use my Surface for typing articles, browsing the web, video consumption, games, and most importantly running PowerPoint presentations. For all of those things, it is absolutely terrific. The kickstand is incredible, and the Touch Cover keyboard is very functional.

The areas I would love to see improved come down to some nitpicky things like getting Office 2013 to run only in Metro interface. And, just to point out that the Type Cover will be my next purchase as I tried one the other day and it truly is a full keyboard that is ridiculously thin.