Microsoft Surface RT

A Good One from Redmond

The wait is over (for the fans at least). Surface is finally in Malaysia. Of course, when we mention Surface, we refer to the RT kind, not the one that carries the Pro label. This is the first ARM-powered device that comes directly from Microsoft. Notice that we didn’t say it’s the first ever, as Lenovo has trumped Microsoft with their Yoga 11 last month. In any case let’s see how this tablet from Redmond rate against the competition out there.

WORK FIRST

When you first open it up from the box, it is easy to tell that the Microsoft Surface RT is something special. You can just feel it. The build is impeccable as the aluminium body of the machine screams quality all around. Microsoft also used some magnesium in the build so that it can withstand the bumps of daily work life. Work is also the keyword in this tablet, as this is the only ‘tablet’ on the market with a copy of Microsoft Office. While there are other tablets where you can install your own copy of Office, this is the first that is running on an ARM platform. So you know it is a bit special.

TRULY CONNECTED ?

In terms of connection this is where the Surface may be behind the curve a bit. It comes with only one USB port, an audio jack, one microSD slot and a mini HDMI port. We do like the fact that it came with the last item as this mean the tablet can be connected to a larger screen easily. Even the microSD card slot is also a welcomed sight. The upside of running Windows RT is that whatever you connect to the USB port will work. Imagine the peripherals you already have - printers, external disks, mouse, and keyboards will work the moment you plug it in. Well, after the drivers are installed that is.

VARIABLE KEYS

As a tablet, you have the option of using the on screen keyboard to input your data, or just snap on the Keyboard Cover, which is purposefully designed for the Surface. There are two types - one is called Touch and the other is Type. Both covers snap to the bottom connector easily and firmly thanks to the strong magnets used. Touch features a touch sensitive keyboard, while Type features a more traditional set of keys. Best of all - putting either of the cover will not add any significant weight or thickness to the tablet when it is packed for storage.

HMMM…PONDER ?

Our main gripe with the tablet is that fact that it feels like Microsoft just glued two devices into one. What we mean is that the RT tablet interface feels nice but then you have the desktop interface which looks out of place. We hope with the upcoming update, it will mesh a bit better for the Surface RT

MICROSOFT SURFZACE RT

Dimensions (hxWxd) 275 x 172 x 94 mm 

Weight 680g

Processor Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 

Memory 2GB

Storage 64GB

Operating System Windows RT

Display 10.1 inch @ 1366x768 pixels

Connectivity Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 

Ports USB, microHDMI, Audio Jack 

Expansion microSD/SDHC/SDXC slot

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