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Microsoft Surface Windows RT
72
Engadget Review
Microsoft's Surface with Windows RT is a great tablet for those who need a strong dose of productivity with their mobility.
Tim StevensOctober 23, 2012
Pros
- Impressive build quality
- Bright display with low glare
- Solid performance and battery life
- Full-sized USB port
- Touch Cover enables fast text input
Cons
- Limited app selection
Microsoft
Surface
Engadget
72
Critics
25 reviews74
AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE
Users
113 reviews86
AVERAGE USER SCORE
View All Critic & User Reviews
Microsoft Surface Windows RT
- Critic Reviews (25)
- User Reviews (113)
- 74AVERAGE CRITIC SCORE25 ReviewsComputerworld70Surface RT review: Microsoft's bid for a thin of iIn business-travel situations where I need only to write articles and respond to email, I can see throwing Surface RT and the Type Cover into my backpack, and leaving my Ultrabook (and iPad) at home. But is this tablet a full-fledged "thing"? No, not yet.PC World70Review: Surface RT, Microsoft's bid for a 'thing'Surface RT is packed with productivity potential, and finds a certain measure of success in reinventing the tablet form factor. But its hardware isn't perfect, and its Windows RT operating system lacks flexibility and app support.AllThingsD80Hardworking Tablet With PC ChopsIf you can live with its tiny number of third-party apps and somewhat disappointing battery life, it may give you the productivity some miss in other tablets.AnandTech70A Different PerspectiveI don't believe Surface is perfect. I would have liked to have seen faster hardware inside, and there are some rough edges that could use smoothing out ... but overall the device is easily in recommendable territory.New York Times70Sleek Tablet, but Clumsy SoftwareThe Surface is a brilliantly conceived machine whose hardware will take your breath away — but whose software will take away your patience.Wired80Microsoft Dives Deep to Surface a HitOverall it’s quite good; certainly better than any full-size Android tablet on the market. And once the application ecosystem fleshes out, it’s a viable alternative to the iPad as well.Ars Technica70Microsoft's first stab at a tablet: Surface reviewThe Surface is a nice tablet. The design and aesthetic are pleasing, the feel in the hands, particularly of the kickstand and magnetic cover connection is excellent. But is it worth buying on the day of release?PC Mag80Microsoft Surface with Windows RTThe Microsoft Surface with Windows RT bridges the distance between tablet and laptop for many users, particularly if you use the Web or Microsoft Office constantly. The Surface has very good hardware and some innovative design, but Microsoft Office RT is the killer app.Gizmodo50Microsoft Surface RT Review: This Is TechnologicalShould you buy it? No. The Surface, with an obligatory Touch Cover, is $600. That's a lot of money. Especially given that it's no laptop replacement, no matter how it looks or what Microsoft says. It's a tablet-plus, priced right alongside the iPad and in most ways inferior.CNET80Innovative tablet stranded in an app desertIf you're an early adopter willing forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: wait for more apps.TechCrunch70Don’t Call The New Microsoft Surface RT A TabletThe Surface RT is a product of unfortunate timing. The hardware is great. The Type Cover turns it into a small convertible tablet powered by a promising OS in Windows RT. That said, there are simply more mature options available right now.Laptop Magazine70Microsoft Surface with Windows RT ReviewThe Surface and its innovative Touch Cover proves that Microsoft can make hardware to rival the iPad, but the app ecosystem needs to catch up.Engadget70Microsoft Surface with Windows RT reviewWhere does this one rate? Very well -- but very differently. While those devices are primarily targeted at content-hungry consumers, the Surface is a slate upon which you can get some serious work done, and do so comfortably. You can't always say that of the competition.Pocket-Lint90Microsoft Surface RT reviewWe're sold, honestly, on the Surface RT. It's not cheap, but it's priced aggressively enough that people will give it some thought before they snap up an iPad.Mashable80Surface Is a Tablet Windows Users Will Love [RevieThis is the tablet for Windows fans. It won’t win over Apple iPad owners, but for all those who hate Apple, find Android confusing and underwhelming, and are ready to enter the world of touch-screen computing this is the alternative you’ve been waiting for.Time80Microsoft Surface Review: The PC of the Future NeeFor an audacious version 1.0 product, it’s impressive.ABC News70Microsoft Surface RT Review: A Windows 8 Tablet-TuThe Surface is full of potential, but until its software performance and apps are as strong as its hardware, I, unfortunately, will still drag both a laptop and an iPad through security.SlashGear70Surface with Windows RT ReviewThe Surface team has cribbed some of Apple’s notorious attention to detail and applied it with its own spin, and the result is a well-constructed slate with legitimately useful design elements like the kickstand. ... Windows RT will undoubtedly prove the sticking point.TechRadar80Microsoft Surface RT reviewSurface makes you want to pick it up and play, pleases you with the delivery of Windows RT and the live tiles make it feel personal and alive. Performance is a real issue, but since Tegra is at the heart of high performing tablets, we hope that RT can be tweaked to iron out slowdown issues.Forbes70Final Review: Microsoft Surface with Windows RTWhile the Windows RT Store contains a bevy of productivity apps and a selection of top-notch games, it’s the omissions that are glaring...it’ll be a long journey before my Surface can completely replace my Nexus 7 or iPad.T360Microsoft Surface reviewThe Microsoft Surface has the impressive keyboard cases, the expandable support, slick Windows 8 UI, and the multitasking prowess that is really a unique tablet feature. However, it's let down by some worrying performance issues, a disappointing screen, and threadbare Microsoft app Store.HotHardware80Microsoft Surface with Windows RT ReviewMicrosoft’s first stab at building a premium tablet was a very good one in our opinion. Microsoft still has a lot of work to do to build out the Windows 8/RT app ecosystem ... but the Surface tablet itself and its array of accessories are excellent.TrustedReviews80Microsoft Surface reviewMicrosoft is making a very strong entry to the tablet market with its Surface running Windows RT. It offers a unique design combined with build quality and attention to detail that few others can match. It sounds superb, has a great (if slightly low-res) screen, and offers excellent battery life.BGR80MICROSOFT SURFACE REVIEW: A TALE OF TWO TABLETSThe faster Microsoft can get developers on board, the better — and the early days will be slow-going in some respects as a result of this lack of apps. But even as it stands today, the Surface provides a terrific experience right out of the box and it will only get better over time.USA Today70Microsoft Surface RT: Impressive piece of engineerSurface RT is a strong first effort. But I'd consider it more of a hotshot if it could run old Windows software.
- 86AVERAGE USER SCORE113 ReviewsEric90June 25, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It runs slow (Surface 2 was much faster) even for its time. However it was the ultimate tablet for productivity. I purchased it at the time it first came out with the touchcover. Battery was and still is excellent. I used it strictly at the time for school for essays, powerpoints, and completing my homework. I actually loved the windows rt software but I did miss the apps available on ios and android. The touchcover took me 2 months of extensive use to really grow to enjoy it. I still own the surface rt and it still works as well as it did new. My nephew used it for his school this past year and enjoyed it as well.Camy80June 21, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Innovative product for it's time that lead to a whole slew of surface products to follow. I used both the touch and type cover but found type cover to ultimately be more comfortable due to the touch cover often not registering my typing as a result drastically reduced my typing speed. I extensively used the drawing feature to take notes in class. At the time of it's release a lot of my classmates were extremely envious of the surface compared to the clunky devices they were otherwise using. I expanded the storage via the built-in micro sd card slot and capacity no longer became an issue. After 4 years though I began to have durability issues on it and eventually I had to sell it. Part it of might be the fact that I taxed it very heavily and even tried to game on it. I did some FFXIV end game content with the surface despite the excessive latency... I didn't regret the purchase and to this day I continue to use surface devices. Currently typing this on a surface laptop that I bought to replace the original surface pro.Seondong10June 20, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Got one in 2014 and tried to use it for few days. It has 0 value as there's no useful app you can use other than MS Office. Even MS hasn't released Edge for this poor boy. Horrible idea to come up with something like this and MS was quick and wise enough to stop making these kind anymore.AlexZ1740June 20, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It was cool idea on paper but in reality it was slow like waiting for hours for delayed flight. Meaning it's frustrating. Limited soft and rather sub par Microsoft programs at the time. So far best use of it is very patient typing in word. Best purchasing decision return and get refund.LiveJoX10June 20, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Lack of full real Intel x86 compatibility is a deal breaker, both for a Windows computer and for a Mac computer (ARM?).Erik100June 19, 2020Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 17, 2016Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Convenient for Work or Entertainment, Whichever You Prefer!Over the years, I have owned several laptops and tablets (such as iPads), but I had never had a device that combined the two like the Surface RT does. This tablet is ideal for people who are on the go a lot and do not like the idea of a bulky computer. It is also perfect for people who enjoy the convenience of apps alongside the ability to get work done. The convenient combination of a laptop and a tablet is why the Surface Pro has been the best tablet I have ever owned.Originally, I bought the Surface RT to replace my broken laptop. I will admit that at first I was a little skeptical of completely replacing my computer with a tablet since there was no CD port, but I found that I don’t really need a CD port since almost anything can be found in an app or online. I also found that the advantages of the Surface Pro outweigh any slight inconveniences it may have. As a college student, I take my tablet to every class and use it for both homework and entertainment daily, so it was important that I got a device that could meet my needs. Thankfully, the Surface RT does. Physically, the Surface RT has an ultra slim design that allows it to have a light weight. The keyboard doubles as a cover and can fold back or come off when it is not in use, so there is no need for that bulky case other tablets might have. The back of the tablet has a built in kickstand that allows it to stand upright on its own. The Surface Pro also has a USB port, built in speakers, both front and rear facing cameras, and it has a long battery life. As previously mentioned, the Surface RT is a combination of a tablet and a computer. The tablet side of the Surface RT allows easy touchscreen access to fun apps and games where as the computer side provides access to Microsoft programs such as PowerPoint, Excel, or Word which allows the user to get work done as needed. While working on projects, I have found that the Surface RT is also extremely good at multitasking. It allows you to spit the screen with multiple programs at once so you can work on and view more than one thing at once. If you have something open on a different app, all you have to do is swipe your finger to the right and then it immediately appears on the screen. I found this feature extremely convenient as I often need to look at notes or do some research while writing a paper. Ultimately, looking at a combination of the overall level of convenience, size, quality, features, and price, I have not been able to find any tablet that can compare to the Surface RT. If you find yourself in need of a slim tablet that has the ability to provide both entertainment and a way to get work done efficiently, look no more, the Surface Pro is the perfect tablet for you!Engadget Reader50December 16, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have used the Surface for almost 2 years now and it is slow. It is very slow now, even after I "refresh" Windows. I will try to reset it to make it faster. It is so laggy now that I can't even run any apps. I also feel bad because I bought it and the keyboard for $599 and now it's $299.Engadget Reader20October 26, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!this product is extremely hard to use. it is slow, doesn't always register touches, and my keyboard broke within the first 3 months of use. overall, a terrible product. i wouldn't suggest buying it. STUDENTS DONT BUY IT!!!!!!!!Engadget Reader90August 29, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader70January 29, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Definitely like the tablet, I see great potential if MS can get apps rolling out faster and if they fix how terrible the navigation is on Windows 8Engadget Reader80January 15, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader70January 4, 2014Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80December 30, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Picked the Surface RT up for $225 and couldn't be happier considering the price. Its hard to review because its just a simple addition to the household, that's all. Handy to have and easy to use.It doesn't try to be anything its not.Engadget Reader80December 11, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90December 7, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80December 5, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Microsoft Surface RT will not be for everyone, but if you understand the limitation and the functions of the Surface RT, this device will exceed your expectation.sIf you're use to the iOS and Android ecosystem the number one con will be the appstore, with the lack of Google supported integration a close #2 - though Microsoft has their own versions (Drive vs. SkyDrive).One of the things I love about the Surface RT is my type cover, I pretty much use this as a laptop - as a graduate student there are a couple of things this device can do with the iPad cannot.#1 - UPLOAD DOCUMENTS ONLINE! #2 - YOU CAN USE A MOUSE! USB WIRELESS OR WIRED#3 - EXTERNAL STORAGE - YOU CAN ADD AN EXTRA 64GB THROUGH MICROSD, AND YOU CAN USE THE USB (THERE IS ONLY 1) TO ACCESS AN EXTERNAL HD - I JUST PLUGGED IN MY 500GB WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS TO MOVE FILES BACK AND FORTHWell with the prices of the Surface hitting rock bottom with Black Friday and Cyber Monday - this device is definitely worth it.Engadget Reader90November 26, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80November 25, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I really like this tablet. It's certainly not the best, but the price now is pretty agreeable. Having USB in a tablet is a really great feature. I feel like the Pro might be one of the best tablets around but the price and the fact that it still uses fans (really?) make it a bit of a stretch. Overall the Surface is a very good tablet that needs a bit of work to be truly great. If you find a great deal, grab one, they are worth at least the $350 Microsoft is asking. If nothing else, you have real internet with flash and everything.NuAngel80November 17, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader70October 25, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90September 28, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Im really pleased with the performance and usability, and of course the magnificent desing that really stand out of the iPad croud out there!Engadget Reader90September 16, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadgetandibeka100September 13, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A great Gadget.I used the iPad 2 before this. The innability to multitask and to open flash materials in Websites and also the innability to connect it with other devices were the arguments that made the device only suitable for mail, some Internet Navigation and games.I was waiting for the surface to drop in price. I bought the tablet when the Price dropped to 280 Euro. The Price for the Keyboard was 79 Euro. So in total i paid 360 Euro.The type Keyboard is great, i decided for the type Keyboard because i writte with all 10 fingers. The surface rt is faster than i thought, and has a great battery life. great design, low weight, very verstatile with the kick stand and the Keyboard. Great value for the Money. Now, that the price dropped, i recommend the surface rt with the type keyboard to everybody who is searching for a portable device with great batery life and superb design.Engadget Reader100August 4, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100July 13, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100June 28, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90June 12, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90May 19, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90May 10, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80April 29, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Although Windows RT is not ideal for me personally, this device is a great tablet that works well for my wife and probably would be great for other users who spend all their time in a browser. I've reduced the end score from 9 to 8 because of the sparseness of apps in the Windows store. Alot of big players are giving WinRT the cold shoulder. If the app support was as robust as it is for iPads, this would be a no reservations winner.Engadget Reader80April 11, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90March 8, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Surface, in my opinion, the most productive "ARM-based tablet" in the world. The browser is, by far the most stable and fluid. The whole navigation takes a little getting used to, but after that everything swiped swiftly. Battery life is quite amazing too, with 11 hours light-browsing, emailing and word processing. With maximum brightness playing graphics intense title like ADERA can reduce the battery life to 6 hours, but that's still quite amazing.Engadget Reader90February 26, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90February 16, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I loved the Surface RT! I had jailbroken mine & I had the functionality to run Audacity and DosBox and the experience was just amazing! You are getting great value for money with this product.Engadget Reader90February 14, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I sold my iPad to get my Surface and have never regretted my decision. Windows 8 is a blast to use and is extremely intuitive while getting things done. I can do things on the Surface that I only dreamed of doing on the iPad. I highly recommend this product to anyone.Engadget Reader90February 14, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80February 13, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!this is a great pc companion device. I don't have to lug around my laptop to get work done or have fun. my laptop is safe at home, ready when I need it. I have windows 8 on both the surface (duf) and on my xps 14z so that if there's an app from my surface that I want to use on my laptop, I can. unlike my mac & iPad roommate who loves the twitter app on his iPad & has to whip it out every time he wants to use that app. I get great battery life from my surface. I even charge other devices while using it thanks to the usb 2.0 port. which while many have asked why no usb 3.0 (that's an arm limitation) it's frankly 1 more usb port that the iPad has. The touch cover take some getting use to but once you get use to not hearing clacking it's easy to use. though I do with the type cover came in blue. I like options. the touch cover is nice. especially when you flip it around back. I wish that the front facing camera was a little better. stills are a little grainy. video is o.k. same goes for the rear facing camera which produces soft, blurry & even noisy stills. with that said, NEVER TAKE PICTURES WITH ANY TABLET OR I"LL PERSONALLY SMACK YOU. it runs flash on most sites, but I wish there was the option of submitting sites for white listing. seathainyc.com can't be viewed or used on my surface rt. the 1 other downside is that I can't mount the sd card. that way I can seamlessly store my apps & media without having to go to the desktop. the surface rt is a good tablet. especially if you care not to be lost in a crowd of iSheep but don't want a complicated android tablet. apps are coming to it pretty fast & the platform as a whole gets better pretty quickly. Definitly get it with a touch or type cover. the suface is good without it but it makes it even better. especially when your using the free copy of office that comes with it.Engadget Reader90February 8, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have had an iPad since they came out, for me this beats it in all caregories, especially at work, the retina display is not missed, apps os something everyone is wining about, not an issue. Office at work is great!!! iPad is a toy in the workplace.Engadget Reader80February 6, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I've had this device for over 3 months now (since release day) and I love it. I have used it every day for both work and pleasure and it gets the job done. Although it can't run legacy apps, I have replaced my laptop with the RT for about 95% of my computer usage. I will, however, be upgrading to the Surface Pro this weekend, but only because I'm looking to replace my laptop completely. I highly recommend this product to people looking for a tablet.Engadget Reader90February 4, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Surface RT and Windows 8 is misunderstood.The Surface RT with touchcover or typecover is more like a laptop. To begin with, from the moment you set it up it feels different from any tablet you have ever used. You hold a tablet in your hands, and all the apps and basic user interface menus are designed for portrait use.The Surface RT sits on your desk, table or lap and the all the apps are written for landscape mode - just like your PC or Mac.The Surface comes with the latest Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint - not trial versions, the full apps with a lifetime license. Just like their phone counterparts, iPads and Android tablets are charged via the USB port. The Surface RT is powered by a 24W charger and here is the magic, the SRT uses a full sized USB port to connect to printer, scanners, keyboards, digital cameras and yes, you can connect your Windows Phone, iPhone or Android phone to copy your favorite videos, photos or music to - either direction, and since the battery in the Surface RT can last over 9 hours, you can use the USB port to charge your smartphone. :)If you have a desktop computer and want a product that is thin, light and can replace a laptop for home or work, then this product is for you.I believe that there is a market for iPads and for a hybrid product like the Surface RT. If you buy an Android tablet you will find that you use it for Netflix and that's about it.Get the Surface RT and you can quickly set up accounts for each family member so everyone has a personalized experience -- and the restrictions you set for your children on the RT will also carryover via the cloud to your desktop Windows 8 computer(s), Windows Phone 8 and Xbox 360.No one ever got fired for buying IBM and no one will get fired or divorced for buying the Microsoft Surface RT.Engadget Reader90January 28, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 13, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is a review of the Microsoft Surface and not Windows 8 RT. But sometimes it is very hard to separate the two. The actual hardware is gorgeous. Very well built, excellent tolerances, and fantastic design. I would expect nothing less from Microsoft for its first real venture into the computer hardware business. The battery life is great, at least 9-10 hours of constant use. The display is very good, but wish that it had a higher resolution (will be in the Windows Pro devices). Compatibility with external hardware, like printers and external drives is excellent thanks to a USB 2.0 port. The ability to have multiple user profiles is a HUGE advantage over all other tablets.It comes with a starter version of Office which is another HUGE plus. Syncs seamlessly with other Windows 8 devices that you use the same Microsoft account for. Is this an iPad killer? Well. no. Is it a solid option with fantastic hardware? Yes. For the price point. it is a great option.Engadget Reader70January 3, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90January 1, 2013Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Was initially quite cautious about the surface after reading mixed reviews online. After seeing one in the flesh though, I can safely say this is one of the best devices out there. If your needs are more pedestrian, and geared towards consuming content like music, a 7inch tablet might be a better fit. But if you ever feel like you wanted to do more with your tablet, even occasionally, a surface can't be beat. As someone that travels a lot, the surface has completely replaced both the iPad and laptop I usually take with me. Features like homegroup and remote desktop support, also mean I can still tap into content on my laptop when I need to.The surface is the first but of technology I have experienced for a while that feels like the future.Engadget Reader90December 18, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is a really useful tablet and actually replaced my laptop. I mostly use the virtual keyboard but the touch-cover works like a charm when needed.Engadget Reader90December 15, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100December 14, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100December 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100December 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Love it!Engadget Reader100December 8, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Love it!Engadget Reader90December 5, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is my first tablet I have owned but just from messing around with other ones, I am VERY happy I chose the surface. As a college student, I love the desktop mode with PowerPoint, Word, Excel and OneNote. The tablet, while quite larger than an iPad feels great in the hands. There is an on screen keyboard that splits the keyboard in half so you can type on it like a smart phone, quite efficiently. It's small features like this that really make it an exceptional tablet.Engadget Reader90November 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!First off a little rant, how does the Surface get a score of 70 when the Nook tablet gets a 79 and Samsung Note 10 gets an 80??? I own both the Nook and the Surface and their is no comparison (the Surface is something I actually want to use). I guess seeing that on this site every top spot product recommendation is occupied by an Apple product I shouldn't be surprised :).OK, I won't spend a thousand words to rehash what has been said by everyone else. The screen resolution is nothing special by today's standards, though in line with the Samsung Note 10. And Windows RT is a month old so the app selection isn't huge, but its not bad either. What makes the Surface so cool is that it's more than an iPad or high end Android tablet. Being able to plug in USB devices and connect to PC's on your home network is SO COOL. I can actually take this thing on vacation and upload pictures from my camera via a USB card adapter! Throw in the ability to then use the Surface as a tablet in bed or on the couch and you have a super useful device. For fun I used the Windows remote assistance tool to take over my Surface just because I could. And I spent most of the day working on the Surface (not as functional as my laptop but I'm getting the job done).If you only want to watch movies and play games then don't buy a Surface. If you want to do a little more and you can handle a lower res screen then the Surface is a great option. And yes, I understand that in six months there will be something way cooler available; there always will be.I wrote this short review on my surface with the help of a Microsoft Wedge keyboard (which I really like); I just couldn't pay $100 plus for a touch cover that I can't re-use down the road. I also have a Bluetooth mouse as well; yeah, mouse support! Awesome!Engadget Reader90November 26, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Desktop replacement, yes !Engadget Reader90November 18, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 18, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90November 18, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I was an ipad user, and I love this device. I do not need millions of apps, but few really useful, which I have now.Engadget Reader100November 15, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Hands down the best piece of technology I have ever owned. It does everything I want out of a tablet. Apps, Browsing, Music, Video, Games, File Explorer, and Office. Owned since launch and no problems and reasonable performance.Engadget Reader90November 15, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Excellent first tablet directly by Microsoft. It won't suit everyone, but if you already use Microsoft services it's a no brainer.Engadget Reader90November 12, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 12, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I have an iPad3. And its been sitting there after I bought my surface and have been using it for couple of weeks now.Surface can be whatever the user wants it to be. My favorite features:Full Office integration (no need of a bulky laptop anymore)Full size USB port (works with millions of existing USB devices)XBOX music (its better than spotify, rdio and Pandora combined)Touch Cover is brilliant (guess what, I am typing this review using my touch cover)The fluidity of the metro user interface (how its consistent across all my devices - phone, xbox/tv)IE10 - best browser on a tablet period (safari on ipad was meh!) This is the app I use the mostThere are definitely not many apps as on the iPad, but the apps are coming and I don't need them. Just trying out Angry Birds Star Wars (May the birds be with you)Go get this device, I am pleasantly surprised!!!Engadget Reader100November 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I've seen a number of reviews on the Surface, and they cover every aspect of specs and the lack of Apps in the Microsoft App Store. There's no need to say any more about that. I've been an iPad user from the beginning and have a third generation iPad now. I love it, but it has always been about compromise. The best thing about it has always been the casual portability. It's easy to have with me and easy to use with my feet up. I've learned to make the the functional compromises I had to and the compromises have been worth it.I now have a Surface and I'm pretty sure it's a permanent switch. Here's why:1- Portability. The Surface is as portable and comfortable as my iPad. I never used a keyboard with my iPad, because, for me, it defeats the purpose to have to carry other stuff. On the Surface touch cover and kick stand are just there. I don't love flipping them out to type, but I can do it. With my iPad typing on anything other than the onscreen keybaord was not an option.2-Web Browser. The iPad has always had a lot of sites that don't work right. IE 10 on the Surface works with more sites and feels more like a desktop brower than a mobile browser, There are still limitations, but much less than with the iPad. The reason that the iPad needs so many Apps for things like FaceBook, is because the websites don't work well. On Surface they do.3-Windows RT. I really like the interface. Once you get used to the uncluttered design ethos, you realize that it maximizes the usable screen space. Learning to swipe from the 4 sides is all you have to learn. It comes with the things I use my iPad for most ... web browsing, maps, reading, news, email, contacts, and note taking. I don't play a lot of games though. I wish it had Words with Friends and DrawSomething.4-Handwriting. The handwriting recognition is outstanding and with a stylus I find it easy to take notes the old fashioned way. It's faster and more accurate for me to write than to use the on screen keyboard. It works everywhere in Windows 8, and I often find myself doing casual editing with my feet up, writing instead of typing. It's what I always wanted to do with my iPad.5- OneNote. The new OneNote, plus handwriting recognition and SkyDrive consolidates all of my notetaking across every device I work on ... my personal compter, my work computer, my iPhone, my iPad, and the Surface. I can take notes on the Surface and then use them seamlessly on my computer with Office, Outlook, and every other program I work with. OneNote could be Microsoft's best kept secret ... That and handwriting recognition.6- SharePoint. MS Office is tightly integrated with SharePoint and that includes Office on Windows RT. I can use SharePoint for all of the collaborative things I use it for. With my iPad, I always had to copy documents out of SharePoint to Skydrive to be able to see them on my iPad, and even then, it was only PDF files that worked very well.7-MS Office. I'm an Office worker, so I spend a lot of time working with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. On my iPad I could read them, but I was never able to work with them well enough for it to be worth trying. The combination of Office and the touch keyboard cover make it possible for me to do real editing. It's not a perfect experience, but it's worth it to me to be able to do it when I have to.Engadget Reader100November 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader70November 11, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A dependable product that doesn't really stand out from the competition. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60November 10, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I was really disappointed by the native apps. Mail, calendar and contacts/social were really clunky and didn't refresh the data quick enough. As for browsing, Flash video ran choppy on sites that aren't on the Windows RT "whitelist"; I was told some 500 "top sites" are supported. Finally, only being able to install apps from the Windows Marketplace was the final straw... Seeing how the native apps perform, I don't have much faith in how 3rd party apps could make up for that. Not to mention, I paid for 64 gigs and 16 were already used up out-of-the-box. I commend Microsoft on a good return policy though. I got all my money back because I returned it within 2 weeks.Engadget Reader90November 10, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This product rocks. It allows me to do all my homework and still get the apps I want. Some apps are buggy and don't suspend correctly. These will be fixed as developers figure out how to code better for Windows. The kickstand and touch cover rock after you get used to it. I use it everyday and very rarely get a slow down. It is meant to be a tablet, it isn't going to be as fast as your super speedy desktop. I recommend to anyone looking to get work done.Engadget Reader90November 10, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Absolutely love this tablet. People complain about the lack of Apps in windows 8, but the platform is only a few months old, give it some time, the apps will be there.Wael90November 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Surface really surprised me. It filled a need I didn't really know I needed - I just thought I wanted it. I can do REAL WORK using the Surface and it is much easier to carry around than my laptop. The system is very quick and responsive. The app store is growing very quickly. A year from now apps won't even be a discussion. Great job Microsoft! Looking forward to other OEMs coming out with devices like this.Engadget Reader100November 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is the first truly the first business tablet. I logged into it and all my setting were migrated. I can not comment from a games consumer perspective, but the Android and Apple iPad devices are not truly business devices. The best application is OneNote which synchronised been desktop, phone and tablet it is unbelievable. Add to this I am using the Jot Pro pen that I use with some of my other tablets and the hand writing recognition with or without the pen is amazing. The most disappointing feature is the email client, it is just disappointing. The keyboards are both impressive, while I was worried about the touch keyboard this has proven to be unfounded with a very quick uptake.There are so many things I am forgetting, but the above is what comes to mind most immediately.I had started a discussion on the difference between the critic and user rating, ' Surface: The difference between the users and the critic reviews' it makes me wonder even more about how there can be such a difference. I am glad I followed the recommendations of those who participated in the discussion and recommended I purchase a Surface.The only application that is really missing is an email client like Outlook, but we have RemoteApp so I have this essentially anyway, but a local copy would be even better. The applications will without question come.From a business perspective this is a great device well worth every cent.Engadget Reader90November 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It is a great tablet device, good for websurfing, news apps and light recreactional apps. Office a plus. Not a replacement for a laptop to do real work, but ok for short travels. Can use Remote Desktop to access my work desktop machine in case I need to do somthing on the go.Great at home, but I would not travel without my laptop, might give it away to someone in my family when the Surface Pro is available. I also bought another two surfaces for my kids, and they love it, my 3 year old loves to use it with Fresh Paint, Puzzle Touch and light kid games.Engadget Reader90November 9, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Loving the Surface! It feels awesome in your hands, the touch keyboard works pretty well to type on and Windows RT is stable and fast.Engadget Reader100November 6, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90November 5, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I've had my Surface for a few days now and I cannot be more impressed. It's the most incredible piece of kit I've ever used. Everything from the screen to the smoothness of it is perfect, and at last there is a genuine alternative to an iPad. Although I wouldn't personally consider an iPad, I understand why people would pick them over Android tablets. Indeed, after owning and testing many other Android tablets, and comparing them to this beast and the iPad, I don't see much of a future for Android tablets. The Surface is just so good. There is still work to be done with some of the in built apps on Microsoft's part, but the OS generally is a huge speed improvement and I could hardly be happier.I've experienced a minor issue with my touch cover and am getting it replaced for free with few questions asked. Can't fault that service!Engadget Reader90November 5, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Have owned the Surface RT since the launch. It is an awesome piece of hardware, and the OS works really well with it. The main complaint is lack of apps, but those are coming at a pretty good rate. I have enough apps on it to work well.I have used a Windows Phone since its launch as well, so this tablet works well in that environment and eco-system.Engadget Reader90November 4, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader60November 4, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Overall for Microsoft this is a great product mostly reflective of their envy of Apple. That being said this is no iPad because the ecosystem is everything. It's not time to reinvent the wheel, it's about making the wheel more awesome. Apple seems to be in a better position that anyone else to make lives better through products like iPad. I enjoy my Windows phone only because iPhone is not available on TMobile service and Android phones make my head hurt. Windows RT is simple, fairly fast and more rock solid than anything Android related. So if you can find a compelling reason to reject the much better value of an IPad and its amazing ecosystem then I recommend Surface. If you really need to click a keyboard that is.Engadget Reader80November 3, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!There's a lot to like about this in spite of a few flaws. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90November 3, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 2, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100November 2, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Love this product, more functional than my iPad, I have been carrying this device everywhere for the last one week. A tablet with keyboard on sleek cover is exactly like a car that has wings! Love it coz now I can even write a review using my tablet that has wings. Many reviewers complain that there are no 750k apps, but it has 99% of apps that I want: word, excel, powerpoint, onenote are the top apps I want, hulu plus, Netflix, bing daily, new York times, usa today, oprah winfrey network, angry birds, cut the rope, full browser with flash support (I can now play fb flash games). Battery life is good, the screen looks gorgeous, and windows 8 is actually awesome once you get used to it, I can't go back to the old start button anymore. I wish the photo quality is a little bit better, but it is ok since I am not using this primarily for photos as I have my smartphone. Another great thing about this device is that how well integrated it is with the Microsoft ecosystem such as Xbox smartglass. I am buying 2 more for my parents and brother, I am sure this will be a perfect device for them.Adam100November 2, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I really wanted an iPad from Microsoft.... So I'm happyEngadget Reader90November 2, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!It does everything I need (for what I bought it) and that I have not been able to accomplish with other tablets including the iPad, and quite a few Android tablets in the same size / categoy.I view it more like an ultra-light laptop than a tablet, yet, as a tablet it is awesome and goes way beyond (multi user, multi-tasking, keyboard, Office, etc.). I also have a Samsung series 7 tablet (Intel). Performance is way better, but then you give up battery life, same for the weightThe ecosystem is relative to what you want accomplished and where are you vested already, to my point of view, and as I mostly use Microsoft software and services, then it is the perfect device for me.From an app perspective it might not compare at present to other market / stores, yet the feature set and the browser complement my needs very well and it seems the amount of apps are growing at a way faster pace than the competing products wen they started.Might not be perfect (a 10), but it is close and in addition it has way more potential than many other devices in the market.Engadget Reader90November 1, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Surface RT with either Touch or Type keyboard is a new type of device that stands on its own and should not be directly compared with consumption tablets like the iPad or Android tablets. While the RT version of Windows is limited to run only Windows Store apps, the guts of the RT OS are all Windows, from the powerful multitasking, to support of standard ports (and a vast ecosystem of USB devices), to the familiar desktop environment with Windows Explorer, System and Device configuration options, and even DOS prompt. Yes, there are more apps in both the iOS and Android markets, but the addition of free Office 2013 alone makes the Surface infinitely more useful for a large majority of the population that any number of popular mobile apps. The surprisingly good Touch cover and the Type cover are best-in-class tablet keyboard accessories (sold separately), making typing on the Surface better than on any other tablet. Multitasking is also better in the Surface, with an easy gesture to flick through apps, and the ability to "snap"and interact with two apps on the screen at once -- this is a first for any tablet device. In summary, a large number of users will be entirely satisfied with the out-of-the-box functionality of the Surface and could mitigate the wait for a richer 3rd party app selection. As for the device hardware, while the Surface could use a higher resolution display like that found in an iPad, it's still quite good given the rich colors and high contrast. The device is handsomely and sturdily made of a magnesium chassis. The integrated kickstand is a welcome addition and gives the tablet a native functionality that all other tablets lack. The standard USB port and microSD card slot are welcome additions for users who want larger storage options and would like to manage their files in the traditional way using Windows traditional desktop options. I have only seen very minor stutters while performing tasks, but nothing reproducible. Games like Angry Birds Space and Cut The Rope ran without a hitch. I have not tried more demanding 3D games but the Tegra 3 processor while not king of the hill ARM processor anymore, should handle mobile games with no problem. Office and Windows 8 apps ran fine. I have done a lot of Netflix viewing and I'm impressed with the performance, especially the instant resume after switching from app to app. I connected the Surface to two difference mice and printers without any issues. USB flash drives and SD cards were recognized immediately. Overall I'm very satisfying with the device -- it's perhaps the best mobile computer I have used, an attractive balance of performance, pleasure to use, and features.Engadget Reader100October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I'd give the surface a 70% too before using one. Now that I have my feelings about the tablet are much higher. The only missing thing so far is the Apps. But I think that will come in time.EDIT: After using the tablet for a week, I'm hooked! I seriously would say this article is half baked. Go get one, today! Sure the real negative is not even in this list for the review, and that's software. The Microsoft App Store is kinda thin right now, but new stuff comes every day, so it's growing. And the more folks get in, the more it will grow. I'd say by January it's going to be a non-problem. The battery life on this little tablet is amazing. I used it a lot for 2 full days before I had to recharge. I really didn't expect that much battery. And the speed of the machine is actually better than I expected too. I've only tried one app so far (LOVE the "try" feature of the app store) that had some performance issues. Everything else has been perfect. Only app so far that really needs help in the e-mail app from MS. Since they don't put Outlook (BIG MISTAKE!) they should have had e-mail close to perfect on this tablet. It's not even close, but I'm sure 3rd party e-mail will be out soon. And unlike the iPad, you can easily replace e-mail on this little tablet. I'm also getting very used to the touch keyboard, more than I expected.The portability and power of this tablet make it the best tablet on the market today IMHO. I also own an iPad and a Nexus 7, so I've tried them all. The Surface beats them both in everything but apps, which I think is going to be a short term problem.Engadget Reader90October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I've been using the Surface RT device for about 5 days straight. The first day it took my about 20 minutes to get use to the new start screen, but after that I can't imagine going back to a start button. The start screen shows me information that allows me to do work quickly. It comes with Word, Excel, and Powerpoint so I was able to do work on this tablet. The Office programs open on the desktop, so it looks similar to the experience I used to have with Office on my Windows 7 Ultrabook. Speaking of the desktop, I do appreciate that we have access to File Explorer so I can see all my files on the device. You can use IE10 from the desktop also, but this seems confusing that they would have 2 ways to launch IE10, maybe they wanted to allow users to work on Office and not have to switch to IE10 from the start screen (feels more like what people are used to). I enjoy the IE10 from the start screen because it is more immersive, but this version is different as it uses gestures to get to new tabs and other options (swipe in to center from top or bottom of screen, took my a couple of minutes to figure that out). The touch cover keyboard is very slick, it has felt-like material and is amazingly thin. The magnetic connectors was easy to use and it stayed put really well. Typing was strange at first because I was used to feedback, but after a couple of minutes in my email, I was typing almost as fast as normal keyboard. Kudos on this feature!Another productivity feature that I love is the quick switching and multitasking of the OS. Swiping from the left inwards brings in apps that are open in the background, so I can switch from email to reading an article online very quickly. Better yet, I discovered a cool snap feature that allowed me to read my article and reply to email on the same screen.The cameras are not great, but acceptable from doing Skype video calls and recording videos for internet posts. I wish they made the power charging connection standardized and not proprietary. It uses the same magnet technology as the keyboard connection.Overall, this is a wonderful productivity device as well as an entertainment device. The price is same than the iPad with same memory. I haven't touched my iPad since I've gotten this as this is my go-to device when I need something done. I would recommend you look at it and play around with Windows RT. It might just increase your productivity.Engadget Reader90October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader90October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Fantastic device over all. Very little room for improvement, the only thing I wish it had was NFC, GPS and optional LTE.Engadget Reader80October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Have been looking forward to getting my Windows Surface tablet and was impressed with it after the first night. The overall design is very nice, a balanced mixture of beauty and strength.The display is nice but would enjoy a higher resolution. Other getting use to the Windows 8 metro the device is pretty easy to use. I like being able to use it as a true tablet with the metro interface but being able to use it as a laptop if needed.The kickstand is sturdy and is a great feature making the transition to a laptop very smooth.The pressure sensitive keyboard is very slick and after a day I was pretty close to my peak typing speed.Since I have only had the device for a week I cannot speak very much on the battery life, but so far I have enjoyed over 6 hours of computing time and expect that the 9 hour mark is easily obtainable.Need more apps at the Microsoft Store but I am sure this will catch up in time.Camera is satisfactory and does well with Skype.Has an USB port which is a big plus since the drive size is a maximum of 64GBOverall a great device that gives you a nice mixture of a tablet and laptop. The entertainment side is lacking but with more apps coming soon (I Hope) it will give the iPad a run for its money.Engadget Reader70October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Let me preface the review my saying that I really wanted to like this product. For a $500 device (without the cover), I expected more performance.The fact that it comes with Office Home & Student 2013 RT is a key feature. Since it runs in a Desktop window makes it feel old compared to the tile screen apps.I purchased the product with the Type-Cover, which unlike the Touch-Cover, required no learning curve. The fact that that the open side of the cover does not adhere to Surface makes the carrying experience less than satisfying. Although you can use it sitting on your lap, the cover really needs to be on a hard/flat surface.The lack of key applications like Pandora or YouTube is a definitely negative.Although a majority of web sites load without any problem, a few of them like Engadget take forever to load. I assume that this might have something to due with the amount of flash content since the mobile version loads quickly. I noticed this in both the tile and desktop version of the (IE10) browser.I tried to add a network printer that the OS found but when I “Updated†the driver list, I was presented with the message "Windows was unable to get a list of devices from Windows Update. Please try again later." I tried later and was presented with the same message.I guess Microsoft is suggesting that this device is a PC instead of a tablet since it only come with a proprietary wall charger.On a more positive note, I like the OS (Windows RT). Although there is a bit of a learning curve, Windows 8 begs for a touch interface like the Surface.Engadget Reader100October 31, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90October 30, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I received my surface on day 1 and I can honestly say that I have never experienced a tablet quite like it. Ive played around with many android and ipad tablets but this is the perfect fit for my busy lifestyle. office, word, excel are great and the design of this thing is superb.Engadget Reader90October 30, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I think compared to the new ipad, surface RT is good. I mean for me, ipad is just a game-machine, people(especially the critics) expect that surface RT work as a PC, but it's not, if you want it, wait for surface Pro. The system of RT is good, people just get used to ios and think RT is not good. But for me, RT is just as same as ipad with an USB!!!! Plus, why gdgt give 70 to RT and 90 to ipad, are you advertising for apple? i found you have all apple products around 90s and others don't. Start to doubt your independency, just saying.Engadget Reader100October 30, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader100October 30, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Long story short, I am very happy with this device.The build quality is amazing. I get a lot of use out of the kick stand (& touch cover). I am familiar with the metro style apps and I really like the design language. It works very well in many of the news/social apps. App selection is decent for me. All of my everyday apps are there.The OS does have a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, its easy to zip through. flipping between & closing apps is a breeze. Uninstalling is very easy. Snapping an app to the side (usually email or music) is such a great feature. I like the live tiles, it's app notifications right on my homescreen. And with social and news apps, I can get a glimpse of whats going on before i decide to jump into an app.IE 10 deserves a mention as well. Full screen browsing is something i didn't know i needed until i went back to my work PC. Its very nice and swiping from the top is a quick way to bring up tabs and the browser bar. I also love swiping for back and forward.Office and Remote Desktop work exactly like i had oped. I am able to work on this device like no other tablet i have used. It is nice because on my next work trip I wont have to take 2-3 devices. I'll just take this. And with the USB port i can still hook into peripherals at other offices (projecter, etc).I have high hopes for Win8 & Win RT convertibles from other OEMs, but for now I can say I am really impressed with the Surface. All in all i think this truly is the device Microsoft wants it to be. Work & Play merged into one device.Engadget Reader100October 30, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This is the perfect tablet i ever seen, apples are just about popularity but they are offering nothing Because you can't call a iPhone or iPad smart unless they couldn't have mobile to mobile sharing and more probably you can't download stuff directly because they don't have explorer in their devices. so this tablet is made by keeping all the consumer needs in mind.Engadget Reader80October 29, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I am loving this device, and I think other power users looking for a unique way to quickly interact with a tablet as a productivity and consumption device will like it as well. Breaking things down some...Software: Hello, Learning CurveI have owned and used daily both an iPad 2 and Galaxy Tab 10.1. The iPad, having come from an iPhone at the time was a cinch. Point, tap, swipe. That's all. "Advanced" commands include multi-finger swipes that reduce the number of gestures to do things like switch apps, but these are unnecessary, if cute. The Galaxy Tab 10.1, was nearly as simple. Took some time figuring out where menus where and how to get to all my apps with no buttons, but in principal worked the same way: point, tap, swipe. Only finding where to tap was tougher.The Surface is a different beast. I've been using Windows 8 since February as my main OS on my work laptop so even before getting my hands on the Surface, I'd gotten over the dichotomy of desktop/metro. However the myriad gestures employed by the OS is a bit staggering on the face of it. I have been playing with it nearly 3 days non-stop and I'm fairly confident there are more I have yet to learn. That said you really only need 4-5 to get by. By leaping into the gesture world though you unlock the 'flow' of the system making it work for you unlike any other mobile OS I've played with. It is quite simply: delightful.Hardware: Beautiful, simple, cleanThe placement of ports, buttons and jacks is smart and the device feels no less solid or sleek for the inclusion of more than just 1 connector. The display is great and the touch cover (which I got separately , is a brilliant solution to two-face problems of on screen keyboards: comfort and screen real-estate.Ecosystem: BuddingIt is still the first week of Windows 8 officially launching so I'm going to be nice and say the ecosystem is budding. There are some fantastically well designed independent apps along side staples like Netflix and The Times. However, I am sorely missing some of my core applications, namely a good PDF reader with note taking capabilities. As there are many on competing platforms I imagine it won't be long until someone ports one over. By summer we should know better where the cards will land.OverallLoving the device and once a few key app-holes are filled should be ready to go as a laptop replacement in 90% of situations.Engadget Reader90October 29, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - EngadgetEngadget Reader80October 29, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!This review references the 64 Gig model, with both Touch Cover and Type Covers.The Surface is an interesting compromise between content consumption and content creation. I got both the type cover and the touch cover, and both turn this device into something that is very, very close to a laptop replacement. The underlying application and media ecosystem is a little lacking (the App population, while significant, lacks the big names right now). On a short trip, I could see myself just throwing the Surface into my bag and making use of it for basic Office tasks as well as communications - which is interesting because the 'Surface RT' is focused on consumer rather than business use. For a small business person, the RT will probably work just fine.A little about the keyboard covers. The touch cover does take a little getting used to, but not much. Microsoft reportedly says it takes the average user up to five days to become productive ont he touch cover; I'd say more like an hour or so, other than some of the function keys at the top. I find myself going to the touch UI for most of those functions still. That may change in time. The Type Cover is even easier, as it has actual keys and travel and basically feels like a full sized laptop keyboard. One or the other is - in my opinion - a must for this device. Personally I think Microsoft should have just included a touch cover with every single Surface, as it's really a necessity for some functions, and given the inclusion of office, it would be a game changer.The UI takes some getting used to - I expected it to feel more WP7-like, and it does to a great extent, but there are challenges when it drops into Desktop mode. As others have said, it feels a bit 'jarring' and the touch experience there is significantly worse than in the Metro UI. Having said that, the Metro UI has lost some of the touch experience inherent in WP7, and I don't really understand that. Touching-and-holding to generate a 'right-click' effect is missing in many places, which is a shame. Mango really got the touch interface right in so many ways, but on the Surface it seems many of those evolutionary improvements got lost. Same thing for touch cursor controls - while passable, why lose the Mango features? They worked great, whereas in RT you have to guess a bit on initial placement, as if Microsoft forgot you would be using this big, ugly finger for placement instead of a precise mouse.Also a note about the UI - some of the animations that help make Metro a joy to use disappeared as well - for example, deleting an email shows...nothing. Just a (silly) delay and then it's gone. What happened to the nice delete animation in Mango? Microsoft did a great job on the glitz in some places, but missed the boat in others.I wish the display had a higher pixel density. The contrast is great, but text in various apps - IE and Mail spring to mind - is sometimes difficult to read. Zooming helps - sometimes - unless you hit a weird zoom level where the text is fuzzy. One thing I wanted to mention is the form factor. Let me start by saying the surface is very good in landscape mode as a pure tablet, but I find portrait mode to be unusable. I can't see anyone really using the tablet functions in portrait mode so if you plan to read eBooks (for example) plan to do so using a wide view. But more interesting to me is the size/weight combination. The Surface feels bulkier than an iPad, even though they are essentially the identical weight and thickness. For whatever reason, adding an extra inch and a half makes it feel bulkier, even though it's not. Don't get me wrong, the Surface doesn't feel heavy or unwieldy (well, it does in portrait mode, but I'll let that go for now) and it is an easy to carry alternative to a laptop, but I can't see myself carrying it around with me when I go to lunch (for example) so I can get in a little bit of work, or read an eBook while I eat. I do that all the time with my iPad.Will the Surface replace my iPad? Maybe. It's more likely to replace one's laptop if they had a desktop system. It's an excellent compliment to a workstation and likely to become even better as the ecosystem continues to evolve. An expanded accessory market is also a must. For example, a desktop dock that automatically links charger, keyboard, and mouse (and display!) would be ideal.So, in conclusion - a very good device that needs a bit of maturing to be a great device. It's a fine first tablet, but if you're already invested in Apple's ecosystem, it might be a tough move. Still, worth the price if you have the use case for it, and probably worth buying instead of an ultrabook.Engadget Reader60October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The decision to purchase the Surface RT was a tenuous one. If it had been released a day earlier or a day later, I wouldn't of got one after reading up on the reviews. In the end, I stuck to my pre-order and waited in line. I completely overshot the display models and left the store with a 32GB model with a Touch Cover in hand. After the lengthy set-up and battling with the UI for a few hours, I'd finally picked up swiping from the edges and getting all of my accounts added. Something didn't feel right about using the Surface the whole time - all the features were there but accounts were the opposite of cohesive. Twitter and Facebook integration without access to any of the feeds and no universal inbox were disappointments. Performance and a browser that couldn't render some popular sites really took away from the excellent hardware. The Windows philosophy on the tablet turned basic things like customization of the Start Screen into a chore without the trackpad.What almost saves the Surface is the hardware, its a little unwieldy and awkward to hold in portrait mode but its weight, fit-and-finish, and design make it feel just right. The kickstand pops off the chassis like a car door with a springy bounce and sits sturdy on a table. The buttons - volume and power click like they should. The speakers sound good for what they are and blow away the ones on the iPad 2/3. Touch Cover is a confusing piece of kit, it works wonderfully as a keyboard hampered by a tiny and gesturally-challenged trackpad. However, typing on it never felt right - I could feel the keys and got pretty close to regular typing speed but it wasn't comfortable.In the end, I returned the Surface RT at the end of the week. I knew software updates would come to fix some of the software nags but the performance of the browser couldn't help erase the deficit in the number and quality of apps available especially with Surface Pro so close.Engadget Reader100October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!What we have been waiting foir a tablet that runs office well, and xbox live music and video .. AWESOMEEngadget Reader90October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Typing this up on my device right now... I am loving it. The hardware is clearly thought through and feels extremely solid. When holding the device with keyboard wrapped around to the back it feels like a nice hardcover. Win8 finds my network printer without my having to do a thing... almost got frustrated trying to get it to install before I noticed it was already there.Kids love it too, each arguing over who gets to play angry birds next.Engadget Reader80October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!the surface tablet is an interesting device. The hardware is made by Microsoft and its running the new Microsofts Windows 8 RT.Hardware wise the tablet is standard for a high end tablet. meaning it was a quad core processor, 2GB of RAM, SD card slot, front and rear cameras and blue tooth. It does have a full size USB 2.0 which is different from most devices. The display is HD.Hardware wise its a good looking machine. It is a bit on the boxy side and does have some heft to it. its not a device you are going to be holding up for long periods time so its not something you are going to use to read in bed. i think Microsoft knew this would not be lightest device so they added the built in kickstand for it. the model i bought also comes with the touch cover. I find that i am using the device more like i would a laptop than i would a tablet and thats because of the touch cover and the kickstand just scream for it to be set up that way.Software wise, this thing is different. i find that when i stay in the metro apps and home screen its great but when i go into the desktop which you will if you want to use any of the office applications that came with the device. it is really like the Surface is really two different machine.when in Metro you have the screen full of tiles that represent the applications you can run some tiles are called live tiles. these live tiles show you information right on them. stuff like Facebook status of your friends, news and sports. the other icons are just static images. you move these tiles around to create groups and to put them into any order you want. you cant side load applications you can only get them from the Microsoft store. the store is new so is lacking in a lot. your core apps are there but you are still missing some big ones like pandora, spotify, Facebook and twitter. The selection of games is weak. There are gestures that if you don’t know about your stuck. things like long swipe down from the top of the screen closes the open app. short swipe from the left of the screen switches you to another open app. Short pull from the top or bottom brings up the menu for that app. swipe from the right brings up the charms menu. if you don’t know these swipes you could be stuck .When in desktop mode it acts more like a windows seven machine. which can be good because you are familiar with it and something that makes sense. it can be bad because its not really optimized for touch. when in this mode you are better using the type cover then touch on the display. when in this mode IE is different then the IE in Metro.I am not sure if the surface is a tablet or a netbook. i would say its really two different devices in one machine. Neither is incredible neither is horrible. on the Metro side the lack of apps is a killer. on the Desktop side the lack of real desktop applications or the fact that you can’t load desktop apps also hurts.So, would i recommend this device for friends and family? Not. yet. i would tell them to wait till there are more applications. Also depending on what they are trying to use it for i may suggest they wait and go with the Pro version instead of the RT version.overall i think the hardware is good and find that i like the touch cover more than i thought i would its the software that i find lacking right now but i have hope it will get better. Also I am looking forward to seeing what the Surface Pro can do.Engadget Reader100October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Surface is a wonderful computer. Using it in a Microsoft store, it was love at first sight. I'll get an IdeaPad Yoga for development, but this is an awesome computer for most.It comes with Office 13, which is a huge improvement from 2010. It's competitively priced against the iPad, which was a big concern for me.And best of all, it is fast. I thought this might be a concern, but no. This is a solid, fast, well-built device. Go to your Microsoft store and get one. Really.Engadget Reader90October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The Surface is absolutely perfect for a large swath of the population. If you want something ultra-light for reading books, don't buy this. If you need lots and lots of apps right this instant, don't buy this. For everyone else, you shouldn't even consider getting any other tablet before trying the Surface for an hour.There's no need to expound on each detail, as it's been covered to death. The biggest criticism is the lack of apps, but it hasn't slowed me down any. There's more than enough content to cover the bases and I highly doubt it takes more than a couple of months for the store to fill up. There's new apps popping up every hour or two it seems.If you are going to buy a keyboard cover for the Surface, it MUST be the Touch Cover. In my opinion, it defines the Surface RT. The Type cover will undoubtedly be superior to the Touch for typing. But there's a synergy between Surface RT and Touch that isn't there with Type. The resulting size and feel is perfect. The Type cover is still great, but feels like an afterthought compared to Touch.It's dangerously close to being a perfect tablet, but there are a couple flaws that cost it a point. Apps will crash and close a few times a day. It isn't frequent at all and I'm not sure if it's the app or the OS. The Surface also isn't blazingly fast. Despite a so-so processor, it feels very much like a modern computer running on a mature OS. And of course, this review was written on a Surface RT w/ Touch cover.*update:Use case: Finally had a chance to use at the office (thanks Sandy), mapped network drives, installed three printers, total time was 3 minutes. It might be possible on our iPads or my Nexus 7, but it wouldn't be as easy. Sometimes I forget it really is a computer and I feel reviewers discount this point too much.Engadget Reader80October 28, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The hardware design is great but I am getting a lot of slow down while using it. 3-5 seconds to switch between emails, 3-5 seconds to delete an email, and apps take a while to load such as accueweather. Website can take awhile to load, engadget takes over 30 seconds to load up.It's a fully functional tablet but when your use to apps just opening and zipping through your emails it just becomes frustrating to use. Using an iPad back to back with a Surface and you can really feel how slow things are to use on the Surface.Hopefully Microsoft can address the slowness in key apps like Mail and the web browser, until then I will be using my iPad as my primary tablet.Engadget Reader90October 27, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!Love this device. I would choose this hands down over an iPad for my use case that involves an even mix of web browsing, emails, Netflix, Youtube and work with MS office and Logmein for remote access to my work PC.8/10 because of Win RT. If it had full Win 8 and was still able to provide the portability and power efficiency of ARM while support all of my classic Windows applications - it would score a 10.Engadget Reader100October 27, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!A gadget unicorn - EngadgetEngadget Reader90October 26, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The keyboard is the standout feature of this device. Its simply fantastic how fast and easy the way you can transfer from touch to type. The soft keyboard is very large as well. Xbox Smartglass is absolutely killer.I don't care about apps. Regardless, Microsoft covers the basics very well with its weather and news apps.One of my absolute favorite features is the share widget. Copy and pasting links into an email, message, twitter, Facebook is gone and feels archaic after using the share widget.The display looks stunning, but I would have preferred a higher resolution.Edit //the handwriting recognition is sick: http://sdrv.ms/SpmgQeVideo playback is smooth despite Verge review: http://sdrv.ms/SpmgQeJust wanted to update after a few months of use. My review still stands. I would like to see a zipper response at times, maybe more memory. Xbox Music is absolute crap. The only reason I would go for a Pro instead is to use Zune, however, Music Info is a fantastic alternative player.Engadget Reader90October 26, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!I am amazed at how good this device is, after working through some of the learning curve, it is quite incredible. I am a government employee and was happy to find a table that supports common access card authentication for secure emails. no longer do I need to carry around a bulky laptop just to check on mail for work, that alone is huge! very happy with usb and hdmi out, presents a way to get common things working that you come to expect from a windows machine, and a limitation on other devices that keep them from feeling like full fledge machines. I have become a surface fan. my complaints are: xbox music seems good in concept, but underpowered for those that fully embraced the zune software, also xbox music doesn't sync with devices? zune? windows phone? nothing? not crazy about that. also I wish on apps that have a ton of textual data, that you could view the layout in a list instead of a grid, things like drudge report and ebay got old fast viewed in a grid as the only option.Engadget Reader90October 26, 2012Feedback submitted!Unable to submit feedback!The best in its category. We highly recommend it. - Engadget
Key Specs
FORM FACTOR
Other
OPERATING SYSTEM
Windows
SCREEN SIZE
10.622
STORAGE TYPE
Internal, Memory card
CAMERA (INTEGRATED)
Yes
MAXIMUM BATTERY LIFE
Up to 8.520
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