So far PC tablets have been sort of meh for me until getting a sneak peek at the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT during a private meeting at BlogHer in August. Like with most new tech devices, I was immediately intrigued by this new Windows tablet but wondered if the sleek, seemingly easy to use, and gorgeous device running the new Windows 8 would be too good to be true. Early reviews were mixed but since getting my hands on one around the holidays, I have to say that Surface lives up to and exceeds my expectations.
One of the first things I noticed while unboxing the Surface with Windows RT is how Microsoft has differentiated their product from others on the market with its packaging. Lots of thought has been put into the design of the box itself, making it evoke the high style of the iPad, Apple’s competing tablet with largest current market share.
But make no mistake, Surface is not an iPad wannabe or copycat.
Sure, it’s highly portable thanks to its slim (.37”) and light (1.5 lbs) design. It has a front and rear facing camera, magnetic attachment for the power cord like many Apple’s devices have, and features a metal exterior (Surface is made of magnesium alloy versus the stainless steel back of the iPad) but those similarities are where the comparisons end.
Microsoft has taken the Surface and raised expectations of future iPads thanks to some nifty features that Apple simply hasn’t included in the design and smart accessories that aren’t yet available to accompany their popular tablet.
Surface features an integrated Kickstand that is perfectly angled to avoid the chopped off head look when using the front or rear facing camera. It’s pretty smart that the rear camera in the Surface is angled at 22 degrees so it looks straight ahead when the kickstand is engaged. Hooray for no more cut off heads when Skyping!
Apple may have the Smart Cover for their iPads but the Surface’s Touch Cover is even smarter. The iPad Smart Cover and Surface’s Touch Cover both attach to the tablets magnetically but the Touch Cover does double duty as a protective cover and keyboard. The slim Touch Cover features a pressure sensitive keyboard, Windows shortcut keys, trackpad that require a gentle touch to use, and can be folded back like a magazine cover for times you want to just use the touchscreen capabilities of Surface.
Most other keyboard accessories for tablets require a Bluetooth connection. Not the Touch Cover. It just snaps in and works. There’s no frustration of being able to connect via Bluetooth or remembering to keep the extra accessory charged. Parents who let their kids use their tablet will appreciate that the Touch Cover is easy to clean and spill resistant. The Touch Cover’s price may seem steep ($119) but honestly, good iPad keyboards cost almost as much and aren’t nearly as cool or easy to use as this. For anyone who prefers the click of real keys over touching the keys on the Touch Cover might like the Type Cover ($129).
Anti-Fingerprint Coating
One of my pet peeves on my touchscreen devices are endless fingerprints. Thanks to the anti-fingerprint coating on Surface, I’ve been able to put the Windex away. I love that the screen always looks perfect and I’m not having to look through smudges.
USB Port
Yes, there is one USB port on the right side of Surface for additional storage for connecting a wireless mouse. Of course, if you have the Wedge Touch Mouse, it connects automatically via Bluetooth so you can keep your USB port free for other things.
Windows RT on Surface
The Surface comes preinstalled with Windows RT, a version of Windows that’s specifically designed for Surface and other laptops. For those who are familiar with Windows 8, Windows Phone 8X by HTC, or the XBox interface, Windows RT features tiles to provide a similar visual experience across various Microsoft products.
Just like Windows 8, Windows RT allows you to customize your Start Screen so the items you use most are front and center. Having pinned many of the same apps to the Surface Start Screen that are our HP ENVY 23 TouchSmart AiO, I’ve found the experience to be similar and seamless when switching from tablet to desktop machine and also when using the 8X phone.
Windows RT also comes with Office Home & Student 2013 Preview that includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote so Office documents and has many of the same features available on Office Home & Student 2013 on PCs. The main difference between the two is that Windows RT is designed with mobility in mind so documents can be accessed on the go and saved to SkyDrive. When you aren’t using the built in wifi to connect to SkyDrive, you can still access your documents. And if you’re concerned about the fact that it is called Preview, don’t be. According to Microsoft,
“A special early edition, sometimes called a beta or preview, installed on your tablet before Office Home & Student 2013 RT testing was complete…After the final editions release, you’ll be automatically updated for free via Windows Update….Additional features may be added to the final edition of Office Home & Student 2013 RT”
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT features:
- ClearType HD touchscreen delivers a crisp picture while being fingerprint resistant thanks to the anti-fingerprint coating
- Full-size USB port
- microSDXC memory card slot for storage
- Two cameras (front and rear facing) for video chats or taking pictures
- Great sound: stereo speakers, headset jack, volume control, dual microphones
- Wireless: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®
Resources:
- Looking for more technical information about Microsoft Surface RT? Read the full tech specs.
- To view the differences between Windows RT, Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro, this comparison chart is incredibly helpful.
- Microsoft also recommends visiting the Surface site for additional resources. Additionally, Windows RT support is available and the Microsoft Community is also a good source of information about Surface..
- Questions about Windows 8? Microsoft offers these support options.
- Learn more about Office Home & Student 2013 Preview.
- For those who are visual, love interesting virtual experiences, are style mavens, and enjoy knowing interesting tidbits about products, Microsoft’s Holiday Lookbook is definitely worth a look. Hovering over the images provides product info and tidbits while all of the products are shareable through social plugins.
Summary:
For PC users who have been resistant to getting an iPad, the Surface with Windows RT is a fine choice. The innovative engineering behind the Kickstand and thoughtful features such as the camera angle as well as the must-have Touch Cover make this a fantastic tablet to own. It’s certainly portable thanks to it’s size and weight but yet robust enough to function better than many laptops on the go.
If you’ve been waiting to hear more about Microsoft Surface Pro before making the jump to Surface, CNET noted that they were “impressed” with the Intel based machine that will run full Windows 8. For more information about Surface Pro, read Hands-on: Microsoft Surface Pro lives up to hype.
Microsoft Surface with Windows RT starts at $499 and is available at Microsoft Store retail locations and Microsoft’s 32 holiday pop up stores. Visit CNET for a list of Microsoft pop up store locations.
GIVEAWAY: Since Microsoft wants you to learn more about Surface, they’re providing a $200 gift card to the Microsoft Store!
Win it!
Having visited Microsoft Store locations in my area, I have to say that they’re a great place to get to know Surface and other Microsoft products such as Xbox or Windows Phone 8X by HTC since the store experience is all about hands on time with products and trying before you buy. It’s also a place where you can get your questions answered by experienced employees.
Enter to win a $200 gift card provided by Microsoft by using the Rafflecopter form below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
I am a Microsoft Windows Champion and received the products mentioned in this post for review purposes but all opinions are my own. As a Windows Champion, I occasionally receive Microsoft products such as hardware, software, and accessories to assist me in developing content for my site. No compensation was received for this post or hosting a giveaway. Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post. Images courtesy of Microsoft.
I would use the money for the Surface.
The Prudential center.
I would absolutely buy a Surface with the gift card. I’m buying a Surface whether I win or not. 🙂
I know you’ll love it! The Touch Cover is such a dream to type on! Now I want to get the stylus and brush pen like I saw at the NYC KidVuz event!
I was playing with the Surface at a pop-up in the Time Warner Center. I think that’s the closest one to me.
I would love to use it towards purchasing a Microsoft Surface Tablet!
The nearest Microsoft specialty store near me is located in The St. Louis Galleria Mall!
I would likely get one of the artists mice and maybe a computer game for my husband . His old Age of the Empires wont work on win7
It definitely sounds like an upgrade would be much appreciated and there are so many great games to choose from!
I’d buy Windows 8 Pro and upgrade my computers.
University Village
The Surface sounds awesome however I think I would get Seagate’s FreeAgent GoFlex ultra-portable drive.
This is the message I received when I searched: We’re certain it’s a nice town, but at the moment there are no Microsoft Stores near you.
Hi Susan! I know that Microsoft is planning on opening new locations in 2013 and in December, announced the first new store locations for the year: http://blogs.technet.com/b/microsoft_blog/archive/2012/12/26/microsoft-rings-in-the-new-year-with-more-retail-store-locations-on-the-way.aspx
If one of these isn’t by you, maybe there will be a store coming to you soon! Thanks for checking and commenting for an extra entry! 🙂
HTC 8x, or this tablet. Can’t decide
Hard choice! I have the HTX 8X and really like it so far! It has great sound thanks to Beats Audio!
I would put it towards the Sony Vaio All in One.
The closest store is Nashville, TN. 3 hours away. 🙁
Oh no! That’s far! Let’s hope a closer Microsoft Store location will open in 2013!
My husband wants a Surface!
I would get the Creative Labs Inspire T12 Speakers for my laptop.
The closest store is over an hour’s drive from me, far.
We are getting a Microsoft Store THIS year! I’m sooooo excited!
That’s totally awesome and can only imagine how excited you are! We’re lucky to have a couple nearby and they’re fabulous!
I would use the gift card to help purchase the Acer Iconia W510-1674 Tablet.
The closest store to me is at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN. That’s still three and a half hours away from where I live. I sure hope they open one closer in the near future!
I would apply it to the Surface.
the closest microsoft store to me is:
126 Abbott Martin Road
Nashville, TN 37215
I want the new Surface!
windows pro
in Atlanta, GA
The nearest store to me is at the St. Louis Galleria—awesome!
Samsung smart PC
pedidentalasst at yahoo dot com
Valley Fair Mall, San Jose CA
XBox games and a finance program like Quickbooks.
Two pop-up stores…Columbia Mall or Montgomery Mall.
Momontherun96 or Jill Berry or Musingsfromme on YouTube
I would get the HP ENVY dv6-7221nr Notebook. Super Sweet!
I would use it towards a new laptop!
The closest to me is at Washingto Square Mall. Which is about 3 miles from me. I have been there several times to check out the Surface Tablets.
The closet one is in Orlando, which is about 1 1/2 away!
I would use it to get the Office Home and Business 2010 software for my laptop. I just started going back to school and this is becoming a must!
Hi Pauline! I agree that it’s an important suite of products to have! I’ve heard that Microsoft has some new news about Office coming at the end of the month so stay tuned! 🙂
My nearest store is the City Creek Center downtown. It’s an easy train ride!
I’d buy Microsoft Office Home & Business 2010. My computer doesn’t have Office and I often need to update my powerpoint presentations and can only do it at work where I have Office.
The closest store to me is at Beachwood Place which is about 15 minutes from my house.
Windows 8 Pro
I would but Windows 8 to upgrade all my computers!
I have a pop up store up the block in TImes Square, and the Time Warner Ctr in NYC!
The store in Times Square beckons me when I come to NYC! It’s fabulous!
the closest store is in San Diego
I would buy a surface tablet!
the closet microsoft store is at Southpark mall in Charlotte, NC 28211
i would put it toward purchasing a Surface. I like everything that I have read and observed about the Surface
I would purchase a surface
I would use it towards the purchase of a Surface Pro.
My nearest store is at the Florida Mall in Orlando.
I would use it toward buying a Surface…they look so cool!
Closest store to me is in Chicago
I would love to use it to buy the Surface, but I might get the HP Photosmart 7510 e-All-in-One Printer because it looks great as well!
I really really really want to get a Surface for my hubby! I’m an iPad girl (though I’d love the Surface myself, I’m sure), and he doesn’t have a tablet yet. He is pretty intrigued by the Surface!
(The HP Envy 23 Touchsmart would be pretty awesome, too…I loved your review of it a few weeks ago!)
Thanks so much…this would go a good way toward that amazing gift!
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
The closest Microsoft store near me is in Cleveland, Ohio. That works. 🙂
h4schaffer at gmail dot com
We are looking to get a netbook… Would you recommend the Surface instead?
I need a new hard drive for my XBox 360, but a Surface would be a blast too!
The closest one is downtown Chicago.
I would like the larger 11 inch Surface – the gift card would actually go towards accessories
There is a store in Bridgewater Commons mall here in NJ
Towards a Surface or an Xbox 360
The closest one to me is in Bridgewater NJ a little bit of a drive but well worth the trip.
My nearest Microsoft store is two blocks that way. Bellevue Square close.
I would purchase Office Home and Student 2010 for my sons laptop.
I would love to get a surface!
I would purchase Office
I would get the windows 8 pro or put towards the surface
I’d buy an Xbox 360 and be so excited to have an Xbox and a Surface!!
Oops, I misunderstood the post, you’re not giving away the Surface. That’s okay, though, I’d be thrilled with the Xbox! And the nearest store is about an hour away
I’d buy us window 8x phones. I’ve really been wanting one!
the closest one is Seattle I think
I would LOVE to put that gift card toward a Surface. I was drawn in my the awesome commercials but really appreciate the facts and analysis of your review!
I think I’d buy a Kinect and some kid-friendly games for our xbox 360!
Hmmmn. We have a Microsoft Store 2 hours away, in Frisco.
And now you know I like in po-dunkville
I’d get a Acer Iconia W510-1674 Tablet
I have had a windows phone before I liked it. I would consider it, but I am not in need of a new phone at the moment!
I would love to get a surface. I’ve wanted one for awhile.
Boston is the closest one
I would buy the surface
Probably the Surface, or at least see how much of a dent I could put in the overall cost.
Looks like my nearest is about an hour away in the city of Chicago.
I would get the surface and instant Immersion French Complete Language Learning Collection…
Wow nearest Microsft Store is An Hour Away from where i liveee…. :$ its in Orlando Fl
Love this. I want the surface tablet so much!
Love love this I would put the $200 toward things to go with the surface this would be a dream for myself and my kids with the school work times are hard and I would never be able to get something like this.
149.8 mi, 2 hr 20 min driving
2 hr 25 min with traffic
Is the nearest Microsoft location from where I live
Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2013 Elite Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. I like that the keyboard is blacklit. Which for me would make it just a bit easier to type at night on the night. Thank you
The nearest Microsoft Store is in Park Meadows Mall in Denver Co. I live Pueblo Co, Is about 2 hrs away. It’s not close but its not to far either when we go out to the big city every now and then. I didn’t even know that there was one out this way.
The ONLY thing I had on my christmas list was the Surface. I didn’t get it. So I would definitely appreciate a visit to the nearby Microsoft store!
The nearest Microsoft store is very close to me at Bellevue Square Mall in Bellevue, WA.
Lenovo Mulitimedia Remote with Keyboard N5902
becasue we need one asap
thanks 🙂
I would put it towards the Xbox 360 4 GB Kinect Holiday Bundle
No location near me: “We’re certain it’s a nice town, but at the moment
there are no Microsoft Stores near you.”
My husband wants Office Home and Business 2010 so I would get him this. Thanks for the chance to win.
The closest store to me is Tysons Corner Center.
I would get the Vivo.
I would buy the surface, so cool 😀
i’ve been wanting to buy a sony vaio forever!
closest store is 70st and camelback in scottsdale
XBox 360!
Chicago, IL
I would def get this Surface!
Time Warner Center – The Shops at Columbus Circle in NYC. That’s awesome!
my friend has a surface and it looked really neat-would probably get one!
I would use the money to put put toward the surface for my husbands birthday.
Bethesda or Columbia
ASUS VivoBook X202E Touchscreen
Id use it towards upgrading to Windows 8, and picture editing software
The closest store to me is 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail
Orlando, FL 32809
I would buy Nokia Lumia 820
I would get the Xbox 360 4 GB Console with Skylanders Starter Kit!
The Mall at Rockingham Park in Salem, NH.
Windows 8,
i would put it towards a surface i really want one! thanks for the chance to win
closest pickup store is ross park mall for me.
Xbox 360 4 GB Console
I don’t have a Microsoft store near me 🙁 I think the closest one would be in Ohio.
I’d purchase an Xbox 360 Kinect
i would use it to purchase a new Surface
the closest store is about 7 miles from me in a mall called the galleria.
Even though I am a big Apple fan, I think it is time for a Surface for me. THat’s what I’d use it toward.
The closest for me is in St Louis Mo.
I might get a Kinect for our Xbox!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
There’s one in the Mall of America, about an hour from me!
coriwestphal at msn dot com
I’d purchase an Xbox 360 Kinect
No location near me: “We’re certain it’s a nice town, but at the moment
there are no Microsoft Stores near you.”
I want a Surface! Microsoft is coming back!
I would but Windows 8 to upgrade all my computers
Miami is the closest Microsoft store
I would purchase the Kinect plus some games.
I would love to get a Surface tablet!
My closest store is in Montgomery Mall 🙂
I would put it towards a laptop for my daughter (heading to college)
My nearest store is Oak Park Mall in Kansas
The nearest would be around California, but I must first hop on a plane.
I would get windows 8 so I can upgrade everything
My nearest store is in Toronto. lol
the closest is about 45 mins away Beachwood, OH 44122
i think i would take a look at the surface for sure!
closest store is actually in my local mall!
xbox would be awesome
closest would be 2 1/2 hours away
The Windows Phone 8X by HTC Blue 16GB 4G LTE
Aventura Mall (Aventura, FL) is the closest to me.
My kids would love to have an XBOX.
Bloomington, MN.. wow
I would buy microsoft office
my nearest pop up store is South Shore Plaza (Braintree, MA)
i would use the GC to help me buy a windows phone!
nearest store is about 1 hour away
The Prudential center.
yep great phone
the closest location Streets at Southpoint (Durham, NC