Written by For more than two months I am now owner of a Microsoft Surface RT. This is just a quick review about my experience.
The facts:
- Operation System: Windows 8 RT
- Display: 10.6” ClearType HD Display, 1366 x 768 pixels, 5-point multi-touch
- CPU: Quad-core NVDIA Tegra 3
- Memory: 2GB RAM
- Battery: 31.5W-h
- Cameras: Two 720p HD LifeCams, front- and rear-facing
For more details see: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/surface-with-windows-rt/specifications
What I like
What I definitely like is the operation system and the integration of the other Microsoft services. You can only install the applications build for ARM Platform on the RT device, or the applications from the Windows Store. This could be a problem for some but for me is this just fine. Microsoft Surface RT is the tablet and I’m not expecting the full desktop computer functionality. The device is very responsive – no lags. Battery seems to be excellent and better than in iPad 3.
What I don’t like
The Microsoft Surface RT is heavy. Not much heavier than iPad 4, but heavy enough. As I wrote before, in principle, I like Windows 8, but… I don’t see any good reason to have a classic desktop mode. This is annoying, confusing and difficult to work with. In my opinion, the only reason for what the Microsoft had kept this, is the backward compatibility. For example Microsoft Office programs are usually opened in the classic desktop mode. I would like to say that that Surface is a mature product, but it isn’t. It has too many childhood diseases. The Typing Cover (cover which is acting as a keyboard) is sometimes unresponsive and needs to be reattached. The wirelesses connection seems to be unstable sometimes, the power button need to be pressed twice to get the start screen and so on.
If you like Windows 8 you will also like the Surface RT. But to get more market share there is need of some more work. I’m waiting for the 7- or 8-inch version, as there are some rumors swirling around. If you want to read some good reviews about the Surface, for example have a look here or here.
Anton Kalcik 