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-   -   Microsoft Surface (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/travel-technology/1398041-microsoft-surface.html)

Mordor2112 Nov 21, 2012 11:46 am


Originally Posted by cordelli (Post 19549407)
A pretty good (and mostly positive) review of the device here

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411249,00.asp

from PC Magazine

The Microsoft Surface with Windows RT ($699 direct) is Microsoft's first entry into the wild world of tablets. Priced to compete with the Apple iPad , the Surface tablet with 64GB of storage comes with a 10.6-inch, five-point multi-touch screen. As is, it's aimed at users that want to do more than simply consuming media and websites, with innovative keyboard covers that make some of the more expensive Windows 8 tablets' docking solutions look absolutely clunky by comparison. Plus, it has an ace in the hole that makes it feel like a "real computer": The Surface comes with a full copy of Microsoft Office 2013 (Home and Student Edition). The Surface has the same user interface as upcoming Windows 8 laptops and tablets, thanks to Microsoft's Windows RT operating system. However, since the tablet uses Windows RT and a more economical ARM processor, the Surface isn't compatible with the majority of existing software made for Windows 7 and XP. This is the conundrum we find ourselves in while we look at Microsoft's first true computing device.


If you're considering buying the Surface RT due to its "full Office suite" you're in for a BIG disappointment.
First it doesn't come with a "full" version, just a strip-down one. And If want to use all its capabilities you'll need to buy a license or tie it to one existing full Office license.

ScottC Nov 21, 2012 12:34 pm


Originally Posted by Mordor2112 (Post 19724638)
If you're considering buying the Surface RT due to its "full Office suite" you're in for a BIG disappointment.
First it doesn't come with a "full" version, just a strip-down one. And If want to use all its capabilities you'll need to buy a license or tie it to one existing full Office license.

Do you have a source for this? I haven't found any limitations in the included suite. That said, it is made clear that this is a beta version and that the full version will be made available when it is finished.

ScottC Nov 21, 2012 12:50 pm

I've given up. I got rid of my Surface RT and switched to a Samsung ATIV.

Reasons:

Apps for RT - this just isn't moving fast enough. The market is also poorly curated. New apps DO come out, but the "just released" section is never updated. Apps I'm missing most are Spotify, Google Drive and a GOOD media player. The built in one SUCKS and has limited support (just like an xbox). There are others, but they are quite weak, and none have DLNA support.

Keyboard issues - I've suffered from random keyboard issues. Sometimes it just doesn't connect, requiring a reboot.

Storage space - This was a big one - even with the couple of apps I downloaded, I only had room for about 9GB of movies and music.

I *LOVED* the hardware, but I just can't deal with the apps issue. Perhaps when Surface pro comes out, I'll switch, but so far the ATIV is quite lovely.

scubadu Nov 21, 2012 1:08 pm


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19577179)
Holy crap this thing rocks.


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19725035)
I've given up. I got rid of my Surface RT and switched to a Samsung ATIV.

Fascinating and in the span of just ~25 days... :confused:

Regards

stingray300 Nov 21, 2012 1:31 pm

Had some hands on time with a demo unit at a Microsoft pop-up store today. The unit looks well made overall and the screen quality was very impressive. The keyboard is cool but takes a bit of getting used to (the keys don't recess).

ScottC Nov 21, 2012 2:46 pm


Originally Posted by scubadu (Post 19725176)
Fascinating and in the span of just ~25 days... :confused:

Regards

why the :confused:? was my explanation not enough?

ScottC Nov 21, 2012 2:47 pm


Originally Posted by stingray300 (Post 19725318)
Had some hands on time with a demo unit at a Microsoft pop-up store today. The unit looks well made overall and the screen quality was very impressive. The keyboard is cool but takes a bit of getting used to (the keys don't recess).

They do on the type cover.

kingalien Nov 21, 2012 11:04 pm


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19725035)
I've given up. I got rid of my Surface RT....

Same here. Returned to MS. Found myself continuing to use iPad more as I'm more comfortable with my iOS apps.

ScottC Nov 21, 2012 11:19 pm

Amazingly, my new samsung ativ feels more like what the surface should have been. didn't expect that.

1010101 Nov 22, 2012 1:31 am


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19727777)
Amazingly, my new samsung ativ feels more like what the surface should have been. didn't expect that.

They look amazing... which do you have?

Samsung on the whole seems to be on a roll at the moment. If only they'd ditch their Chelsea sponsorship i wouldnt feel quite so dirty buying their products :D

stingray300 Nov 22, 2012 8:16 am


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19725796)
They do on the type cover.

Maybe a little bit but it feels more like I'm tapping on the table rather then an actual key.

ScottC Nov 22, 2012 8:32 am


Originally Posted by phol (Post 19728081)
They look amazing... which do you have?

Samsung on the whole seems to be on a roll at the moment. If only they'd ditch their Chelsea sponsorship i wouldnt feel quite so dirty buying their products :D

I actually went with the cheaper one - $749 ATIV 500T.

It comes with an active Wacom digitizer, S-Pen. Has MicroSD (sadly not full size). 64GB SSD. But best of all, it is rated for 8-11 hours of battery life. Even the Surface RT couldn't reach that.

The beefier 700T Pro version has 128GB, USB3 and a Core i5 - but only does around 5 hours.

Couldn't be happier with this thing. It has everything I loved on the Surface RT, but with real Windows and a real keyboard.

As I said, when Surface Pro comes out, I'll give that a shot too.

scubadu Nov 22, 2012 8:52 am


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19725791)
why the :confused:? was my explanation not enough?

If it's enough for you, then well of course, I guess it's enough.

Regards

skofarrell Nov 22, 2012 8:57 am


Originally Posted by ScottC (Post 19725035)
I've given up. I got rid of my Surface RT and switched to a Samsung ATIV.

So... you switched out a Tablet for a PC?

ScottC Nov 22, 2012 9:32 am


Originally Posted by skofarrell (Post 19729342)
So... you switched out a Tablet for a PC?

No.

http://www.samsung.com/us/computer/t...XE500T1C-A01US


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