Tablet
Since its launch in the United States in
late October, I’ve been using Microsoft’s Windows RT based Surface tablet.
Microsoft has taken a unique approach with the Surface, which is enabling it to
gain some attention in a crowded tablet market. We wondered, though, where it
might fall short and just how well it would hold its own against the
competition.
Just to be clear, Microsoft has two Surface
tablets. The first is the Surface with Windows RT and is built around an ARM
processor. The second is the Surface with Windows 8 Pro which makes use of an
Intel Core i5 processor.
Microsoft
Surface With Windows RT
Windows tablets? From Microsoft?
The only tablets that have sold in quantity
in the past have used Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android, so it’s worth asking
whether Windows is of any relevance at all. After using the Surface, I believe
it is.
The Surface succeeds by delivering features
that previous tablets have failed to adequately address – and by targeting the
billion-plus existing Microsoft Windows users.
Windows RT
Since Windows RT is an integral part of the
Microsoft Surface, I’ll be referring to features of this new version of Windows
(and its bigger brother Windows 8) as I delve into the Surface.
Windows RT is effectively a version of
Windows 8 that runs on the ultra-low power ARM processor technology.
ARM processors are standard in most
smartphones today along with tablets from Apple and Google. Previously, Windows
was designed for use with Intel AMD processor platforms rather than ARM.
Windows RT changes that, but is unique in
that it’s primarily focused on running new ‘modern’ or Metro-style Windows
apps. There is no opportunity to run traditional Windows applications you might
use on a Windows 7 or Windows XP computer today. The only exceptions are
Microsoft Office and a few other bundled Windows tools.
It’s worth pointing out that the included
Office bundle does not include Microsoft Outlook. Instead it’s recommended that
you use the Mail app that is included with all Windows 8 and Windows RT
installations.
Style
The
Surface includes a built-in kickstand
There are not many brands which make truly
stylish gadgets and technology. But as I started carrying the Surface with me
into meetings or coffee catch-ups, I found it generating its fair share of
‘oohhs and aahhs’. And at least one person wondered aloud why Apple hadn’t
released a product like the Surface.
Screen
It seems almost at odds with creating a
small and light tablet to add a screen which is larger than most other tablets,
such as Apple’s iPad and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10.1. Fortunately it’s a gamble
which in most regards benefits users. When compared with the higher resolution
display in the newest iPad, the Surface stands up extremely well. There is a
real benefit to the extra 20% screen real estate on its 10.6-inch widescreen
display. It makes a difference if you want to carry out real work (such as
using Microsoft Office) or like to watch movies in widescreen 16:9.
The downside of the big screen is that it
does add weight to the Surface RT. A little, but not much: the Surface RT
weighs in at 676g compared to the current iPad at 652g.
Video playback
If there is one thing users expect from
computers and tablets today, it’s the ability to watch video content acquired
from a range of sources.
I’ve spent some time watching a range of
video content and found it very smooth. Even Full HD 1080p movie trailers
pushed to my TV screen via the Surface’s built-in mini HDMI connection worked
well. I’ve heard some 1080p video may struggle on the Surface RT but that
wasn’t the experience I had.
If
there is one thing users expect from computers and tablets today, it’s the
ability to watch video content acquired from a range of sources.
Audio
The Surface includes stereo speakers, which
is less common in tablets. The sound was well above average for a tablet
although naturally, a larger device such as a big laptop can certainly deliver
better sound particularly when it comes to playback for lower frequencies.
Skype – voice and video calling
When you install Skype on the Surface it
operates in a manner we haven’t seen on previous versions of Windows. What’s
notable is once you’ve told Skype you’re happy to be interrupted with calls and
messages once, you don’t need to leave it running (and using valuable system
resources) in the background. This draws on the same technology Microsoft
invented to help Windows Phone handsets use less power.
Apps and games
Other than the new Start screen, the other
area I’ve heard the most discussion about in relation to Windows RT and Windows
8 is the new style apps or lack thereof. This is somewhat odd in my opinion:
this new version of Windows has just been released and it already has thousands
of apps covering just about any category you could hope for.
There are some areas that really stand out
in terms of app support music, gaming, productivity and video calling. Each has
been addressed with strong offerings.
Music is catered for with a number of
third-party apps, but it’s Microsoft’s own Xbox Music app which stands out with
its excellent music and music video streaming capabilities.
Naturally, the freshness of this updated
platform means there are gaps in the app catalogue, but I’m expecting that
won’t be a problem for too long.
Expansion options
In a world where we’re starting to see
tablets that can’t be expanded, it’s somewhat refreshing that Microsoft has
included a very tidy microSD expansion slot in the Surface. Add any size you
like up to 64GB.
When it comes to connecting mouse,
keyboards, monitors and printers to a tablet the options are usually extremely
limited. This is an area where the Surface excels in comparison to the
competition – though don’t expect the same capabilities as a Windows 7 or
Windows 8 computer. This is because the Windows RT platform needs new drivers
for some devices, such as printers, to operate.
I’ll dive into more detail shortly, but the
keyboard/trackpad options for the Surface are welcome additions to a tablet.
Keyboard covers
Microsoft has taken a smart approach to
covers there are two on offer and both provide keyboard/trackpad functionality.
The first is the Touch Cover, which is just 3mm thick and features a flat
touch-sensitive keyboard. When compared to the typical keyboard and trackpad on
a laptop it’s not nearly as nice to use, but convenience is king and it’s
always handy, which is brilliant.
Microsoft
has taken a smart approach to covers
The Type Cover is similar to the Touch
Cover but provides a traditional style of keyboard – one which actually has
moving keys. This is a nice option but I found myself quite at home using the
Touch Cover instead.
Durability
Though I couldn’t justify a drop test of
the Surface, a demonstration during its launch suggests the Surface’s VaporMg
Magnesium based casing and overall design makes it extremely tough. It feels
really well built and even its kickstand is sturdy.
Missing pieces
There isn’t much missing from this initial
edition of Microsoft’s Surface. The main concerns for most – lack of 3G connectivity
and a small app catalogue will likely be dealt with over time. If these two are
deal breakers for you, then there are plenty of other tablets on the market. If
you still like the sound of the Surface, the only other missing piece is the
lack of a launch date for the New Zealand market currently the closest markets
to purchase it are Australia and the US.
Conclusion
The Surface RT is truly a unique tablet
which I really enjoy using. It’s also one which should help Microsoft pick-up
some credibility in the coolness stakes. It’s not perfect and it’s unlikely to
cause any immediate upset to Apple’s iPad sales, but the Surface shows
Microsoft still knows how to innovate.
|
Specifications
§
Price: $499
§
Software: Windows RT
§
10.6 inches touch screen, 1366 x 768 pixels
with 16:9 aspect ratio
§
1.3Ghz quad-core Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU
§
RAM: 2GB
§
Expandable via USB port, Micro SD slot and HD
video out
§ Weight:
1.5 pounds
|
