Manage updates with the Download AppMicrosoft Surface RT
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: 1516
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- If you're an early adopter willing to forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: wait for more apps.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Microsoft Surface RT price range: $485.00 - $599.00
- Reviewed by: Eric Franklin
- Reviewed on: 10/23/2012
The good: The Microsoft Surface's Metro interface is innovative, elegant, powerful, and versatile. The tablet feels strong and well-built, runs Office 2013, and includes rich video and music services. Its keyboard cover accessories are the best ways to type on a tablet, period.
The bad: The tablet's performance can be sluggish, its Windows Store is a ghost town, Metro takes getting used to, and the Desktop interface feels clunky and useless.
The bottom line: If you're an early adopter willing to forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: wait for more apps.
User reviews
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Amazing for students
by JohnBash612 on October 31, 2012
Pros: Light
Fast
Productivity suite
Touch keypad
Email
GesturesCons: Jittery desktop
Needs some patches
Reading is cumbersomeSummary: Let me preface this by giving you a background about myself. I am a post grad student making up science courses I missed in undergrad. I have used an ipad ...
Summary: Let me preface this by giving you a background about myself. I am a post grad student making up science courses I missed in undergrad. I have used an ipad for the past two years in school, and have used the surface for 5 days as of today.
With that out of the way, lets talk about the surface! I can't pretend to say the surface is for everyone. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for little tikes, an ipad is definitely better suited for baby drawing apps and reading children's books. I also cannot recommend it if you rely on a cellular network and like to get news stories updated non-stop--public transporters know what I am talking about. I also, unfortunately, cannot recommend it if you are a heavy e-reader. The screen is just too awkward and holding the surface in portrait mode is just cumbersome for long periods of time.
I can, on the other hand, fully endorse the surface for students. It is a drastic improvement over the ipad in terms of productivity and a great supplement for learning. Having microsoft office itself is a huge leap, but then the addition of the touch keyboard only sweetens the deal. Many keyboards for ipads are heavy and awkward and rely on bluetooth. The touch keyboard for the surface is surprisingly amazing, and with only 3 days of use I would say I type at about 80% speed and 90% accuracy compared to a regular keyboard, and i'm sure that will improve. Taking notes using onenote is amazing, especially if your professor uploads powerpoint applications or PDF files.
Other amazing functions for students include the micro-HDMI and the USB port. If you need extra screen real estate for something like a research paper (Word on the left, internet on the right) then simply output to an external monitor and you have a fully production space. The USB has as many functions you can think of, including mouse/keyboard control for a long paper writing night, easy storage access, charging your phone if it runs out of juice, the skys the limit (at least the limit to USB).
Last but not least, This will lighten your backpack up a lot. I take notes and put all of my textbooks on the surface. It takes some getting used to but once you do, your back will thank you for it.
The Cons I mentioned, I have had some sluggish IE performance. It just takes a bit longer than I am used to to load up some pages. There are of course some buggy issues with the surface as well. For the longest time I was stuck in high contrast mode, which I kept trying to get out of and couldn't. I've also had issues with onenote not being able to start up after I closed it and have been forced to restart.
The surface is an amazing tool for students. Its great for work and play (microsoft plug). Watch a movie at night, get out a playlist friday night, exchange music from a friends drive, go to the coffee shop and write a paper, I find it does almost everything I would want a laptop to do at 1/4 of the weight. Does it have limitations? Of course it is a tablet running on Tegra 3, but for general student applications I think you will be more than happy. Please feel free to ask any question in the comments and I will do my best to respond promptly.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Near Perfect Device for the Business User/Traveler
by burk1999 on January 31, 2013
Pros: Full Blown Microsoft Office (except Outlook)
Size
Battery Life
Net Cost
True Multi-task capabilitiesCons: No Outlook
Poor Dropbox Integration
Limit Access to files on SD Card
Can be slowSummary: Nearly Perfect for the Business Traveler/User
Two months ago, I had absolutely no interest in buying the Surface RT based on the bad reviews the technology press gave it. ...Summary: Nearly Perfect for the Business Traveler/User
Two months ago, I had absolutely no interest in buying the Surface RT based on the bad reviews the technology press gave it. But then I read the glowing reviews on the Best Buy and CNET sites submitted by actual users. So, I decide to take another look.
First of all, I was holding off buying the RT until the Pro was released. But, I read that Office will not be bundled with the Pro. So, if you deduct the cost of Office from the cost of the RT, the 64 Gig RT costs only $400 versus $1000 for the pro. In addition, the RT is lighter and has a longer battery life. So, the RT is a no brainer.
I typically travel with both my IPad and MacBook Air and have tried to figure out how to shed the MacBook. The main issue I encounter with that goal is that the Microsoft Office clones for the IPad just are not 100% compatible. Many times PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets would not convert properly and marked documents would not catch all changes. In addition, I used to be a big OneNote user but there is no Mac version. (There is a program called Circus Ponies Note but it is not as easy to use as OneNote.) So, I traveled with both IPad and MacBook.
The Surface RT has a full blown version of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. So, I don't have any conversion issue. This is huge for me. Sure there are not as many apps in the Windows store but it has the ones I use: NY Times and Crossword, WSJ, Solitaire, Mahjong and Sudoku. The only third party program that I miss is Pocket Informant and it looks like it won't be available for a while, if at all.
Another great aspect of this device is its ability to multi-task and allow the user to have multiple windows open at once. So, for example, I can be in a meeting taking notes on OneNote while keeping an eye on my email. HUGE!!
There are three things it needs to be perfect. First is complete integration with Dropbox. There is a lite version of the Dropbox app but it only allows the user to access his/her account while on line. It does not sync with the hard drive. So, the user needs to be on line to access the files. Microsoft includes its version called Skydrive but it has the same issue. Also, I do not want to migrate all my files to a new cloud system. Second is Outlook. It comes with a scaled down mail client and PIM which are adequate but not robust and syncs with Microsoft Exchange. There are rumors that Microsoft has developed an RT version of Outlook but is not sure if it will release it. Microsoft, if you are listening, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE release it. I, for one, would pay big money. (There is s Beta version of Nitro Touchdown which I have used on my Android devices. I have been playing with it. It is a good start). Third is that all apps must be able access the files on the SD card, particularly Music and Video. So, you need to be sure to buy the 64 Gig version.
I have been using tweener devices since the Psion Netbook in 2003 and understand that they all have limitations. However, the Surface RT has the fewest by far. I recommend the Surface RT to any business user who travels or sits in conference rooms away from his/her office.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best productivity/entertainment tablet in it's class.
by pclark1950 on January 11, 2013
Pros: Office 2013, HDMI port, USB port, long battery life even viewing movies, the kickstand and the touch cover, tough yet elegant construction. My personal favorite is the Remote Desktop App which allows me to log in to my main tower at home.
Cons: I can't think of many, but I too wish Office 2013 would run from the RT interface. As far as the app store goes I don't see much of a problem.I found pretty much all I need.
Summary: While I don't think the Surface RT will ever replace my main tower, with the use of the Remote Desktop app it has certainly replaced my laptop. I simply ...
Summary: While I don't think the Surface RT will ever replace my main tower, with the use of the Remote Desktop app it has certainly replaced my laptop. I simply log in to that desktop and I can do my email in Outlook, do my accounting in QuickBooks, and my Investing in Quicken right from my Surface RT. I love being able to do Power Point presentations and spreadsheet work in Excel. If I want to give a Power Point presentation or watch a Netflix movie with a group I can hook the Surface to an HDMI port on a large screen LCD TV and I'm all set. I did not have a problem finding the apps I needed in the Windows Store including Netflix, Skype, Kindle, The New York Times etc., but then I'm not in to games. True 16:9 HD makes it better than most for viewing movies and TV shows.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's what it advertises to be: a productivity tablet
by chathaf on January 9, 2013
Pros: It feels solid. The wide screen supports combining tasks (split screen), and the magnetic keyboard allows quick detachment of the tablet when needed. The type cover is excellent! I find Windows 8 to better than advertised.
Cons: Screen response to gestures could be better. Since the keyboard is the cover, it's not practical to use it without the keyboard for long periods. It's also fairly expensive. A gamble due to few apps available.
Summary: It's advertised as a productivity tablet, and it's exactly that. The Surface has allowed me to not have to purchase a personal computer (since most professional jobs provide ...
Summary: It's advertised as a productivity tablet, and it's exactly that. The Surface has allowed me to not have to purchase a personal computer (since most professional jobs provide a laptop). It's great having Office available on my tablet. It performs well, and I have enough apps to do what I need to do (task / calendar / Kindle, etc.)
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best productivity tablet for Mobile Pro.
by dejoyf on December 31, 2012
Pros: Keyboard integration and portability; integrated Microsoft Office; Cloud Synch Services with Desktop; sleek form factor;
Cons: Limited Apps; confusing operating system navigation.
Summary: Best choice for a Mobile Pro looking to replace a laptop.
Summary: Best choice for a Mobile Pro looking to replace a laptop.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Horrible Support - Horrible Company
DO NOT BUYby mdarmocida on March 7, 2013
Pros: Innovative Idea
Cons: No support what-so-ever
Summary: I've owned a Surface RT since Dec 2012 (traded up from an iPad) and have loved it. In fact, I was such a proponent of this device that I'...
Summary: I've owned a Surface RT since Dec 2012 (traded up from an iPad) and have loved it. In fact, I was such a proponent of this device that I'm personally responsible for at least 10 sales by my business associates through word of mouth. Yesterday, I bought my son a Surface. However, when we went to set it up it, it said that it had a problem installing Windows and reverted us back to the sign-in screen. When we tried to sign back in it said that someone was already signed in with that account. We rebooted to no avail At this time we are unable to bet the Surface to work out of the box, so I called tech support. After holding for 10 minutes the call was answered by a sweat shop in the Philippines by a technician that could barely understand English. She said that her division doesn't handle the Surface and transferred me to another division in the Philippines where someone answered who can actually understand English but informed me that she was the commercial division and could not help me and sent me back to the people who transferred me. After going back and forth I finally got her to take my call but she didn't understand English as well as I thought and incorrectly concluded that I had a problem with my e-mail. I called Microsoft Corp and was rudely told by an operator that they would not help me and the best I could do was send an email, which would be answered by yet another bureaucracy within 3 business days. Then she abruptly hung up on me assuming that I refused to work with tech support and not letting me explain my experience. At this point I went to Microsoft's private stock profile and got the direct number of their CEO (Steve Ballmer). Mr. Ballmer's secretary picked up and transferred me to someone that she said would help. This person was in charge of the Surface support group and was very nice and polite, but didn't know how to troubleshoot or suppor this own product. He then took some information and kept calling back and forth with his technicians who also seemed clueless and had no set protocol or algorithm for troubleshooting or supporting this device. As I write this it has been two hours and I still dont' have a competent technical support person walking me through this or making any suggestions as far as what I can do. Keep in mind that I just took this thing out of the box and am getting special treatment because the CEO obviously doen't want me constantly calling his office and I still can't get a decent effort out of these people - just think of the nightmare it will be for you if you have a technical problem down the line. This is a great product but until Microsoft can support it, you may want to think twice.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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iPad Killer
by LMKz1 on January 8, 2013
Pros: Battery Life, Office, Desktop, USB
Cons: Widescreen good for movies, not so good for reading magazines.
Needs more regular software/firmware updates.
Corners could do with some rounding.Summary: Brilliant piece of kit.
Summary: Brilliant piece of kit.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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RT or CE popular just because it looks similar to iPad
by Harleydanvan on January 5, 2013
Pros: No pros except that it wasn't made BROWN like the ZUNE
Cons: Has no storage after the bloated OS and was designed to push Metro (XBOX Menu) to the masses without any other features or benefits. Even crashes listening to Pandora.
Summary: Fake reviews from people paid to say its great should be banned from working again after the proof comes to light. Let's face the truth if this was great ...
Summary: Fake reviews from people paid to say its great should be banned from working again after the proof comes to light. Let's face the truth if this was great more people would want to buy and want to use. Nobody tests Apple and Google then tries this and buys this. You only hope people believe the lies and buys!
3 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Slick and intuitive. A product from the future.
by rishigupta89 on January 4, 2013
Pros: It is an amazing device. It is fast, the UI is very intuitive and has an absolutely wonderful battery life.
The quality of available Apps are very good and you can get all the apps you may need.
The touch cover & kickstand turn out to be very useful.Cons: Internal storage is limited, though you can use a memory card to have all the space you need.
Summary: Microsoft has done a fabulous job for their first ever PC hardware and (unlike most of the other tablets) one is bound to fall in absolute crazy love with the ...
Summary: Microsoft has done a fabulous job for their first ever PC hardware and (unlike most of the other tablets) one is bound to fall in absolute crazy love with the Surface from Day 1.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The tablet has a lot of potential but needs some work
by croosh on December 21, 2012
Pros: Build quality is simply amazing
Very smooth user interface
Great keyboard (I got the "Type" variant)
Office 2013 is by far the best mobile office solution and integrates well with SkyDrive and Office Live
Integrated stand is very helpfulCons: It feels unfinished on many different levels
Switching between Metro and desktop apps is a bit schizophrenic
Proprietary power connector
Office 2013 is "Home and Student" and requires a full license for business use.Summary: First of all: I write Windows software for living and I'm used to being the guinea pig for new technologies that come out of Redmond. In fact I consider ...
Summary: First of all: I write Windows software for living and I'm used to being the guinea pig for new technologies that come out of Redmond. In fact I consider that to be a perk that comes with the job and the MSDN subscription. I've been using Windows 8 since the summer and like many aspects of the OS, but as annoying as "Metro" is on a desktop without a touch screen, "desktop" mode is much more annoying on the tablet. I'm not even talking about the MS Office, which is designed to be used with the attached keyboard, but most of the functions you perform involve the desktop mode. Even setting the default home page takes you to the Desktop version of IE... Touch detection is a bit rough in many places. For example, even though YouTube plays great, exiting the full screen mode is pretty tricky.
Overall, the UI feels a bit rough around the edges, and that takes away from otherwise great product experience.
The show stoppers for me come from the development side: Microsoft only lets me develop "Windows Store" apps for the RT tablet, and the framework is VERY far from complete. The APIs available to the developers are very limited, mostly targeted at iPad-style applications, which is a shame, since the platform allows for much more powerful software. I imagine by the time Service Pack 1 or Windows 9 this table will be a winner, but until then, it is best left fo professional geeks (like myself) or people interested in light MS Office use.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: 1516
- Description: From touch to type, office to living room, from your screen to the big screen, you can see more, share more, and do more with Surface. Create, collaborate, and get stuff done with Office. Explore your world with fast, fluid Windows 8 apps. Discover new music, movies, and games in the Windows Store.
Display
- Type 10.6 in,
Color TFT active matrix - Display Resolution 1366 x 768
- Touchscreen Yes
- Features 5-point multi-touch
General
- Operating System Microsoft Windows RT
Processor
- Processor NVIDIA Tegra 3
- Number of Cores Quad-Core
Memory
- Flash Memory 32 GB Integrated
- RAM 2 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards microSDXC,
microSD,
microSDHC Communications
- Wireless Connectivity Bluetooth 4.0,
802.11 a/b/g/n Multimedia
- Audio Microphone , Stereo speakers
Input Device
- Type Detachable keyboard
Expansion and Connectivity
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x microSDXC
- Interfaces 1 x USB 2.0,
1 x Headphones Battery
- Capacity 31.5 Wh
- Run Time 8 hour(s)
- Standby Time 360 h
Miscellaneous
- Sensors Accelerometer,
Ambient light sensor,
Magnetometer,
Gyro sensor - Features Expandable storage ,
Full USB ,
Front camera ,
Rear camera - Included Accessories VaporMg case,
Power adapter , Stand Dimensions & Weight
- Width 10.8 in
- Depth 9.3 mm
- Height 6.8 in
- Weight 676 g
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Microsoft
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
