The Microsoft Surface is the company's major attempt in both launching a tablet and Windows RT operating system, but a new edition is already set to arrive.
The Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro is set to be released in January and with a starting price of $899 for the 64GB model and $999 for the 128GB model. The regardless of the price, it will not feature the keyboard cover and Office suite software.
For the comparisons of the Surface with Windows RT and Surface with Windows 8 Pro, from display, sizes, memory, prices and more, click here.
The news of the upcoming Windows 8 Pro version of the Surface tablet comes as many are still reviewing the Windows RT version since its Oct. 26 release date.
The Verge's Editor-in-Chief Joshua Topolsky reviewed that the Surface is a device he "wanted to love" and once he obtained the tablet, "I wanted to love it even more."
He added that the positives of the Surface is the "ambitious new software, solidly made, handsome hardware, full office suite with no compromise, excellent battery," while the negatives were the performance, "weak ecosystem, buggy software," and "doesn't live up to hybrid promise."
"It does the job of a tablet and the job of a laptop half as well as other devices on the market, and it often makes that job harder, not easier. Instead of being a no-compromise device, it often feels like a more-compromise one," stated Topolsky.
Fans of The Verge gave their thoughts:
CaptainCanada: "I hold the iPad in portrait probably 95% of the time. I suppose I could get used to landscape, but portrait is more natural for me."
fireballs: "The only things I have seen that are "bad" after reading the reviews that are out there is that the camera isn't all it could be, there are not a huge selection of apps, and that some of the apps don't work as well as some would like. Now some of these things are not really a big deal, have and easy fix or are not Microsoft's fault (per say).
The camera would we all probably like to be a little better sure but for me (and maybe it's just me) that isn't a deal breaker."
ThatGuy707: "The only real knock on the Surface is that it has a poor app ecosystem. Some apps need updates (performance/features) and well some apps just need to be made. The complaints about the cover/stand are unwarranted because they are extra features that no other tablet possesses. They are bonuses. If you want to type in your lap don't get this or the iPad or any tablet for that matter. Get a laptop! It really seemed he was just looking for reasons to criticize it."
TechRadar's James Stables stated, "The solid build, kickstand, the associated rage of keyboards and big screen make [the Surface] adept for both work and play, and it's the closest device we've seen to a true hybrid."
He added the Surface is not the most advanced tablet yet "performs solidly without excelling in any particular area."
The fans of TechRadar stated:
PennySaverOnline: "I bought the 32 GB Surface with the Touch Cover, about a month ago, and I have to give it to Microsoft. I am very impressed, this tablet does a lot. I can easily do my work with it, and it's very much effortless to work the Touch Cover and navigate to the different programs. I like the fact that you can use the Windows Desktop feature, in this new RT Windows version, I'm used to working on PC's. But at the same I wish Microsoft would come out with something new and better than the good o'l Windows Desktop, at least on a tablet. I love the fact that when you holded in your hands it feels like a million bucks. That VaporMg they came up with, it's awesome to the touch. So far I'm happy with it. Thank you."
terminatahX: "Geez, the Surfarce looks like a horrendous brick. And the OS is equally as ugly. Android and Apple devices and OS are attractive and well built devices. Once the "newness" of win8 and the Surface wears off, Microsoft will get credit for creating another dud."
Stu531: "Good on Microsoft. I've been sold by Apple stuff for a while, but this keeps them and Google on their toes. Looking good, MS."
Anand Lai Shimpi of AnandTech stated the Surface is "incredibly well executed," but that doesn't make it perfect.
He added, "Through two seemingly simple additions to the design (but incredibly complex to actually develop and implement), Microsoft took a tablet and turned it into something much more. If you're frustrated by productivity limits of currently available tablets, Surface really seems to be the right formula for a solution."
The AnandTech fans gave their thoughts:
Dug: "As far as trying to get work done on a tablet, this is obviously a better solution than Android or Apple's efforts, as they are geared more to a consumption devices. But I don't think the Surface will be able to snag enough users without something faster than the tegra. The killer app for it will be Office, but without full compatibility of the x86 version I don't know if this will be a hindrance for RT."
Dagamer34: "Basically it seems like Microsoft built a rather competent product, and when we see Windows RT tablets with stronger hardware like Tegra 4 or S4 Pro, it should be a great experience. Considering this is Microsoft's first hardware computer, they could have done a LOT worse, and there are some things you only learn by actually shipping a product. For a 1st gen release, that's pretty good."
Ryan Nakashima of the Associated Press reviewed that the Surface is "far from farless" but adds that he is hopeful that apps will improve the tablet and the bugs get fixed.
"What's important is that Microsoft got the hardware right - creating a light portable computer that has an ample number of fun features and a decent work environment. That combination could make Surface as addicting and as useful for extending the work day as the BlackBerry once was," stated Nakashima.
The fans, as the review was published on the Huffington Post, stated:
Jsgaetano: "Ugh. So you'll be spending $600 on a tablet, which essentially puts it in the category of a low weight laptop."
Amirstep: "Why doesn't anyone mention the virus protection issue? Microsoft has NEVER produced an operating system that is resistant to viruses (e.g. UNIX upon which Mac's are based). So when are we going to start hearing about virus protection for your surface? Why doesn't anyone mention or talk about this? Is it because we are so spoiled with iPad's that have a strong protection system. All this whining about how Apple and the iWhatever have such a closed system. Well, let's open that system right up and see how many viruses enter and plague your surface.?"
Stephen a Fazekas: "lets home MS doesnt zune people with this product."
Overall, very mixed opinions in regards to size, display, features, apps, and price. It should be seen if such inquiries will be fixed and answered upon the released on the Surface with Windows 8 Pro edition next month, even with the higher prices.
For the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT specs and definitions, click here.
For the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT tablet drop test, click here.
For the iPad Mini vs. Microsoft Surface with Windows RT specs, click here.
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