I am what you might call a power user when it comes to computers. I maintained computers and computer controlled equipment at work and supported a network of more than 30 computers. I have three computers at my home desk and use all of them to write, manipulate graphics, do CAD and IT related stuff. I like computers, smartphones and tablets and think the Internet is the best invention since sliced bread. I prefer to use stable and mature equipment rather than go for cutting edge stuff. I have used a Nook Color for nearly two years and just finished heavily using an iPad for more than a week during a marathon paddling event. As a result I think I have a unique ability to review such technology. These are my first thoughts about the Microsoft Surface Tablet.
Specs for the first Surface Tablet to be released: Information straight from the Microsoft website.
OS: Windows RT
Weight: 676 grams (1.49 pounds)
Thickness: 9.3 mm
Screen: 10.6″ ClearType HD Display
Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Configuration: 32 or 64 GB
Specs for the second tablet to be released a few months later:
Os: Windows 8 Pro
Weight: 903 grams (1.99 pounds)
Thickness: 13.5 mm
Screen: 10.6″ Cleartype HD Display
Connectivity: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Configuration: 64 or 128 GB
Both tablets come with a cover that flips down to become a keyboard and a built-in stand. There are few specifics given, but you can read a hands on review here.
I don’t believe tablets are productive devices. Rather they are “receiver” type devices–devices from which we browse, read email, view pictures, videos, etc. I have yet to produce any amount of real work on a tablet. The navigation and input are not convenient for production. My e-reader tablet has become essential however. For a full week an iPad proved to be adequate for receiving information, tracking, GPS navigation and limited browsing during a competitive marathon paddling event. The iPad was slow and underpowered for anything else. This is my experience with tablets using operating systems primarily derived from and for smartphones and other ARM processor based devices.
I will closely watch the Windows Surface Tablets as they are released and distributed. It looks like Microsoft may have actually done something good here. Tablets need to be more convenient, quicker and much more powerful. I don’t like purchasing a device with proprietary software, but that’s about all we can get with tablets–even Android. Strangely enough it may be the MS Windows 8 Pro Surface Tablet that gives power and flexibility to a device that hasn’t really found a true niche yet. As a techno-junkie I’m chomping at the bit to buy a powerful tablet. Will the Windows Surface Tablet be the one I buy?
