Microsoft Surface
Nov 21, 2012 | 11:46 am
#121
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: BSB/SBBR
Posts: 14
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.
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.
Nov 21, 2012 | 12:34 pm
#122
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
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.
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.
Nov 21, 2012 | 12:50 pm
#123
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
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.
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.
Nov 21, 2012 | 1:08 pm
#124
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: AY+ Platinum, BAC, AA, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,523
Nov 21, 2012 | 1:31 pm
#125
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: YYZ
Programs: CX*GO, SPG Platinum
Posts: 147
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).
Nov 21, 2012 | 2:47 pm
#127
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
Nov 21, 2012 | 11:04 pm
#128
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Grazie Gold Lounge
Programs: UA-2MM; GalacticXpress-Irridium
Posts: 10,332
Nov 22, 2012 | 1:31 am
#130
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,797
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
Nov 22, 2012 | 8:32 am
#132
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489
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.
Nov 22, 2012 | 9:32 am
#135
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: BA, AA, DL, KLM, UA
Posts: 37,489