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|I think I have seen something that can now replace my laptop and tablet into one complete package.
I use my laptop to surf, word process, email, listen to music and play movies.
my tab is for games, movies and music and web browsing.
now the transformer prime seems to be a convergence device for me, provided 'docs to go' is any good?
I 've never used it before. I don't do stuff like that on my phone. I don't do it on my tablet cos I've got my laptop. so provided the docs to go is 'good to go' then this is for me. it'll have better res than my laptop and it'll do everything I want, as long as I can word process.
so
anyone who uses docs to go on the current transformer. what's it like? what's your experience of word processing on the tablet?
Erm, I've been typing personal statements on my tablet lately, and I gotta say, it's mostly like how it is on my laptop (I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX). With Polaris, the office app that comes with the TF, I gotta say, it's more or less just a normal word processor with the one exception of the lack of spell check. I've gotten used to seeing the red lines if I have typo's so that would be a big plus if they had it. Otherwise, nothing wrong with typing on my TF. (By the way, anyone recommend a different office app, which is as good as Polaris, but with an auto-spell check thing?)
Ooo, also, copying and pasting is kind of a hassle because you gotta long click and etc.
TL;DR: Tablet word processor (Polaris) = same as laptop, with exception of copy and paste, and spell check.
thanks for that. It sounds what I'm looking for. I don't do anything complex on laptop. Its just my work a day tool. I do all my main editing, typesetting etc on my main machine. The laptop is purely for me to work when I'm not in the office and I need to do some more writing.
this sounds good. Can the built in processor handle doc format? I assume that would be a no which is why docs to go would be what I'd have to consider.
anyone who's used docs to go on the TF able to chime in?
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
office suit 5 sounds not bad either. I'll do some more reading. like I say, I just want to type already created docs for word.
anything I create fresh will just have basic layout anway. this is sounding pretty good.
a convergence device, capable of doing all the multi media, AND be used for work purposes, presentation work as well. I LIKE
ExploreMN said:
I just sold my Transformer today, but I do have Docs to Go. It is pretty fair. I find the user interface the most lacking, but I might be spoiled by a PC.
Although Asus ships with Polaris Office. I've used it in a pinch, but Docs to Go is much better. I also prefer the FAOTD from Amazon better as well (Office Suite 5 Pro).
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I got office pro when it was free on amazon the other day...quite nice actually.
BTW....what did you get for your TF? I'm thinking its time to sell mine and its dock because I'm going back to my laptop which has no issues with HD video
out of interest what issues did you have with HD vide on the tablet? was this using a native player or an app from the market?
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
thebadfrog said:
BTW....what did you get for your TF?
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$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
thebadfrog said:
It won't play some encoding. I have a ton of mkv with ac3 encoding that just wont play.
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thanks. well that's all right then, cos I don't use MKV files on tablets or my phone.
I stick to flv, avi (with xvid codec) and mp4. so I should be okay then.
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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Thanks....good to know. I have a B40 with a dock so I should be okay then
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda premium
Polaris Office works fine with MS Office files I've tried, onoy gripe I have is it can't read my Open/Libre Office files!
asdfuogh said:
I use open-office, starting to learn to LaTeX
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Using a Debian chroot you can run LaTeX on your TF. TeXLive might be impossible though, never tried it for Linux/ARM.
I am happily using my TF to replace my netbook and workstation, which replaced my laptop; and it has almost replaced my new quadcore desktop. Should note that I don't care about office suites though, lol. I use other tools for that.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk
Hmmm, interesting.. I have some different app I use to run OpenOffice documents. Not on tablet atm so I can't check .
To answer the OP's original question, yes the transformer+dock can replace your laptop GIVEN that you do not try to use it like a laptop.
3 things the OP needs to know.
(1) The transformer ain't no laptop.
(2) Android ain't no windows.
(3) Android ain't no mac OS either.
If you try to use the transformer like a laptop, you will be vastly disappointed. It's like buying a motorcycle and then try to use it like a car. You will complain about the cold weather, the lack of storage space (like the trunk), the lack of a windshield, the air blowing into your face, etc. People don't buy motorcycles and try to use it like a car. Why in the world would you buy a laptop-tablet hybrid and try to use it like a laptop?
I have not touched my laptop for 5 months now. I've found that the transformer has completely replaced my laptop plus more. I can do things with my transformer that I previously could not do with my laptop. Here are just a few things that I need to do with my transformer that I used to do on my laptop.
-Check emails.
-Type reports.
-Create and give presentations.
-Play games.
-Skype.
-Surf.
-Read pdfs.
-Much much more!
Here are some things that I can now do with the TF that I never could have done with a laptop.
-Go on the entire day without even thinking about recharging.
-Carry around just the tablet part in the field for aci and astm references.
-Take hand written notes.
-View autocad drawings on-the-go.
-Much much more.
The point is if you're going to try to use the tablet like a laptop, you will be disappointed. The tablet is an entirely new thing. You need to treat it like a new thing.
Will I do heavy duty things like autocad drawings on my tablet? Probably not. That's what my PC is for.
Now, the part where the transformer is superior to all other tablets. It is not a coincidence that all ipad users I know carry around their ipads for fun and games and their clunky laptops for real work. I only carry around my transformer+dock for everything.
Just the other day, I saw a guy sitting across the room typing on his laptop. Now, this was one of the guys who for months kept telling me I should have gotten an ipad 2 instead of a cheap imitation (the transformer). I went over to make small talks. Eventually, I asked him where his ipad was and what he's been using it for. He told me he uses it to play games every once in a while and that he now thinks he wasted money on it. That answer surprised me, because for months he was convinced his ipad was much better than my transformer. As I was about to turn around and went back to my thing, he said, "yeah, I should have gotten what you have" nodding at my transformer+dock sitting across the room.
So, if you want to get a tablet that you have for bragging rights, get the ipad2. If you want something that's worth your investment, get the transformer.
@ above poster. that was precisely my reasoning.
I only use my laptop to type when I'm out and about but all the other media stuff I know do on a pad. ergo. if android can now handle office stuff well with docs to go or some other office suite software and can open doc files, then I've found exactly what will suit my needs.
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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Was that for just the TF or the TF and a dock?
---------- Post added at 07:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 AM ----------
ExploreMN said:
$350 for the TF and a nice carbon fiber case. But it was a B60 model which seems to sell better. The person buying it said he was looking everywhere for this version and none of the other on CL for weeks were the rootable ones.
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johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
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Personally, I find the Android office suites only good for the simplest projects. For example, I can write fiction using them but not non-fiction or work documents because those need things like robust headers and footers. Polaris is pretty good at viewing my work presentations (which have complex graphics) but not for creating them. And etc.
Overall, I've found the Transformer+dock to be good for doing draft work on-the-go, but not for any complex creative work. The office suites just aren't robust enough. But for just laying down text, it's great--there's just not a better lightweight device with such great battery life and decent keyboard available anywhere, particularly for the price. The Prime is just going to make that equation stronger.
Note: For pure writing without worrying about formatting and such, I've actually been using Evernote. It works well enough, and of course everything I write gets automatically synced to every device I own. It's nice to not have to worry in the slightest about whether my latest version of a document is saved everywhere.
Thanks, prettymuch what I figured. Doesn't dissuade my interest in the device. I'm looking forward to the day when some real high quality productivity stuff gets made...or will hope someone figures a way to dual boot with win 8 down the road =).
After playing with a TF since April I think it is OK for many tasks, but is not a laptop replacement. Too often I find I need to run some applications that is only available for laptops. This is where I think Windows 8 can really shine so I will probably hold off on another 10 inch tablet until I can try something running Windows 8.
johnchad14 said:
I'm looking to cover that laptop aspect with a transformer prime as well. My question is how you subjectively feel the productivity suites on transformer can stack up against a laptops. I've typed a bit on the keyboard and feel comfortable there, but haven't used any android word processors or presentation makers to get a good comparison vs something like ms office software. I know they won't be as powerful, but in practice, do you feel the lack, or are you happy with stuff on transformer?
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I have. I absolutely don't miss my laptop at all. I've created several presentations while on the train with my TF+dock. I've typed many reports with the TF+dock.
Again, I got the TF+dock with the attitude that I needed to learn an entirely new platform to make it productive. And in this, I've succeeded. My laptop has been untouched for 5 months. It will soon go onto ebay.
I've also known some people who got the TF+dock intending to use it like a laptop and then when they couldn't they ***** about it.
Your choice, really, what you want to do with your investment.
Added by edit.
Windows 8 will be a plus. While I do not have a windows 8 tablet, I have some friends who are devs and have gotten their hands on the windows 8 tablet. They've assured me that it's pretty slick, even if it's only a beta. When it comes out, we will be able to enjoy all the full features of microsoft office right on our tablets.
Of course, by then android devs may have already created office apps that have just as much and good functionalities as microsoft office. Only time will tell.
BTW, I've bought all the office apps available on the market. My favorite is office suite pro 5, but others are good, too. My only disappointment is none of the excel functions have something as simple as x-y scatter plot. What I wouldn't give for an android excel app that could do this.
Now that pricing has been revealed. Who's still going to buy? I was on board, but I might wait for the pro since those prices are close to the full Win8 pc's I saw at Best Buy over the weekend.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/16/3271243/microsoft-surface-tablet-pricing-availability
nuprotocol said:
Now that pricing has been revealed. Who's still going to buy? I was on board, but I might wait for the pro since those prices are close to the full Win8 pc's I saw at Best Buy over the weekend.
http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/16/3271243/microsoft-surface-tablet-pricing-availability
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Y u no start a poll using the poll function?
Ncyde47 said:
Y u no start a poll using the poll function?
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sorry. had to think of some good polling questions. its up now! lol
This is too high considering the tablets out and the AMD powered tablets coming.
No buy.
About a year and half ago I bout my wife a (comparable) Asus Transformer for the same price....1.5 YEARS AGO. Currently I am using an Acer w500. My keyboard has 2 extra usb ports, an ethernet port, serves as a cover and (fwiw) "Clicks". cost: $0.
I was really looking forward to buying a surface pro, but if these prices are indicative of the pricing for the pro, I'll have to pass. Nevermind the fact that the only real "feature" that we know about these tablets is the keyboard. With RT I pretty much have not much else to go on, at least with pro, I can still use my existing software.
All that said, I know why they did this - to keep the OEMs happy. They're trying to get those consumers who want a premium product at any price and I'm just not in that camp. I have my Acer w500 with win 8 so I'm not in any rush. Maybe in a few years...
I'll just wait for the Pro. Buying the RT now and the Pro later is going to by some serious $$$$. I'd rather just make one purchase. Most of the stuff I would do on the RT I can do on my phone especially when the Win 8 Phones come out. I like that the Pro has a 1080 screen, displayport out, and USB 3.0. It will take the place of my laptop and it can function as a tablet. Win-Win.
That said, I'd still like to have an RT for longer battery life and for using as a reader at home. I'm sure there will be some people with buyers remorse or will just sell the RT when the Pro comes out. I'll pick up a refurb or used one by then.
thundr51 said:
No buy.
About a year and half ago I bout my wife a (comparable) Asus Transformer for the same price....1.5 YEARS AGO. Currently I am using an Acer w500. My keyboard has 2 extra usb ports, an ethernet port, serves as a cover and (fwiw) "Clicks". cost: $0.
I was really looking forward to buying a surface pro, but if these prices are indicative of the pricing for the pro, I'll have to pass. Nevermind the fact that the only real "feature" that we know about these tablets is the keyboard. With RT I pretty much have not much else to go on, at least with pro, I can still use my existing software.
All that said, I know why they did this - to keep the OEMs happy. They're trying to get those consumers who want a premium product at any price and I'm just not in that camp. I have my Acer w500 with win 8 so I'm not in any rush. Maybe in a few years...
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I guess we have to wait on reviews. I was really really looking forward to purchasing one. I guess $499 is competitive to the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity and the Ipad 3. But those two ecosystems have tons of apps and proven. SurfaceRT is windows w/o being able to install Windows apps. It'll be a real hard sell. My heart was broken over those prices. lol
However, I believe Microsoft knows what their doing and maybe the reviews will show its worth that pricey tag. I went to bestbuy.com and read the reviews for the Asus Infinity and their all pretty positive and it's priced at $499. However, its Android, and I can bring ALL of my droid apps to that tablet. I'm so lost. lol
Tempest790 said:
I'll just wait for the Pro. Buying the RT now and the Pro later is going to by some serious $$$$. I'd rather just make one purchase. Most of the stuff I would do on the RT I can do on my phone especially when the Win 8 Phones come out. I like that the Pro has a 1080 screen, displayport out, and USB 3.0. It will take the place of my laptop and it can function as a tablet. Win-Win.
That said, I'd still like to have an RT for longer battery life and for using as a reader at home. I'm sure there will be some people with buyers remorse or will just sell the RT when the Pro comes out. I'll pick up a refurb or used one by then.
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What if you already have a very nice, powerful, long battery life Windows laptop? Would the Pro still be worth the wait? I'm torn between the RT and the Pro. I have two very high end desktops I built, a powerful Windows laptop and not sure if I should break down and bust out $599 for the Surface RT or wait and sell my laptop and get the pro.
nuprotocol said:
What if you already have a very nice, powerful, long battery life Windows laptop? Would the Pro still be worth the wait? I'm torn between the RT and the Pro. I have two very high end desktops I built, a powerful Windows laptop and not sure if I should break down and bust out $599 for the Surface RT or wait and sell my laptop and get the pro.
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I'm not in that camp. My personal laptop is an older 17" HP that I gave to my daughter anyway. I have a work laptop that I use but it's a Dell 17" laptop. I'm looking for something smaller. I'm done with 17" laptops and 2 hour battery lifes and that's on a good day.
Unfortunately, I need legacy program support, specifically Microsoft Access. MS Publisher support in RT would be nice too. If MS ever offered that as part of the RT package (even for more money) I'd be all over the RT.
If you already have a powerful, long lasting laptop, I personally would just get the RT since it wouldn't make sense to duplicate the legacy functions anyway. Unless you don't want to lug around two machines (Laptop and Surface RT).
A lot of decisions. Plus, I'd really like to try out that new keyboard before committing to it.
My original plan was to get a slim laptop like the Asus UX31A and the Surface, but I think that's overkill. I see less and less reason to have a full laptop anymore since it's not really what I'm using. I don't use CD/DVD drives anymore, and the new smaller hi-res screens work good for me (I have great eyesight). Might as well just combine them together, and when MS announced the Pro version, it pretty much answered all my needs.
How is it possible that the warranty is just 1 year instead of 2? Even on the european pages of Germany and UK is limited to 1 year...it is actually too weird...
Tempest790 said:
I'm not in that camp. My personal laptop is an older 17" HP that I gave to my daughter anyway. I have a work laptop that I use but it's a Dell 17" laptop. I'm looking for something smaller. I'm done with 17" laptops and 2 hour battery lifes and that's on a good day.
Unfortunately, I need legacy program support, specifically Microsoft Access. MS Publisher support in RT would be nice too. If MS ever offered that as part of the RT package (even for more money) I'd be all over the RT.
If you already have a powerful, long lasting laptop, I personally would just get the RT since it wouldn't make sense to duplicate the legacy functions anyway. Unless you don't want to lug around two machines (Laptop and Surface RT).
A lot of decisions. Plus, I'd really like to try out that new keyboard before committing to it.
My original plan was to get a slim laptop like the Asus UX31A and the Surface, but I think that's overkill. I see less and less reason to have a full laptop anymore since it's not really what I'm using. I don't use CD/DVD drives anymore, and the new smaller hi-res screens work good for me (I have great eyesight). Might as well just combine them together, and when MS announced the Pro version, it pretty much answered all my needs.
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Thanks for the advice!
Uk Prices http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.257929400
Cheaper to get in in US even with sales tax.
I just got a shock! After reading the specs below it seems there is no NFC!!! I am so disappointed. I want a tablet that is future proof. Seems the Asus Vivo Tab is the best right now.
http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msuk/en_GB/pdp/productID.257929400#tab5
Very sad to see such a high price. Will fail. I won't be buying now, even the pro.
I'll wait for Google Nexus 10.1 with 2560×1600 pixel screen 299ppi versus the new iPad’s 264ppi. What's the point of these ****ty screen? 1300 x 728 on a 10 inch?
Oh and I am sure there will be ports of the RT version to other arm tabs...
Seems too high, I will wait for the Pro prices.
$299 Awesome. $399 Awesome. $499 with the touch cover? Awesome.
$599 for a bottom of the line with a touch cover? DOA.
I was spreading the word of these Win8 RT tablets like they were the gospel but if price gouging is going to be the M.O. then I guess there's no reason to slow down the iPad app development.
Balls in your court, MS. Try not to zune this up :crying:
mdomino said:
$299 Awesome. $399 Awesome. $499 with the touch cover? Awesome.
$599 for a bottom of the line with a touch cover? DOA.
I was spreading the word of these Win8 RT tablets like they were the gospel but if price gouging is going to be the M.O. then I guess there's no reason to slow down the iPad app development.
Balls in your court, MS. Try not to zune this up :crying:
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I don't think it's DOA, but I agree that being just $100 cheaper would have opened up even more sales. $499 with the touch cover would really be the sweet spot for a lot of people. However, I wouldn't be surprised if MS drops the price $100 after the holidays to keep interest in the Surface throughout 2013. I think it would be a smart move by MS to cash in on the early adopters (like Nokia is cashing in on me for the Lumia 920). Around March to May next year, MS should drop the price and watch them fly even more.
Since MS is only selling it online and through their stores, they are pretty much selling to those who already knew about the Surface and wanted it anyway. Once you start seeing the Surface at Best Buy and other retailers is when MS will need to adjust the price point.
I am not going to pay 599 USD for a tablet that is just running WinRT.. For a few hundred bucks more, I can get a tablet running full-fledged Windows 8 and I would rather buy that. While there may or may not be many apps for the Metro-style interface, I can get pretty much all applications I want for the standard Windows which can also handle the Metro-apps anyways.
So,too bad for you Microsoft.
the blogs and comments I've read say the same thing: Microsoft misinterpreted interest in the surface and prices it badly. they expected lines around the corner like an apple event, and are going to find out its not happening for rt.
hopefully they didn't poison the well for the future x86 tablets.... cause when users lay this much money for a device with windows all over it, they expect it to run windows programs. all of them.
Probably not. You won't see lines around the corner for this or other Win8 tablets. However, over time, I think it will eventually surpass the iPad and definitely Android. As more and more Win8 (both RT and Pro versions) machines are sold, the creation of apps is going to skyrocket as people try to cash in on being first. Some iPad and Android developers may initially balk at RT but when they see their competitors getting more and more of the lion's share, it will become a "me too" attitude as they jump in. Despite the naysayers and gloom predictions, I would bet that three years from now when MS is ready to release Win9, the RT ecosystem will be supporting 100,000's of apps. More importantly, it will begin to support big name apps. Imagine a Photoshop RT version from Adobe. Why concede the photo market to some other third player? Granted, it will take time, but I believe it will happen.
The real good news is that Win8 Phone uses pretty much the same OS and system so once those apps get created, it will be very easy to port them to the phone. Basically, you create one app and you get up to four target markets: desktop, laptop, tablet, and phone. No other provider or OS will have this advantage.
But, I might be wrong...
I am fuming at the price! Americans think its bad check out the UK price! I am a huge MS fanboi I admit that openly I own a Zune I have had 3 Windows Phones I have xbox my wife has windows phone I use windows on desktop and laptop and at work including server AD Exchange etc.
I love it all but I will not and cannot accept this price! MS is really taking the p**s now! This was my gripe with Apple and now MS has joined them. Looks like its time to build bridges with Android.
Hey guys, I've been looking up on the surface and it's perfect for me. I've never liked tablets because of the keyboard issue so this is great for me.
as I've never had a tablet or anything like this before so my question may be stupid but can I download programs and use them or is it just like apps and stuff? I mean if it was a normal computer but just so thin and compact it would be great and i think that's why I'm mistaking this to be.
I thought as it's a windows 8 tablet that programs on PC that were coded for windows 8 PC would work on the surface?
UrbanDesigns said:
Hey guys, I've been looking up on the surface and it's perfect for me. I've never liked tablets because of the keyboard issue so this is great for me.
as I've never had a tablet or anything like this before so my question may be stupid but can I download programs and use them or is it just like apps and stuff? I mean if it was a normal computer but just so thin and compact it would be great and i think that's why I'm mistaking this to be.
I thought as it's a windows 8 tablet that programs on PC that were coded for windows 8 PC would work on the surface?
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You are right and wrong.
surface by microsoft is of two types.
-surface rt
-surface pro.
surface rt is powered by nvidia arm tegra 3 processor. this will allow it to ONLY run windows app created for ARM processor. so with this you will only be able to use apps downloaded from windows store(previously known as metro apps). this tab will be lighter, cheaper and is already available on microsoft stores.
surface pro on the other hand is powere by intel sandy bridge processors built on x86 architecture. this means it has the same architecture as old windows machines and will run older programmes made for windows 7, vista etc. also it will be able to run apps downloaded from windows store(metro apps). this tab will be bulkier, and more expensive and is expected to be available by the end of the year.
from your post i think you should stick with the surface pro. hope i ans ur question.
spaco22 provided great answers, but I think the real question is - what stuff (apps/programs) do you want to download and use?
The Surface RT comes with Office, media player, etc. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon video, and has an "app store".
If you want to install and run "any" Windows program, I agree with spaco22, you'll want the Pro, or, IMO, spend another hundred or two and get an Ultrabook or convertible. You'll have a better overall "full Windows" experience than on the Surface Pro.
mk1151 said:
spaco22 provided great answers, but I think the real question is - what stuff (apps/programs) do you want to download and use?
The Surface RT comes with Office, media player, etc. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon video, and has an "app store".
If you want to install and run "any" Windows program, I agree with spaco22, you'll want the Pro, or, IMO, spend another hundred or two and get an Ultrabook or convertible. You'll have a better overall "full Windows" experience than on the Surface Pro.
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Just everyday programs that I use on my computer, I like the idea of the Surface cause of how thin it is but if the pro version is bulkier then I don't think I'd bother.
Thanks for answering guys!
UrbanDesigns said:
Just everyday programs that I use on my computer, I like the idea of the Surface cause of how thin it is but if the pro version is bulkier then I don't think I'd bother.
Thanks for answering guys!
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Its worth a note that surface pro isn't the only x86 windows 8 tablet. If you want skinny then you could look up atom basses tablets as they can be just as slim though you will lose power so don't expect call of duty, though the new amd chips had it running at 30fps but then your thicker again. Also note that almost all keyboards can work even with Rt let alonr pro. I have a surface but i don't use the touchpad as its a bit restrictive ie you need a flat surface, so i use a mac Bluetooth keyboard and it works a great and is almost as slim and 100x more practical est with the kickstand.
mk1151 said:
spaco22 provided great answers, but I think the real question is - what stuff (apps/programs) do you want to download and use?
The Surface RT comes with Office, media player, etc. It works with Netflix, Hulu, Amazon video, and has an "app store".
If you want to install and run "any" Windows program, I agree with spaco22, you'll want the Pro, or, IMO, spend another hundred or two and get an Ultrabook or convertible. You'll have a better overall "full Windows" experience than on the Surface Pro.
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Yeah but the pro is going to be over $1000 depending on what model and you are saying spending a few hundred more for an ultrabook. The point being is the surface rt and ipads are limited but for most users will be fine for daily computing. Yes they don't run legacy apps but looking forward , future software will be designed for that platform if Win8 has a strong install base and legacy apps will not really be needed / wanted in many cases.
the atom based tablet looks good, plus it has 4G LTE which is a bonus
im not looking to play call of duty on it but i just want something that's powerful and run normal programs. there's not apps for everything I need to do.
Thanks for the heads up on RT vs PRO. Might have to reconsider buying the RT and going straight to Pro
I've been excited about the Surface since it was first announced... and my excitement held true even after getting my hands on a demo unit... but now, considering the price, looking at the future of Windows RT and finally their announcement that they're cutting order amounts has me second guessing my upcoming purchase.
I just don't think it's a viable platform anymore, I feel like RT will be dead in a year and this device will be the Commodore Amiga of the Tablet world.
Any current users feel the same? Differently? I'm just scared to buy one now.
ih8sense said:
I've been excited about the Surface since it was first announced... and my excitement held true even after getting my hands on a demo unit... but now, considering the price, looking at the future of Windows RT and finally their announcement that they're cutting order amounts has me second guessing my upcoming purchase.
I just don't think it's a viable platform anymore, I feel like RT will be dead in a year and this device will be the Commodore Amiga of the Tablet world.
Any current users feel the same? Differently? I'm just scared to buy one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You bought a good tablet, mate. build quality and software is awesome, that's why u got interested in the first place.
On the other hand, will it get support?, i believe in time it will. My reasons is touch screen. Touch is the future, yes x86 apps already exist but they dont exist in touch. So the future being touch will revolutionize the existing apps for touch and this will make room for metro apps. And this is were rt will win.
Secondly the future is portable, x86 is not, rt is. Windows 8 is bridge to what will become sindows of the future, a touch only windows. Besides if MS fails in marketing RT, someone else will want a cut of the pie and market RT.
Lastly, modders will break this device before xmas, sideloading will b possible,emulation will happen and i foresee a future were android emulators will run on this beast. A lot will happen
RT has potential, surface may fail but RT will not cos its light weight and its future proof.
I think RT will not fail. PPL will wait till they see their lovely apps on it but they will come. Windows is used on more than 90% of the computers in the world. So I think its just a matter of time to developers finish and publish their apps. Even if winRT won't get as popular as win8, the code is almost the same which makes easy to publish the same app for Arm.
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express
you know, the only pros of surface pro over surface IMO is the MKV support and 1080p screen.
2 things that made me return surface are
- lack of MKV support (which 90% of my movies are in mkv)
- low resolution. When i used it while lying down the bed, i tend to use it closer to my eyes than when i'm sitting down. The text doesn't look crisp and i can see pixels in the pictures.
If those 2 reasons won't bother you, surface is one hell of a tablet and for 499$, it's a steal. Remember that it's a tablet, apps would be optimized for touchscreen and you will have great mobility over laptop. The apps are pretty limited for now but i believe developers will start developing for it. I love the surface even though i return it.
I think that the biggest hurdle for Windows RT is the WinRT runtime. It's horribly gimped. I was honestly amazed at how god awful and stunted C# was in WinRT. It's almost as if they intentionally limited it for reasons only MS knows.
First off, Microsoft haven't announced a halving of orders. It is merely conjecture. What they have announced is support for Surface RT until 2017 though we dont know any details around this.
I dont think that Windows RT will be a big platform in the way that other lightweight OS's are - iOS and Android - but I do think it offers something unique. If you use tons of popular apps on other platforms, you will be disappointed in the Surface RT. If you live in a web browser, you will love Surface RT. I am not sure this will change unless those apps come for Windows 8 and can also be cross compiled for Windows RT.
If a 10" tablet is what you want and it fits your life, I see only 2 usable options - an iPad or a Surface RT. Android is awful on 10" tablets.
Sounds to me though that if you want the form factor the Surface brings, then Surface Pro might be more suitable, but I am not convinced it is a viable tablet as Windows desktop mode is horrible to use with touch.
quoted:
Sounds to me though that if you want the form factor the Surface brings, then Surface Pro might be more suitable, but I am not convinced it is a viable tablet as Windows desktop mode is horrible to use with touch.
pro =$1000, 4ish hour battery life.
no sales numbers released from rt.
ruh roh.
What about the Lenovo Twist? Windows 8 Pro, i5, 128gb SSD 12.5 touch screen and it is a tablet and laptop.. I returned my Surface and bought a Twist for $699 on BF.. Hoping it will do it all....
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Got to agree with some of the above posts.
RT is the future of windows, it is the new NT, and some of us older users will remember how that was initially received...
The Surface RT is one helluva sexy tablet. In build quality, specs, and screen beauty it just is awesome. Really without software it is way ahead of the whole pack..... I played with it a long time....
But every time I interacted with the windows interface, there was just that familiar slow feeling. I am even now very serious about the Surface RT and am hotly debating buying it. But the software is just slightly underwhelming. I love the Metro interface, but not whats under it.
IF you do web browisng, games, movies and pics ONLY - this is an ABSOLUTELY must buy. The gorgeous experience is unbeatable. But the whole interaction at the windows level tends to wake me up from my dream. Having support for proper PowerPoint with HDMI ouput makes this a traveling presentation platform etc. But apps? apps? apps? You cannot entice people if the apps are missing - you cannot say " buy it now, I guarantee that apps are coming". It does not work with consumers. That it may lead to a slow down fro the Surface is one of my biggest fears.
On a tablet I browse the internet, listen to music, read books, email, and watch some sports. So by my own standard I should buy it. But Windows keeps me away...
One thing I do not agree about as said above - that windows desktop is not for touch. Using the touch laptops I find this to be quite intuitive, coming from a tablet world. Yes, on vertical screens one's hands can get tired to do a lot of touching - holding it up to the screen for extended periods. But I find it much more natural than trackpads - I hate trackpads, even Apple's "magic" trackpad ....
My 2 cents.... I need to decide if I just want a tablet, or a tablet that can double as a small laptop.
saryu said:
you know, the only pros of surface pro over surface IMO is the MKV support and 1080p screen.
2 things that made me return surface are
- lack of MKV support (which 90% of my movies are in mkv)
- low resolution. When i used it while lying down the bed, i tend to use it closer to my eyes than when i'm sitting down. The text doesn't look crisp and i can see pixels in the pictures.
If those 2 reasons won't bother you, surface is one hell of a tablet and for 499$, it's a steal. Remember that it's a tablet, apps would be optimized for touchscreen and you will have great mobility over laptop. The apps are pretty limited for now but i believe developers will start developing for it. I love the surface even though i return it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In less than a month after the release there are at least two applications tha support some mkv. They are still not perfect but it took developers more than a year to get the same result for the iPad.
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express Pro
---------- Post added at 01:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 AM ----------
Yes, I'm worry about the cut down the numbers of orders for RT reported by suppliers and Microsoft rushing to release the PRO version acting like it will be the saver.
http://ultramobilepc-tips.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-high-risk-behind-surface-pro.html#links
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express Pro
ctitanic said:
In less than a month after the release there are at least two applications tha support some mkv. They are still not perfect but it took developers more than a year to get the same result for the iPad.
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express Pro
---------- Post added at 01:38 AM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 AM ----------
Yes, I'm worry about the cut down the numbers of orders for RT reported by suppliers and Microsoft rushing to release the PRO version acting like it will be the saver.
http://ultramobilepc-tips.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-high-risk-behind-surface-pro.html#links
Sent from my Windows 8 device using Board Express Pro
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
After hearing the pricing of the pro and the battery limitations, I actually like my Surface RT more now. Unfortunately there is so much pressure for it to beat the IPAD that people write it off without giving it a chance . I like it more and more every day.
ih8sense said:
I've been excited about the Surface since it was first announced... and my excitement held true even after getting my hands on a demo unit... but now, considering the price, looking at the future of Windows RT and finally their announcement that they're cutting order amounts has me second guessing my upcoming purchase.
I just don't think it's a viable platform anymore, I feel like RT will be dead in a year and this device will be the Commodore Amiga of the Tablet world.
Any current users feel the same? Differently? I'm just scared to buy one now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It very depends on your propose, what you need for it.
for me, i do need a lot excel , ppt, word, and I tried do it on iPad, it sucks. I own a Macbook Air, but a bit trouble while checking something on street .....
After testing Surface for an hour, I love it. Of course if you looking for fun more than a working tab, its not a good choice at this moment as lack of apps support.
Just hope Chrome will come and get more apps soon , then will be the king of tablet im sure.
guitar1969 said:
After hearing the pricing of the pro and the battery limitations, I actually like my Surface RT more now. Unfortunately there is so much pressure for it to beat the IPAD that people write it off without giving it a chance . I like it more and more every day.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. I can't put the damn thing down! The browser experience is sensational. And Xbox music is phenomenally good! I mean free streaming music, albeit with fairly unobtrusive add support.
And as for apps you needn't worry. The company I work for has figured out that Windows 8 is going onto every budget laptop from here on out and the Windows 8 marketplace presents a great opportunity. As such are having their iOS & Android app ported to Win8 as we speak.
Also as another example the impetus to get into Windows 8/RT the VLC Player devs are going to the extreme of going to Kickstarter for funding to hire full time devs to get VLC Player into the Windows 8 marketplace as fast as possible... http://www.wpcentral.com/vlc-starts-kickstarter-windows-8-and-beyond-development-funding
So I sincerely believe the WINRT app catalogue will really take off.
Also, you know it's a good device when the missus is continually wanting it off you!
I agree with others... The RT has a good life to it. The problem IMO, is that people are holding out to see the Pro, then they'll decide.
Honestly I think people will end up with the RT over the Pro.
You just can't use a 10" screen for full desktop applications. It doesn't work.
Also, and this is big, the Pro is not using a Run Time system, that means you must shut it down when not in use, it will suspend instead of sleep, and it will go through battery like mad (they expect 4 hours max).
If you like how fast the Surface RT turns on, and how your e-mails, status updates, and calendar reminders are there, kiss that goodbye with the Pro. It is, for all intents and purposes, a PC in a thin form factor. An engineering marvel for sure, but I think people will expect it to be like the Surface RT, iPad, or Android tab just beefier. When they find out it isn't, I think RT sales will shoot up.
I also read somewhere that the Surface is not optimized to use all the 5 cores of the Tegra3 and it is still running crippled. I believe it came from Nvidia themselves. Once fixed, it should be more responsive. I hope so, because it does seem a bit slow in opening apps and such, although it is tolerable.
guitar1969 said:
I also read somewhere that the Surface is not optimized to use all the 5 cores of the Tegra3 and it is still running crippled. I believe it came from Nvidia themselves. Once fixed, it should be more responsive. I hope so, because it does seem a bit slow in opening apps and such, although it is tolerable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Microsoft will continue to optimise the base firmware of the device to improve performance. They've released one such update already and there will be plenty more to come.
Just look how far they've pushed the Xbox 360.
Hi,
I'm in the market for a new tablet and I am thinking to buy a Microsoft Surface RT (the 1st gen). My biggest concern regarding this tablet is the problem with the lag that I've heard people complaining about. I've tried to find if this problem has been fixed with the update to Windows RT 8.1, but without much success. Do you guys have any feedback?
My budget is around 300 euros and I've been looking at Surface tablets and the Google Nexus 10, which is currently on discount. I think I would like the Surface more, but the potential issues with the lag have made me reconsider a bit.
What I plan to use the tablet for:
- Web browsing
- Reading
- Movies (is the surface able to handle 1080p? i might connect it to a tv)
- Some light document editing (this is where the Surface would be really handy)
I'm not interested too much in the app ecosystem (Android vs MS Store), so I wouldn't see that as a disadvantage when compared to the Nexus.
Thanks!
PS: Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place.
dark_master said:
Hi,
I'm in the market for a new tablet and I am thinking to buy a Microsoft Surface RT (the 1st gen). My biggest concern regarding this tablet is the problem with the lag that I've heard people complaining about. I've tried to find if this problem has been fixed with the update to Windows RT 8.1, but without much success. Do you guys have any feedback?
My budget is around 300 euros and I've been looking at Surface tablets and the Google Nexus 10, which is currently on discount. I think I would like the Surface more, but the potential issues with the lag have made me reconsider a bit.
What I plan to use the tablet for:
- Web browsing
- Reading
- Movies (is the surface able to handle 1080p? i might connect it to a tv)
- Some light document editing (this is where the Surface would be really handy)
I'm not interested too much in the app ecosystem (Android vs MS Store), so I wouldn't see that as a disadvantage when compared to the Nexus.
Thanks!
PS: Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try and save up to buy the Pro 2 Version because you will get let down buy the RT 2, it is sooooo limited
You will fall in love with it but be disappointed, like a beautiful woman who can only cook one sort of food.. Lamb and Smash are a while you will want the full meal..
I love the Surface but hate the way I got robbed by their MS Surface RT 2.
I want more..
dark_master said:
Hi,
What I plan to use the tablet for:
- Web browsing
- Reading
- Movies (is the surface able to handle 1080p? i might connect it to a tv)
- Some light document editing (this is where the Surface would be really handy)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The RT will be more than able to handle this work, and then some. IE 10 (or IE 11 with Windows 8.1) are nicely-capable and standards-compliant browsers. The only lag that I ever notice here is when I visit a web site that is thick with awful Flash crap (usually ads). I found that this problem was significantly reduced after I turned on ad blocking as described in the Tricks and Tips thread.
As far as reading goes, there is a Kindle app that works nicely for any Kindle books that you own. The built-in Reader app will give you access to document formats like PDF; although, for my money it is limited. The App Store has some more capable alternatives. I find that I really enjoy using the Surface in Portrait mode for reading, as I can see a lot of text at one time.
Movies-wise, there is an excellent Netflix app and Hulu Plus. If you are wanting to watch DVD rips, you'll find that the built-in video app does have a frustratingly-limited selection of formats that it supports. If this is a major concern for you, take some of the media that you want to play on a microSD card to a store that sells RTs and try them out first.
The Surface comes with Office 2013 Home and Student edition, so that will take care of your Word, Excel, PowerPoint editing needs. There are also several free apps that provide excellent choices for general text-editing.
I have a Surface RT, I also have a Surface Pro, the Surface Pro has replaced my Desktop, but I still use my RT for many things and for your money you cannot go wrong, I have/had a Samsung 10.1 tablet, the wife has it now, I just could not go back to it after I got the RT, go for it, you will not be sorry, lag ?, what lag.
I have a Surface RT 32GB which I bought for £160. This thing has replaced my Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 ed. and feels much faster. It feels faster than my old Asus Transformer which used the same chipset. I use this more than my laptop which is I5 with 4GB RAM (HP Envy Spectre). But it won't replace my desktop. So yeah there is no lag. And all the apps you ever need are all on the Windows store like VLC and so on. Definitely a good purchase would recommend. Mine is 32GB (14GB User Available) so would recommend a 64 as I have to use a USB for my movies
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for your replies. If you google surface reviews, in many many of them you see people complaining that the tablet is sluggish. In addition, I've seen videos of 1080p movies having quite a bit of lag, which is why I was concerned.
Would it be better to try and get a Surface 2? From my point of view it doesn't make sense since you get almost the same experience. It's still Windows RT, you just get better performance and a better screen. I'm not sure that's worth an extra 150-200 euros. I'm not really interested in the Surface pro because it's too expensive. The 1st gen might be cheaper, but the battery life is quite bad and I don't want to carry around a charger all the time.
For those of you who upgraded from RT 8 to RT 8.1, was it a noticeable improvement in terms of performance?
dark_master said:
Thanks for your replies. If you google surface reviews, in many many of them you see people complaining that the tablet is sluggish. In addition, I've seen videos of 1080p movies having quite a bit of lag, which is why I was concerned.
Would it be better to try and get a Surface 2? From my point of view it doesn't make sense since you get almost the same experience. It's still Windows RT, you just get better performance and a better screen. I'm not sure that's worth an extra 150-200 euros. I'm not really interested in the Surface pro because it's too expensive. The 1st gen might be cheaper, but the battery life is quite bad and I don't want to carry around a charger all the time.
For those of you who upgraded from RT 8 to RT 8.1, was it a noticeable improvement in terms of performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The list of improvements with the 8.1 update that I have noticed in my surface rt
1. better performance and frame rate in the modern UI
2. Easier navigation for the modern UI
3. New apps became compatible
4. Office feels more fluid
5. Bugs with WiFi performance has gone
6. Better battery life about 8–9 hrs
7. Faster start up
8. Windows store delay bug vanished .
The only con is that no jail break yet for 8
After i got my surface rt, my laptop is collecting dust , along with my android tablets
I'm a teacher and I use office heavily... this thing is enough' for me , and I have the piece of mind I was missing with conventional windows , regarding malware and such...
dark_master said:
Thanks for your replies. If you google surface reviews, in many many of them you see people complaining that the tablet is sluggish. In addition, I've seen videos of 1080p movies having quite a bit of lag, which is why I was concerned.
Would it be better to try and get a Surface 2? From my point of view it doesn't make sense since you get almost the same experience. It's still Windows RT, you just get better performance and a better screen. I'm not sure that's worth an extra 150-200 euros. I'm not really interested in the Surface pro because it's too expensive. The 1st gen might be cheaper, but the battery life is quite bad and I don't want to carry around a charger all the time.
For those of you who upgraded from RT 8 to RT 8.1, was it a noticeable improvement in terms of performance?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well firstly Surface RT isn't 1080 so that could be the problem. I am watching 720p videos and it plays them perfectly. No stutter at all.
The battery life is amazing on this. I'm an Android fanboy so I'd love to slate Microsoft but the battery life on this is very good, lasts for ages. I charge it once every two days, because after one day usage it still has juice and I'm watching movies, heavy internet browsing and so on
Sent from my HTC One using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
bottom line
Buying advice ..bottom line
Don't believe reviews on the net .. this tablet is good
Surface 2 has the advantages in gaming and dual position kick stand ,, as a teacher I don't care about that
Touch cover is terrific
First gen surface rt became stable and good for the money just go for it ...
Who told you that battery life is bad ,, or there is lag ? This is not true man .. just to be on the safe side ,, do a complete reset in the recovery before updating to the new 81 ..and it will take time maybe full day
Go for it : Microsoft Surface RT
Don’t worry just go for the tablet, my friend bought it and he told me that it has a
USB ports and also expandable memory and believe me I have never seen him charging it as it has a long battery life. He says that it provides the best of reading and typing experience to its user. It is very light and one the MOST POPULAR iOS and android app in the market. Hope so it helped.
As said the RT is only 720p but it is fine for looking at movies but the Surface 2 has a better screen but just don't believe what people say about the lag on it. You can make it a fantastic piece of kit with just a few adjustments which I found on here and other sites.
The Surface 2 can take advantage of the same adjustments which makes it even faster again.
I had a Nexus 7 (2013) and the RT is faster than that ever was plus I don't have the Google [email protected] and the battery for me lasts between 10 and 13 hours.
Pros:
Metal casing makes it feel premium and durable.
The screen is bright and the colors are vivid even with auto brightness turned on.
Unlike most of the tablets it has a full usb 2.0 port so you don`t need an otg cable.
If you get a (touch) cover you will not need a tablet case.
Kickstand.
Charger does not rely on usb. That means faster charging and longer charger cable.
Cons:
Its heavy because of the metal casing.
The cameras are pure garbage for taking photos. However they are super fine for skype and 720p(and 800p) videos.
The touch cover sometimes misses keystrokes(maybe I need to push it harder?).
The SoC is old (from 2012) so some apps and future updates might not run super smooth.
If you are interested in running anything else other than windows Secure Boot will say nope.
The Surface runs on windows RT which means no desktop applications (not because you are not able to, because microsoft said nope, see windows RT jailbreak) except for ms office, basic windows utilities (minus media player) and IE.However you can get all the apps from the Windows Store (well not all just the arm compatible ones, see VLC). It has reached a hundred thousand apps, some of them are very useful.
Windows RT is certainly closer to a real operating system than iOS or Android. Windows Explorer is an excellent file manager and IE is a desktop browser, so you will always get the full featured website (and not the mobile optimized one).It also has full Flash support out of the box!
Unless you only run ms office and browse the web with your desktop/main computer surface rt will NOT replace your desktop. Even jailbroken will still run very few (though useful) desktop applications.
Windows RT IS Windows but microsoft decided they needed to have absolute control over what is running on it. If they had it open I am sure many applications would have been ported on arm (just as many did on 64bit, its just a matter of compilation). That lockdown is the reason windows on arm never really succeeded(and why the 600 dollar surface came down to 150 with the touch cover...). WinRT(Windows RunTime not the os) is very limited and runs on a sandbox so dont expect any functionality near the one of the classic windows applications (or some android ones) on Windows Store Apps.
Overall I would recommend Asus T100A or some of the Bay Trail tablets that will run everything your laptop or desktop does and have better performance compared to Tegra 3( its equal to Tegra 4 or Snapdragon 800). However you will get worse battery life compared to the arm processors(6-8 hrs atom vs 10-12hrs on arm) and sometimes worse build quality for the same price.
If you are happy with what you can do with ms office and IE on the windows desktop then go for it. Its an excellent tablet with a keyboard on a good price.
If you want to run some of the popular windows tools (Visual Studio, Notepad ++, Sublime Text, 7 Zip, Vlc, Chrome etc...) then you need a bay trail tab.
Personally I thought I could work with Surface RT but after a week of using it on 8.1 I downgraded on RT to get the jailbreak. I use it a lot more than my android tab( nexus 7), but still after a month of usage I feel it is awfully limited.
It seems that you guys have convinced me to go for the surface. There was a good deal this weekend for the Nexus 10, but decided that it's better to get what i like .
Anyway, would it be better to get a new surface rt or a second hand surface 2? I've found a guy who has one for sale with 3 month warranty on it (about 9 months old), but he does not have the receipt. Do you know if you need it in case of any issues?
You can take it to a MS store for service no problem. If you don't have one nearby though... not sure. I *think* they won't care (use the serial number to track it, maybe?) but I can't swear it.