6:11 The on-screen keyboard doesn't pop-up because you have the physical keyboard connected. When the physical keyboard is detached, the on-screen keyboard pops up whenever you need to type. I'm sure you are aware of this but I wanted to point it out to the viewers. Excellent review, brother. You are a pleasure to listen to.
Surface RT is probably the best tablet on the market. Having Office 2013 pre-installed opens the whole world of possible usage ! Regarding apps - they will be coming thick and fast ! For those of us who would like the tablet to replace our notebooks - we had better wait for Surface Pro. And bring up a few hundred greens more in the process ! Keep on doing fair and detailed reviews, pal !
The reason the keyboard didn't pop up in desktop mode is because you had the type cover attached. If you remove the type cover the on screen keyboard should appear when needed. If not, check your settings.
College student here. Pre-ordered the Surface 2 (Running RT 8.1). I really liked the look and feel of the original RT from handling it in Microsoft's store and think it'll make a great in-between device that I can use for note taking and more casual activities.
Did you enable the OSK on the desktop? Right click taskbar > Toolbars > click Touch Keyboard option and the screen icon should appear in the corner for bringing up the OSK whenever needed. For everything else dealing with the Modern UI, the OSK should pop up automatically unless the Touch Cover is connected and in the typing position... Folding it back disables it without needing to disconnect.
Thank you for your comment, But there is nothing stupid about it, if you lost your keyboard or decided not to buy one in the first place. It a suggestion. I never said it kills the product
One thing you forgot to touch on was hardware support. For instance, if you have a newer printer connected to your network, like most moderately priced HP printers today either have WiFi or Ethernet connectivity, then the Surface RT will simply find the printer and use it. Zero setup, zero configuration, it just WORKS. That blows away any iPad or Android tablet right away. Add to that the USB port, and it's ability to use just about anything USB that currently works on Windows.
this tab remembers me of my old Acer Iconia a500 tablet which had a full USB port+micro sd slot+ solid construction.... And I loved it! Tomorrow I am buying my SURFACE!
I love my Surface RT. I have had all the generations of iPad, more android tablets then I can count on one hand, and now this. This is what I have been looking for! Tablet when I want to mess around and netbook when it is time to work. Full internet browser on a tablet without limitation is amazing. Will I get the Surface Pro when it comes out? Probably not. So far this has done everything I need it to do on the go. If you are thinking about buying one, just do it. You will not regret it.
IE runs on desktop. Firefox isn't up for RT or as a Windows 8 app yet (although on a full Windows 8 device like the Surface Pro you can install the current Firefox and run it from the desktop). Firefox says they're working on a version of the browser suited for Windows 8 and hopefully it will also be made available for both Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT.
Thank you for a great review - just to mention, I think that if you didn't have the external keyboard connected the on-screen keyboard will come up automatically when you go into a text field - thank you again for a great video
Does the rear camera take video? Can you download games, books, and movies? Can you save a document from word on a USB and pull it to your Mac or vice versa? That white windows logo is like a home button on an iPad, right? I have so many questions because my dad wants me to get one for school and travel purposes. Please respond.
My biggest complaint is compatibility issues. The RT only lets me use the microsoft stuff only (so to speak), reminds me of the apple, where we can only do apple approved apps. I can't use the google browser or other browsers I have all my "stuff" on. That's upsetting. Along with a lot of other things I can't do on the RT because of the annoying capability issues.
The on screen keyboard does actually pop up on it's own. Although, the keyboard attachment has to be un attached for the screen keyboard to actually come up by itself.
When I was playing around with a Windows 8 tablet in store, I pinched on the explorer window and all the icons grew larger. I'm not sure if this is with all tablets or just with Asus Vivo RT I was using at the time.
I actually think it's a smart idea to not have the keyboard pop out during desktop mode. That's bec people are more likely to use their keyboards when they're on that mode. Also, the fact that you have your keyboard attached, wouldn't allow the screen keyboard to appear in metro. why would you want to have 2 keyboards on anyway, wouldn't that be irritating and counter productive?
bought mine from school with 50% off. Had the 32gb with touchcover. Works pretty fast, and the touchtype, after a bit of training, is a decent way to type. better then the onscreen. I would recommend it..
I do a lot of political grassroots activity. I need Excel to be able to input info on voters as I encounter them through walking neighborhoods and political meetings, etc. Is Excel standard with the RT and what are your thoughts on it?
Excellent video THANKS!!! This is my first "tablet"!!! You know, we old people also has the right to enjoy these "toys" and you gave me the PERFECT info...
thank you for the review. i bought my surface today and i have a question about security. btw, i'm not tech savvy AT ALL. do i need to get an antivirus or does it come with the surface? i might do some purchasing or banking on the surface and i was wondering how safe that was? what is your opinion?
Does surface can run adobe? I mean, some things that are done with word are saved as adobe reader... Does it allows you to download adobe reader? or just can't
Yes, you can have all your files from all your divices no problem whats so ever. The usual Windows way, just drag the files into the folder you want and there you go. You can also download that kind of staff. This will take you to the "old" desktop version, where you have the Office apps and the folders. On the videos, the camera can take videos and save them, so it is quite good to record a lesson or things at school. If you have the file, you do not need wfi, as usual.
I know this is a very old video, however, I was only thinking the other day while using the surface pro 6 how far Microsoft has come since introducing the first generation of the surface line.
Could you list the pros and cons Is it better than a laptop and which tablet pc hybrid do you recommend as being the best, preferably one with a large battery life please :) thanks
About 3rd point, that has to do with its architcture. It's not quite the typical 32bit or a 64bit architecture. webopedia . com / TERM / W / windows_rt . html
Very nice review thanks for taking the time to do it. Do you happen do know what the limit in SD card size this device will accept? I heard you mention a 32GB card but they have larger ones too. I just ordered the 64GB model hope to have fun with it soon.
Windows 8 is highly polished OS, no doubt about it. There are some things missing in Modern UI like grouping several apps under single tile tapping on which would open "a new page" with individual tiles for all the apps within the group, but, overall, Windows 8 is certainly the best OS that came from Redmond. Surely, it shall be the best selling one, as well !
damn sure for what you need it it is the perfect tablet, good size which makes it fully portable, uses a keyboard but no need to keep it the whole time IE when watching movies, expandable memory with USB and Micro SDXC port, full office with almost all functions in desktop version, etc. I am a Med student going through my internship and I just bought it, will get it in 3 days! But definitely worth it!
dude, thanks Alot, there is now discount on for students on the Microsoft website and its a brilliant price. I have ordered it and i will be getting it soon. Thanks man
Not quite correct booredatwork, You'll need the Pro to run "programs" including everything from the past. Both will run the new "Applications" which for the most part will be required to be able to run on both 8 and RT to get certain placement in the App Store. Everyone seems to forget that both iPad and Android started with almost nothing too....
Thanks for putting this vid up. I bought a Surface RT 64g yesterday, and now that Win RT 8.1 is on it I am enjoying it quite a lot. I thought the smart thing would be to get a Windows Phone first. That way I'd know for sure if the move from Android Tablet to Windows Tablet would be for me. It definitely *IS* !!! SO. I have my old desktop with Win 7 Pro 64, an HP Sleekbook Touch with Win 8.1, a Nokia Lumia 520 with Win 8.1 and now the Surface Win RT 8.1 This little video showed me half a dozen ways to do things I need to do. They will work with all the Win 8.1 devices, actually. SO, now I need a Start button and Start menu. I'm a 60 year old grandpa, been 'putering around since ya even could, and love the "art" end of the computer. This stuff keeps my mind busy, and it's fun!
Well if you want the added benefit of MS office. then I would say this. Allows you to have some productivity. But for just videos then go with the iPad Mini. sorry for the long answer
Only you know if you need to install x86 applications. If what you do is use office, browse the net and consume media and play some casual games, surface RT will be perfect for you.
1. It a 1 megapixel camera, not HD. 2. Why do you want the on screen keyboard to pop up when you have a physical keyboard attached? 3. Duel core processor and 2 gigs tam but it can't run simple programs?
Sounds like a naija boy. The keyboard does not come up in text areas because you have the keyboard connected. Were it not connected the on-screen keyboard will come up whenever you go into and editable text area.
6:11 The on-screen keyboard doesn't pop-up because you have the physical keyboard connected. When the physical keyboard is detached, the on-screen keyboard pops up whenever you need to type. I'm sure you are aware of this but I wanted to point it out to the viewers. Excellent review, brother. You are a pleasure to listen to.
Surface RT is probably the best tablet on the market. Having Office 2013 pre-installed opens the whole world of possible usage ! Regarding apps - they will be coming thick and fast !
For those of us who would like the tablet to replace our notebooks - we had better wait for Surface Pro. And bring up a few hundred greens more in the process !
Keep on doing fair and detailed reviews, pal !
waiting to get one. Will do once it comes in
So far the best Surface Review & Tips on TH-cam, well done!
The reason the keyboard didn't pop up in desktop mode is because you had the type cover attached. If you remove the type cover the on screen keyboard should appear when needed. If not, check your settings.
College student here. Pre-ordered the Surface 2 (Running RT 8.1). I really liked the look and feel of the original RT from handling it in Microsoft's store and think it'll make a great in-between device that I can use for note taking and more casual activities.
Did you enable the OSK on the desktop?
Right click taskbar > Toolbars > click Touch Keyboard option and the screen icon should appear in the corner for bringing up the OSK whenever needed.
For everything else dealing with the Modern UI, the OSK should pop up automatically unless the Touch Cover is connected and in the typing position... Folding it back disables it without needing to disconnect.
Thank you for your comment, But there is nothing stupid about it, if you lost your keyboard or decided not to buy one in the first place. It a suggestion. I never said it kills the product
One thing you forgot to touch on was hardware support. For instance, if you have a newer printer connected to your network, like most moderately priced HP printers today either have WiFi or Ethernet connectivity, then the Surface RT will simply find the printer and use it. Zero setup, zero configuration, it just WORKS. That blows away any iPad or Android tablet right away. Add to that the USB port, and it's ability to use just about anything USB that currently works on Windows.
this tab remembers me of my old Acer Iconia a500 tablet which had a full USB port+micro sd slot+ solid construction.... And I loved it! Tomorrow I am buying my SURFACE!
I did and it is actually enabled off the get go and it still wasn't pulling it up. Might be a bug.
I love my Surface RT. I have had all the generations of iPad, more android tablets then I can count on one hand, and now this. This is what I have been looking for! Tablet when I want to mess around and netbook when it is time to work. Full internet browser on a tablet without limitation is amazing. Will I get the Surface Pro when it comes out? Probably not. So far this has done everything I need it to do on the go. If you are thinking about buying one, just do it. You will not regret it.
IE runs on desktop. Firefox isn't up for RT or as a Windows 8 app yet (although on a full Windows 8 device like the Surface Pro you can install the current Firefox and run it from the desktop). Firefox says they're working on a version of the browser suited for Windows 8 and hopefully it will also be made available for both Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT.
Thank you for a great review - just to mention, I think that if you didn't have the external keyboard connected the on-screen keyboard will come up automatically when you go into a text field - thank you again for a great video
I like how u explained everything. But I do have a couple of questions. - can u use iTunes? Can u download games? Can u import music and/or games?
Does the rear camera take video? Can you download games, books, and movies? Can you save a document from word on a USB and pull it to your Mac or vice versa? That white windows logo is like a home button on an iPad, right? I have so many questions because my dad wants me to get one for school and travel purposes. Please respond.
Pally sorry it does, even with the keyboard disconnected you still don't get the on screen keyboard to pop up on the Desktop side
My biggest complaint is compatibility issues. The RT only lets me use the microsoft stuff only (so to speak), reminds me of the apple, where we can only do apple approved apps. I can't use the google browser or other browsers I have all my "stuff" on. That's upsetting. Along with a lot of other things I can't do on the RT because of the annoying capability issues.
But, have you tried clicking on things that would prompt the onscreen keyboard in desktop mode WITHOUT having the keyboard attached? Thank you.
The onscreen keyboard might have not came up because u had the touch pad in and it might have thought u were using it.
The on screen keyboard does actually pop up on it's own. Although, the keyboard attachment has to be un attached for the screen keyboard to actually come up by itself.
When I was playing around with a Windows 8 tablet in store, I pinched on the explorer window and all the icons grew larger. I'm not sure if this is with all tablets or just with Asus Vivo RT I was using at the time.
I actually think it's a smart idea to not have the keyboard pop out during desktop mode. That's bec people are more likely to use their keyboards when they're on that mode. Also, the fact that you have your keyboard attached, wouldn't allow the screen keyboard to appear in metro. why would you want to have 2 keyboards on anyway, wouldn't that be irritating and counter productive?
***** by Ohio high
With the surface pro can you use it as a gaming laptop as well as a tablet and use the touch cover to game?
Good review- Can you run IE or Firefox on the Desktop .. ?
I think most apps like YT etc are available in the store by now. But can you plug a normal mouse into it?
is youtube an app on the surface or do you have to use internet explorer to get to youtube?
bought mine from school with 50% off. Had the 32gb with touchcover. Works pretty fast, and the touchtype, after a bit of training, is a decent way to type. better then the onscreen. I would recommend it..
Is it worth it to wait for pro? Do i really need usb 3.0 and running proper applications from windows?
I do a lot of political grassroots activity. I need Excel to be able to input info on voters as I encounter them through walking neighborhoods and political meetings, etc. Is Excel standard with the RT and what are your thoughts on it?
Excellent video THANKS!!! This is my first "tablet"!!! You know, we old people also has the right to enjoy these "toys" and you gave me the PERFECT info...
thank you for the review. i bought my surface today and i have a question about security. btw, i'm not tech savvy AT ALL. do i need to get an antivirus or does it come with the surface? i might do some purchasing or banking on the surface and i was wondering how safe that was? what is your opinion?
Does surface can run adobe? I mean, some things that are done with word are saved as adobe reader...
Does it allows you to download adobe reader? or just can't
Thanks for the review. Sounds good. Can you run chrome on the surface? When you are in the app store can you do a search for apps? Thanks
The on-screen keyboard doesn't pop up initially because the type/touch cover is attached. It will pop up when there is no other keyboard connected.
Yes, you can have all your files from all your divices no problem whats so ever. The usual Windows way, just drag the files into the folder you want and there you go. You can also download that kind of staff. This will take you to the "old" desktop version, where you have the Office apps and the folders.
On the videos, the camera can take videos and save them, so it is quite good to record a lesson or things at school. If you have the file, you do not need wfi, as usual.
I know this is a very old video, however, I was only thinking the other day while using the surface pro 6 how far Microsoft has come since introducing the first generation of the surface line.
can I play a java based game on it or run project64.exe (n64emulator) on it?
is there any newest version of this tablet? I want to buy one :) and I can have Itunes too right?
Do youtube, facebook and other videos function properly in the IE?
Does it have notes to download b/c that's also needed
you talk about Sky Drive and the SD for storage. What about google drive? Can you use google drive applications to create documents on this?
Just got this today love it !
Could you list the pros and cons
Is it better than a laptop and which tablet pc hybrid do you recommend as being the best, preferably one with a large battery life please :) thanks
to run full applications you will need the Pro version of the surface
There were many fixes they patched with the latest salvo of updates... behavior and performance of the pre-installed Office included...
can u play mmorpg games in it , and download mmorpg games like a regular laptop? if it is im looking forward to buying it.
Chrome is being worked on but not available (yet), you can search in the app store.
About 3rd point, that has to do with its architcture. It's not quite the typical 32bit or a 64bit architecture.
webopedia . com / TERM / W / windows_rt . html
Hi thanks for your review, let me ask a question
Has it got a GPS ?
Can it be used for tracking like for Android with Google maps ?
does this come inbuilt with microsoft office?
No that is for the modern UI version of internet explorer, on the desktop version in works on all sites
Very nice review thanks for taking the time to do it. Do you happen do know what the limit in SD card size this device will accept? I heard you mention a 32GB card but they have larger ones too. I just ordered the 64GB model hope to have fun with it soon.
Windows 8 is highly polished OS, no doubt about it. There are some things missing in Modern UI like grouping several apps under single tile tapping on which would open "a new page" with individual tiles for all the apps within the group, but, overall, Windows 8 is certainly the best OS that came from Redmond. Surely, it shall be the best selling one, as well !
Do you have to pay for Microsoft office each year?
Does it support online games, MmoRpgs,Stream and such?
How do you put it in developer mode? You can't get chrome or anything without putting it in DM
How do I enable my touch screen on my Surface Windows RT.
is his device good for school use like is it useful to write java skripts and for making websites etc????? plzz reply ASAP
great video, i am planing to buy Surface RT Just wondering can i watch TH-cam videos And download to surface RT drive?
THANKS
I'm using this for exactly the things you've mentioned. Great choice.
And lastly can you download itunes to upload music to your iphone or ipod
How do you delete recent pages
is there anyway to install access on the rt
Hey can u download google chrome, firefox or safari ?
My Surface Windows RT touch screen is not working. What do I have to do?
Please help me solve the problem.
Why should the on-screen keyboard come up when your touch cover is attached? That would just hinder.
can you plug in your usb and add music or movies
Is it a leggy experience sometimes?
Fantastic, comprehensive review. Thank you.
Thank you and do subscribe
isnt the key in a ulrtabook that its very slim?
I’m late to the party, but does this support adobe for editing PDFs
damn sure for what you need it it is the perfect tablet, good size which makes it fully portable, uses a keyboard but no need to keep it the whole time IE when watching movies, expandable memory with USB and Micro SDXC port, full office with almost all functions in desktop version, etc. I am a Med student going through my internship and I just bought it, will get it in 3 days! But definitely worth it!
hy, i can install delphi ds 150e on sufface rt?
Why stop script displays in Facebook or internet in surface 8.1 RT
Can you connect a usb mouse to it ?
Flash now works on ALL web sites due to an update MS sent out last week.
does surface rt have expandable storage???????
you can jailbreak it to access a lot of windows 8 software and install programs. research it
can you play mmorpg games in it ?
How about for 2020 I own the Surface RT but can't find any use for
Did you day 7 in
Also can u only watch movies in desktop mode
good job i have surface rt and i love it
Hi, can it read PDF file?
dude, thanks Alot, there is now discount on for students on the Microsoft website and its a brilliant price. I have ordered it and i will be getting it soon. Thanks man
yes you can
Not quite correct booredatwork, You'll need the Pro to run "programs" including everything from the past. Both will run the new "Applications" which for the most part will be required to be able to run on both 8 and RT to get certain placement in the App Store. Everyone seems to forget that both iPad and Android started with almost nothing too....
Great comprehensive video! Can you play Facebook games through the web browser with RT if the game doesn't exist in the app store?
I had it for 2 weeks the screen from the right side blacked out, & the ppi is kinda low, it's decent tho, when it works.
Can i just plug my usb and watch movies ? not like the ipad need to convert >< pls answer pls pls sory for my english :(
Thanks for putting this vid up. I bought a Surface RT 64g yesterday, and now that Win RT 8.1 is on it I am enjoying it quite a lot. I thought the smart thing would be to get a Windows Phone first. That way I'd know for sure if the move from Android Tablet to Windows Tablet would be for me. It definitely *IS* !!! SO. I have my old desktop with Win 7 Pro 64, an HP Sleekbook Touch with Win 8.1, a Nokia Lumia 520 with Win 8.1 and now the Surface Win RT 8.1
This little video showed me half a dozen ways to do things I need to do. They will work with all the Win 8.1 devices, actually.
SO, now I need a Start button and Start menu.
I'm a 60 year old grandpa, been 'putering around since ya even could, and love the "art" end of the computer. This stuff keeps my mind busy, and it's fun!
This or iPad mini or a normal windows laptop? I mainly just use youtube and internet
Well if you want the added benefit of MS office. then I would say this. Allows you to have some productivity. But for just videos then go with the iPad Mini.
sorry for the long answer
Only you know if you need to install x86 applications. If what you do is use office, browse the net and consume media and play some casual games, surface RT will be perfect for you.
Thnkx for d review , its vry gud .. 1 thing i jst wana know is does softwares like photoshop , coreldraw n so on work on this ?
1. It a 1 megapixel camera, not HD. 2. Why do you want the on screen keyboard to pop up when you have a physical keyboard attached? 3. Duel core processor and 2 gigs tam but it can't run simple programs?
You may need the pro for that unless it's all worked on the cloud
Sounds like a naija boy.
The keyboard does not come up in text areas because you have the keyboard connected. Were it not connected the on-screen keyboard will come up whenever you go into and editable text area.
Is that rt 8.1.
thanks very much for this lovely revue!