Microsoft Surface Review (Windows RT) | Pocketnow
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ก.ย. 2024
- Some might forgot that Microsoft was one of the first to the tablet market. Back in the 2000s, Bill Gates saw tremendous potential in the future of tablet devices. So much so that he pushed his company to invest in pen-input. But the technology wasn't right for the time, nor was the supposition that tablets should operate like a desktop computer. Tablet PCs of the day, also known as "Slate PCs", were thick, heavy, and had terrible battery life, not to mention they were built for stylus input and not optimized for finger input.
And while Microsoft continued to invest in the thought that consumers and business users wanted to experience the old Windows desktop in various forms (remember what Windows Mobile looked like?), Apple had a different idea, and one that has become the prevailing way of thinking: that the best way to interact with a tablet is not by pecking tiny minimize buttons with a plastic pointing device, but by interacting naturally with one's finger.
Now, it's time to play catch up. Windows 8 is a tale of two experiences: one for touch, one for productivity. And the Surface is the manifestation of this new approach in software. Microsoft's philosophy is simple: consumers want great full-screen touch apps, but they also want to be productive and run "real" Windows apps when needed. It's a tall order, and one only destined to be addressed by full Windows 8 Pro devices, which are not yet on the market.
In this review, we'll cover the Surface RT, which is designed to run with special ARM-based apps that can only be purchased through Microsoft's application catalogue -- more on what the Surface RT can and cannot do later.
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Microsoft Surface Review (Windows RT) | Pocketnow
• Microsoft Surface Revi...
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After owning a Surface RT, I'd recommend it highly. It is NOT BROKEN! It's not laggy, and it's usually more responsive than both the iPad and Nexus 7 I also own. The Surface is so much more flexible in work and play than an iPad. Also, the hardware support makes it so much better to use.
Thanks for your honesty Brandon, I completely agree with you, it's first Microsoft tablet, I guess we have to Wait for the later generation.
Still doesn't change the fact that as of today, the Surface is a less compelling option due to having virtually no apps. As a comparison, the iPad launched with more than 3000 tablet apps starting day 1.
I have never denied that the app situation will not get better. I'm confident that it'll get better. At the same time, there is no denying that the Surface is a less compelling choice AT THIS TIME due to this issue. And if you can't distinguish between W7 and WP7, then you have no right to call anyone else an ignoramus but yourself.
issues, I'm all for it. I've heard from somewhere that the Surface has one core that it isn't using yet and in future updates it might use that core. If all these Surface "problems" can be fixed with updates, I can't wait to get my hands on one.
BTW have you read the news recently? On Oprah's recent list of her top favorite things, she listed the Microsoft Surface as one of them. She even said it's like a Mercedes Benz to her. Kudos for Microsoft for making a product like that.
Glad I waited for the reviews to come in instead of impulse buying. Waiting to see what the Pro has to offer.
There are things you can do with the desktop, many of the same tools are there. So you can work around issues the Modern UI may still have. Like it still doesn't auto include media into the library from removable drives, but you can get around that by using Junctioning that you can setup through the desktop...
Basically, it's not just about the apps but the capabilities of the OS and how flexible it can be.
People keep blabbing on about "Oh you can see pixels, derp herp" but what they're forgetting to mention is the fact that you have to be at least 2cm away from screen in order to see the pixels. You AREN'T going to be sitting with the screen that close to your face!
I remember when this first was announced. Everyone was raving they could get rid of their laptop for this(Not the Pro). I personally think they should of left Windows 8 Desktop out of the Metro interface, because you can't even really do stuff in the desktop on the RT(well not now anyways. No Photoshop or other Legacy Software, which is what people raved about prior to the release).
I do agree with what you said though. It is a tablet, I personally don't like it, but I can see how people can.
The iPad mini has the resolution of the original iPad. But! it doesn't mean that it doesn't have a low resolution. Full office is nothing. You want a good office and familiar interface? That's why there are ultrabooks around. - light, portable, good, bigger or smaller screens, good keyboard, running full OS whichever one you choose (Windows XP/7/8, MacOSX, Linux).
@1.47 that awesum moment when every android guy would get happy when the ipad was gonna fall :P
I totally agree. I mean. Like everything on the Surface is totally new. It would be crazy to think that everything would be running totally smooth and the App store would compete with Google Play and Apple Store from the first day. But there is no doubt that there will be maaany apps reeally quick. I mean... It's windows were talking about.
I have the surface Rt and I love this. Its beginning to grow on me more and more than my ipads. All the peripheral benefits of having windows is a big plus. I can print thru my network and incan stream movies from my media server. Plus the native office... where else can you find it...
One benefit you guys are forgetting to mention about windows rt is that you also get the windows file system built in.
best review i've seen, thanks .... waiting for the pro version. although i dont have the patience
This is a great review. everything is explained really clearly. But what about the Asus vivo tab?? can u make a review about it, and compair with the windows surface rt??
My apologies, Kai, I mis read your entries. I didn't meant to insult you. You are indeed correct :)
Perhaps they were just unable to catch that lag during their gaming on camera, but it looked pretty smooth to me...
Microsoft doesn't ADVERTISE Windows RT as Windows 8 too. They tried to make it known that this is Windows RT and not Windows 8. There is even disclaimer booklet in the box saying that this is Windows RT and you cannot install Windows 8 applications on it. I just wish that they took out the desktop so less confusion would occur. Hopefully they will with future updates and make a metro version of Office and file manager. Microsoft has armies of developers in India, apps will come.
there is no doubt. I mean like everything is new on the surface. Of course there are some glitches at the beginning. The HTC One X hat some issues at the beginning as well and it runs android which is like 7 years old. But after one or two updates everything was like butter.
I like the surface, being an advanced user I could edit the programs I want to be able to use to be used on the surface. I think it's real nice.
I was excited but I think I'll wait two or three generations till it is perfect this is just a balls up
it will the main issue is just that their isnt enough apps so the pro fixes that with normal programs
Excellent review Brandon!
I have the Microsoft surface and I would give it 8.5 out of 10. I also have an ipad 3rd gen and the asus transformer infinity. It would be great if all three could combine to make the ultimate tablet. I can only dream.
The S3 is supposed to be better than my S2, you're right. But even when I was on GB, I rarely ever got lag and when I did it wasn't as bad as you claim to have. That's why I said you should get it checked out or try putting JB on it yourself (or wait about a month).
I never said Jellybean wasn't meant to take care of the lag, so now you're just trying to make it seem like I said something that I didn't.
I don't feel bad, I enjoy my S2 very much, you're the one with the bad experience.
There are couple of things people should know.
First of all, if some apps gets slower, doesn't mean we have to blame the hardware. We have to remember that Store apps can run in both ARM tablets and PC! If you were a developer you would know that you can submit separated versions (ARM, x86,x64) of the same app so they are OPTIMIZED of that architecture, but unfortunately some developers don't notice that.
Also, what about Android tablets??
Critical thinking isn't well applied here.
I actually have little complains about the surface I do believe its a device on a class of its own, specially for those who are into the Windows ecosystem, Surface is more of a companion for your desktop system kind of what iPad is to a Macbook, my wife uses it to do actual work on it and does not have any complain really, about the portrait mode, it looks awkward but its not, same aspect ratio you get with the iPhone 5, you can actually see a lot more content than with the iPad
you are mistaken, to target iPhone and iPad, with the retina graphics supported you can do so in 1 application, its not that hard to do.
I've got Surface RT and iPad ... It's a league and a class higher than iPad, in fact iPad is just an over sized iPhone ... RT brings you much closer to a basic laptop at a much lower price and much higher build quality! All it needs is win8.1 and bunch of new/strong 1st part and 3rd party software!
It's beyond me why they included a desktop. Why not just optimise the 3 included desktop applications for touch? The desktop could have been the distinction between Pro and RT and bring the fact that legacy apps can only be downloaded in the pro version to the fore. This distinction is sorely needed.
I am surprised that regular windows programs can not be used on the RT. Is it that the feature is saved for the "pro" version ? And with the prices of both the touch or type covers being ridiculous (the Touch Cover costs from £80 and the cost of the Type Cover is from £110),I would recommend getting a bluetooth keyboard with an integrated track pad - you can get it for a lot cheaper than both "clip-on" keyboards.
I am very surprised that the tegra 3 wasn't optimized for your build;"Sad face" :(
It seems like youre argung with yourself.
The touch keyboard cover is $100. Yet its very functional and a great addition. That cover, plus the Surface RT was still less expensive than my iPAD alone, with no cover.
I think it's more of the fact that they added in the desktop area without giving us full access....WHAT A TEASE! lol. :)
They don't mention the fact that Microsoft is coming out with a Surface that runs the full Windows 8 in January, which should be much better.
The choice of apps will happen over time, it is still Windows after all and it still has a larger user base that developers will want to cater to. Mind apps don't have to be made just for RT, Modern UI apps will be compatible with regular W8/Pro too!
So it's just early adopters that have to adapt for now.
Neither Android or iOS is very optimal for productivity, which is where even RT can leverage a advantage. At least once all the bugs are dealt with and it has more apps.
Bad reviewer this tablet is great there was no lag on the game what so ever and the resolution is great its was because the brightness was so low.
CLEAR AND IMPRESSIVE
Apple never designed a knock-off (visually similar) desktop environment for the iPad. There's no customer confusion as to iOS and OS X programs. Most people will see a Windows "desktop" in Windows RT and not understand the underlying difference in processor architecture, between Windows for ARM and the x86 Windows everyone uses. Microsoft is not allowing 3rd party ARM programs, and x86 ones are flat-out incompatible. That currently leaves little freedom and utility in the Windows RT environment.
If you're looking for the full MS Office Suite including macros and add-ins, the one for the Surface is an inadequate replacement as well. While granted that the Office for RT is superior to the iPad substitutes as of now, both are adequate for the majority, not for everyone obviously. But what's the point if you'll keep denying that, as well as all of Surface's disadvantages. If USB slots and SD cards trump all other aspects of a tablet for YOU, the Surface is for YOU. For the majority, no.
I've always known that Surface Pro was for me. I need developement and designer tools and all sort of other things that just aren't going to work on RT.
At the same time I know of many non-techies that only care about MS Office, browsing the web, and the occasional game.
I also know of some tech people considering Android tablets to remote into their PC's at home so they can access their desktop tools while on the road.
IMO if you're going to do that then Surface RT is a far better option.
I would give them 8.5 out of 10 to because all three are just as good as each other but in there own different way. That is why I said if they could all come together then that would the ultimate tablet. That is my opinion anyway I can't wait to see what they bring out with there next generation of tablets. What do you think?
"why the hell would you want to run mac os x apps on phone ..."
Well that's a silly question.
From the Microsoft standpoint, there are 400 Million users that are instantly marketed to if you write an app, productivity, simplification of programming since youre writing for one kernel.
Its not applicable in all cases, but in a lot. That's why the Surface Pro is so intriguing, and the new tablets that can run both.
i think im the only person that actually enjoys my surface. With any issues i do get are all software related i know will get sorted out
Ksoqq, good point. They wanted to have a proof of concept first. Winphone7 was on win mobile kernel. Single processor etc. So they needed to draw thelien somehwere. Yeah its a shame they didnt allow a whole download for earlier models, but I guess thats a programm/hardware limitation. Think of the transistion from MAC OS9 to OS10. They went through the same issue when switchignto intel based computers. But now, i can VM my PC and run OSX on it... if I need to.
1. Google Play has an open market where you basically can upload any app without paying money or owing anything to google, so it's more of a repository than a market in the way Apple and MS see it. Plus android api's are very open and let you do whatever you want with your phone
2. Windows RT is really slow with most applications, no hotfix or else for changing this fact which is quite annoying
I wasn't talking about iPhone apps. I was talking about iPad apps, which were new when the iPad was released. And MS's Windows Store is 2 months old, not brand new.
One question please. Who's is Kai Taylor? Is it the guy who did this video? Please answer me because I'm really confused. 😊
You missed mentioning the sd card slot under the kickstand.
touch cover really not good enough?
and what you mean by Bluetooth keyboard or mouse from amazon?
They are now giving discount at $260 32GB with touch cover, will it be a good buy?
Why didn't they just use the tiles on the desktop like Rainmeter?
Why not use the TypeCover instead of a bluetooth keyboard?
Desktop OS: Windows 7, Windows 8 PRO, Mac OS X.
Tablet OS: Android Jelly Bean, iOS 6, Windows RT
Smartphone OSL Android Jelly Bean, iOS 6, Windows Phone 8
The point is that Apple and Google use the same OS on their Smartphones, as they do on their Tablets, just slightly modified in ways. Whereas Microsoft has it's own OS for every platform. Windows 8 for Desktop, Windows RT for Desktop/Tablet, Windows Phone 8 for Smartphone. What Microsoft are doing is making a bridge between Desktop and Tablet
So as a substitue to the Surface you are actually recommending to buy a tablet and also an ultrabook so you can both have a tablet experience and use Office?
Are you serious? As objectfreedomIT said, Surface is a tablet that is designed to also be productive. It's design allows to add a keyboard without adding too much bulk and it also comes with Office. To me the Surface is the perfect companion for a student. I will probably get one after a few software updates (or the rumored Nokia tablet).
I definitely think the importance and functionality of the HDMI output and USB port is being downplayed in this video; especially since they are major hardware components. If the reviewers had considered those aspects of the tablet, then it probably would have bumped up the overall score to at least a solid 7.5 or 8 out of 10.
I will say, though, there is no excuse for laggy apps and long load times, especially when most Android and iOS tablets have near-instant application opening/load times.
The Microsoft surface with windows 8 pro coming out 9th February.
No, I am correct. iPHONE apt DO run on iPAD apps, but not the other way around. They are separate apps, and they are written / compiled separately.
XBOX games that are specifically written for XBOX only run on XBOX, that's part of the licensing for the games, and a phone is not an XBOX. Maybe that's a pisser, but Im talking about the Kernel apps going the other way around.
I guess you had every app you wanted on Mac OSX Store after a day from release?
awesome review !
You are so right, OSX apps do not work on an ipad and will surely never do it, thanks!!
I would love to surface, but many of my drawing programs (dwx vieuwer and AQ7932 Emulation) are not avaideble. :(
Completely agree with you, I thought it was going to be an ass kicker, but actually I think that the RT version of the windows is just a trap. All I can say that I'm disappointed!
How can you say that he was supposed to review a tablet? It is Microsoft who made a mess, not him, so he reviews what they did, not what he want to see, this would be bringing his own concept and expectations toward device and he correctly didn't do it, modestly noticing about broken concept. Review perhaps has some down sides, but It's a mess review because it's a messy product with messy concept. Thanks to the guy for brilliantly showing it and I support your complain about HDMI, USB,MIcroSD
I wish there was a reviewer that has never ever used a Retina iPad >.> "If you look into the tablet the text is grainy" Who will put their Surface so damn close to their face?! It has SDXC slot for more storage, big plus. Office 2013 PRE-INSTALLED, huge plus! and the kickstand! And low resolution?! its 720p ! How much do you need?! Sorry for the rant, needed to get that out. -.-
can u please do a video on all tablets and compare them and tell us which one is best and second and like that.........and please recommend tablets also for specific user types.....like such tablet is good playing games such tablets are good for work purposes
if you give it 8.5,what would you give the other 2 tablets?
yea my gs3 is starting to lag which really sucks cause its newer then my iphone 4s and my 4s still doesnt with less then 2gigs left
How is the desktop useless? it offers you Microsoft office, a PC type atmosphere when needed, and a desktop version of ie10. Productivity wise having the desktop has been awesome. I don't always want a full screen option, I like having multiple windows as an option. I think he was trying to review it as a PC, and not as a tablet that offers amazing multitasking. If you want a full PC get a laptop, why condemn a tablet that offers options a PC has. Only thing he got right was that it is overprice
do you think surface pro can overcome these issues?
so you either scroll slower than a snail sliding or you don't knnow what lag is... seriously you went back a generation knowing the closer you go back to its initial existence the more lag users experienced
A lot of Microsoft fanboys crying in the comments here. Surface RT is just a tablet with no apps, think of it as the original iPad. When that first got released there were no applications to really show for it, but it quickly became a hit as more and more developers started coding. Hopefully the same thing happens for Windows 8. Now if you excuse me, I'm waiting for the Surface Pro.
I'm seeing a lot of videos with lag involved on the surface. Hope their partners can make better performance. Real shame. Was t honking on getting this.
The iPad doesn't stick a desktop there to confuse people.
Yeah. Well Windows 8 for me, just isn't going. And in ways I both agree and disagree with it being about apps. I think that Apps are a huge selling points for tablets. The iPad has 250k specifically designed for it. I think the pocketnow people hit it best. People may only download 100 apps, but it's nice to have that choice of apps! At the same time, the capability of Windows can't be underestimated. It should be interesting as well to see how the Nexus 10 fairs.
Well I don't know about the past, but I do know that recently Asus has been on fire with their Windows 8 PCs, they are freaking awesome in design and performance. The Surface is good and has a lot of potential, but it needs to be "finished". Hopefully it can be "finished" with updates in the near future. I'm worried about the performance issues on this tablet too because some have said it lags and frames drop. However if they make a metro version of Office and file manager and fix performance
This looks like i awesome ipad killer :) i cant wait to get one nice review
I find it interesting that you initial impression is exactly the same as your review a week later...
I think it shows that this was never the tablet for you.
Yes it is a compromise just like most SUVs are a compromise between a car and an offroad vehicle. Sure it doesn't perform as well as a car, but many ppeople appreciate the size, storage space, and the occasional rough terrain.
Also why didn't you try the TYPE COVER which was made specifically for people who want tactile keys?
My last point is that everyone know that rt is not the full version of window 8, and for me it is okay, beacause a tablet , is not a laptop... To work at home i use my laptop, and when is time to present something, i use my surface rt and it is working pretty well. This tablet is useful for the people who want to work with microsoft office and want somes advertisments. But if you want to play and have fun.. buy a ipad or if you want is small buy the nexus 7, the best for now vs price..
No, a suite of MS Office apps doesn't balance the equation against 300,000+ iPad apps, and it isn't full MS Office, there are many substitutes for it for the iPad, and it's evidently coming to the iPad next year. And an iPad is clearly intended to be a wireless device with wireless file-sharing/printing, with adapters for those that really need HDMI and such. USB n SD slots are a plus, for sure. And iPad has more accessories, obviously. And no, iPad > Surface CPU/GPU/screen-wise, to begin with.
I think the fact that Microsoft made it, makes him dislike it. I think it's a great idea, and I wouldnt mind getting that instead of the nexus. Call me crazy.
lol,exactly in my mind...gaming should be awesome,but do you think they got awesome apps compared to andriod?
Wow. looking at some people's comments, it's a pity. Apple do not need to convert the OS X apps to iOS apps. iOS already has everything you might ever need. This, on the other hand, comes clean and from scratch with no nice applications and it looks like a normal windows 8, but it cannot do much.
So, iOS has everything you need and I believe that the covers for iPad are cheaper than for the surface, are they not?
Everyone is too short sighted about what windows is doing. With their new ultra book convertibles running windows 8 they're going to make tablets a thing of the past just like cellphones made pagers obsolete
thats cool...you like me...we both like all types of technology...i like my s3 just a lil bit, but my experience with the phone is bad. It has delayed times after pressing either screen buttons or the capacitive or hard button. Just because its open sourced does not equate to it needing more power. It needs more power because the code is not written to be optimized. Google is known for trying to be first on everything but never does none of them correctly..hopefully its gets better 4 me
what andriod ttab are you actually talking about?
Surface pro or RT for multimedia use?
Apple doesn't pretend that the iPad will run desktop apps surface does
If you're not going to explain any further, why did you continue to explain further? Im confused.
You wouldn't happen to work for Apple Maps, would you?
Idk my tablet works perfect. The camera isn't all that but it's still good. It's the #1 tablet especially cuz of the USB port on the side and the kick stand and the space for a keyboard. #awesome
Get your facts straight please. W8 was released on October 26th and the Windows Store was opened for all developers on September 11th. It literally takes seconds to Google and confirm these dates.
I've tried one in person...and i do not see what he is talking about...especially about it being laggy....i guess when you handle android so long it distorts reality...
@pipoing14 swipe form right->settings->change pc settings->personalize
i have a surface rt, and the two negatives points i have to say : 1- not enought applications, and somes games are slow. but i didnt buy it for that, i have my laptop to do that. My sister et father got an ipad last generation, but it is not useful for me. Each tablet have their + and - point.. I like the keyboard, the usb drive , micro hd drive and micro sd drive... To work with power point, excel and word , it is the best tablet you can have vs price..
very nice job
Dude, your videos are awesome, will check out the website...
Can i recommend stating your expectations in the future before doing the review so we know how to value your experience?
I have mixed feelings about this review. Sure, the lag and other inconsitencies should be pointed out, and you did. But why rant about the keyboard without first testing the available type-cover from MS build for the Surface? We get a feeling you didn't do your research first.
And what about productivity, THE thing this was build for? Maybe compare it to the competition.
I'm currently waiting for the Surface Pro as I'm thinking of purchasing one, and I use a Galaxy S2. I like good and affordable products, and that's it, unlike you who blindly hates Apple. Just because I'm criticizing MS, that makes me an Apple fanboy? You need to widen your perspective and learn to think objectively, Kai. Not everyone who is criticizing the Surface RT are MS haters or Apple fanboys. I, like many others, want MS to do better because we think they can.
Can I install Ubuntu on a Surface RT? or ChromiumOS, or big daddy Debian?
my rate for surface rt is 8/10 same that the last generation of ipad, but not for the same reason. Ipad is it my own opinion to much evaluate.. Yes the ipad tablet is fluid, beautiful screen , a lot of applications, but it is to hard to work on it.