What is the Microsoft Surface?
Haven’t you heard? Microsoft has launched its first tablet – Surface is what they call it and just like other tablets on the market it comes in a few flavors – Surface Windows RT and Surface Windows 8 Pro.
The Surface Windows RT was launched October 2012, and the Surface Windows 8 Pro will launch near the end of January 2013. Yes, these two tablets are identical in its sleek styling, durability, detachable keyboard, kickstand, front facing camera and social media and networking features. The sales and reviews for the RT version were not that great due to the omission of one key component buyers where looking for – Microsoft Office. Windows RT sold just 1 million tablets since its release in October. In comparison, the iPad sold 3 million tablets its first 3 days on the market. However, the high-end Windows 8 version as garnered much praised and it’s not even available yet. Why? Let’s compare the two.
| Starting Price | $499 Surface Windows RT | $899 Surface Windows 8 Pro |
| Operating Systems | Runs Windows RT – best for mobile computing with tablets. | Runs Windows 8, uses Windows desktop applications and integrates with enterprise infrastructure. |
| Stylus Pen | n/a | Standard with Stylus Pen |
| CPU | Quad-core NVDIA Tegra 3 2GB RAM | Intel Core i5 Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000, 4GB RAM |
| Cloud Computing | SkyDrive, Xbox Music | SkyDrive, Xbox Music |
| Productivity | Microsoft Office Home, Student 2013 RT Preview (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote), joy of Xbox | Microsoft Office Outlook, Word, SharePoint Designer, PowerPoint and more. |
| Connections/Slots | Full size USB port, microSD card slot, HD video out port | Full size USB port, microSD card slot, HD video out port |
| Weight | 1.5lbs | 2.0lbs |
| Battery | 31.5W | 42W |
| Storage | 32gb, 64gb | 64gb, 128gb |
| Screen | 10.6in, 1366 x 768 | 10.6in, 1920 x 1080 |
| Interoperability | Can download software and apps from the Windows Store | Can download software and apps from the Windows Store and add software that are not Windows based. |
The big differences between these two tablets is the storage space, the size and screen quality, the powerful CPU, and full Microsoft Office applications installed on the Surface Windows 8 Pro. Also, the added benefit of adding non-Microsoft products is a plus. Tell a diva – which would you buy?
We checked out the Surface and other Microsoft goodies a while back, check out our Microsoft Times Square visit below…
