Microsoft finally built a house for its latest and so far quite successful Windows 8 platform. Digital Magnet presents Microsoft’s first tablet device. This is Surface.
Actually the model is released in two versions. One running the Windows RT operating system and the other one, loaded with the full Windows 8 Pro. Our test sample was the RT edition.
Basically Windows RT looks and feels just like the 8 version but there is a big difference between the two
This is one really interesting gadget, it offers you the Windows RT experience on a 10.6-inch screen. Such a big screen offers plenty of space to multitask, viewing a few open windows on the screen at the same time. Basically Windows RT looks and feels just like the 8 version when it’s used but actually there is a big difference between the two. Windows RT is something like a light version of Windows 8. While the second one is able to run all Windows-compatible apps and software, the RT platform loads only build-in software and applications downloaded from the Windows store. The limited number of apps is RT’s main disadvantage and it will take some time before owners of such devices can get the apps they like.
The 10.6-inch Clear Type display delivers HD resolution
The 10.6-inch Clear Type display delivers HD resolution. It is bright and perfectly responsive to up to 5-point multitouch gestures. The viewing angles are just the same you get when it’s an IPS panel. The viewing experience on this one is great, the colors are accurate and the sharpness helps users enjoy a better picture. In fact although it looks like a glare panel its touchscreen layer is bonded with the LCD panel, which results in minimizing light reflections on the screen.
Performance on the RT Surface is smooth and easy thanks to the quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 CPU inside. Multitasking with applications, games and full HD videos is flawless and everything loads instantly. 5 out of 5 points for performance.
The chassis is made of magnesium but the matte surface attracts fingerprints
Since Windows RT devices run on ARM chips, it is the case here as well. It not only takes down the price but also increases battery life as ARM chips are huge battery savers. Microsoft RT Surface has onboard power enough for about 12 hours of moderate usage.
The machine looks and feels well-built. We really enjoyed using it both in our hands and also opening that stand on the back. It opens easily and the mechanism is really sturdy so you shouldn’t worry about breaking the hinges. The chassis is made of magnesium and the matte surface looks really nice although it attracts a little bit of fingerprints.
Windows RT Surface RT tablet is available in 32GB and 64GB versions
One of the reasons why this tablet has a rather thick profile is the full-sized USB 2 port, which is especially useful on a Windows platform. The interface also offers a micro SDXC card slot (which supports up to 64GB cards), also an HD video output and a special docking port on the bottom. It is used to easily attach one of the coolest features of this tablet – its case/keyboard.
It attaches easily and serves as a protection case but one that has keys one it. In the beginning it felt quite awkward to touch the textile keys and every time we stopped typing to make sure we actually write something. But in the end we felt really positive about this clever keyboard installed in the case. The RT Surface tablet also supports stylus input.
Windows RT Surface RT tablet is available in 32GB and 64GB versions starting at $500.
