The configuration options and competitors
The Surface is available in two versions,
one with a pre-installed 32GB and one with 64GB. The 32GB version starts at %499.
The basic kit does not include the keyboard, but at $599, you can have it in
the box. Regarding the 64GB model, Microsoft is selling it as a package with the
Touch Cover at $699. If you buy the tablet and then want to it come with its
keyboard, the Touch will cost $120, while the Type Cover (with the physical
keyboard) will have the retail price at $130. Microsoft will only prepackage
the black Touch Covers, so start saving money if you need it in blue.
The
Surface is available in two versions, one with a pre-installed 32GB and one
with 64GB.
The Surface is following other tablets
running on Windows RT. We are checking the Asus ViVoTab RT, which is equivalent
to the Surface with thinner and lighter design, but with slightly shorter battery
life and less comfortable experience with typing. Dell's XPS 10 will also be launched
soon, though unfortunately we do not know how much it will cost. We are also
curious about the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11, whose screen can be totally flipped
towards behind, but will not be sold until May 12. When sold, it will be highly
priced: starting at $799.
As an ARM-based tablet that promises better
battery life, stick Surface iPad, along with a number of high-end Android
tablets. Starting with the iPad, both tablets both started at $499, although at
that price, the Surface has double the storage (including a memory card slot
and USB storage support). The iPad is thinner and lighter, but the build
quality is comparable. (Also, if you pay attention to the Surface’s stand and
USB port, for sure it cannot be much thinner). As we said, the two screens are
nice, although either screen is not completely better than the other: the iPad
looks fresher and cleaner but the Surface is less dazzling. When it comes to
typing, the Surface takes advantage of the full keyboard support built into the
OS and the two keyboards designed by the Microsoft. They are very comfortable –
better than the third-party keyboards for the iPad – but we still need to see
how many people who buy this tablet actually appreciate the typing experience
seriously.
In addition, the main difference between
the two is not about mm or pixels. It is about the software. We have to make
sure that Windows RT is easy to use, and suitable for this form factor as well
as the design productivity. The problem is the app selection: since this
article, the iPad has over 250 thousand applications available that are
optimized for its screen. Do not misunderstand us: Windows 8 and Windows RT are
quickly gaining the momentum, but until your favorite apps appear in the
Windows Store, you will have to show some patience – or willing to find those new
favorite apps.
Finally on the Android’s front, obviously
you have more choices, including a lot of stuffs with an optional keyboard
dock. If you are looking for something with such a beautiful screen like that
on the Surface, we would like to introduce the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity, a
10-inch tablet with a 1920x1200 IPS display, excellent battery life and hard
metal materials. However, please know that that the Asus keyboard dock usually
has a fairly cramped layout. For better typing experience, we would like to
introduce the new Lenovo IdeaTab S2210 (at $430), although as a mid-range
tablet, it has lower screen resolution than the Infinity. It also has shorter
battery life than the series of the Asus Transformer tablet, and most other
10-inch tablets.
Conclusion
The
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT has a starting price at $499.
The Microsoft Surface with Windows RT’s
starting price at $499 means that those who are thinking about investing here
will need to carefully compare it with the equivalent products from Apple, Asus
and others. How is this tablet evaluated? Very good but also very different.
While these devices are mainly targeted at those who thirst for the content, the
Surface is a tablet with which you can do some serious work, and do it in a
relaxing manner. You cannot always say that about the competition.
It was at the other side of the equation,
the content consumption and entertainment, where the Surface is currently missing.
It needs a lot more apps and games to make up for that, and while we are sure
that they will come, we do not know when. If the applications are soon to be
available, then the original buyers will feel vindicated. However, if the Windows
RT market is slow to thrive, not really heating up in another 6 months or so,
the wait will prove to be a wiser choice.
So, if playing games, music, movies, and
reading is what you want to enjoy, then we can only suggest that you wait a few
months to ensure that all your needs will be handled for sure. However, if you
are looking for a tablet that is perfectly designed so that you can do some
serious work with it, a device that does not have a style, feel or acting like
a toy, then you should buy the Surface with Windows RT.
Info
·
Price: $499 – $699
Advantages
·
Impressive build quality
·
Bright screen with less flare
·
Stable performance and battery life
·
The Touch Cover allows fast typing
Disadvantages
·
Limited selection of apps
Overview
·
The Surface with Windows RT is an excellent
tablet for those who need a good dose of productivity with their mobility.
An
excellent tablet for those who need a good dose of productivity with their
mobility
|
Specifications
·
Dimensions: 6.77x10.81x0.37 inches
·
Weight: 1.40 lb.
·
Display type: LCD (Active, Color, Backlit)
·
Display size: 1,366x768, 10.6 inches 147 ppi
pixel density)
·
Multi-touch: yes
·
Memory card slot: microSD (microSDHC)
·
Camera (integrated): 1.3 MP
·
Camera features: Records video, Contact
pictures
·
Secondary camera: 0.3 MP
·
OS: Windows (8)
·
Form factor: other
·
CPU: 1.3 GHz
·
CPU cores: quad-core
·
RAM: 2 GB
·
USB: 2.0
·
Bluetooth: 4.0
·
Maximum battery life: up to 8.5 hours
·
Battery type: Li-Ion
·
Battery size: rechargeable
·
Warranty: 1 year
|
