There's a certain amount of confusion surrounding Microsoft's dual entry into the tablet space. There are two Surface tablets-at first glance, they look identical, and even the OSes (operating systems) look essentially the same.
But they really are different. We'll help you choose the one that best meets your needs. First, some commonalities: Both devices feature 10.6-inch displays, full-sized USB ports, MiroSD slots to expand storage, and HD video tablet's display on a TV, monitor, or projector.
Two combination keyboard/cases are available for both devices: the very thin Touch Cover, the latter of which features movable keys for a true keyboard feel.
The Surface RT runs Windows RT, a tablet OS that runs tablet-based apps, several of which are available at the Windows Store.
The RT comes in 32GB and 64GB versions, is .37 inches thick, and features a 1366 x 768 display. It offers stereo speakers, a full-size USB 2.0 port, a headset jack, and HD video our. The battery is replaceable (but only by an authorized service center) and is good up to 8 hours.
Tablet-base Office apps are included, with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT pre-installed.
The suite includes version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and One Note that have been optimized for tablets. Because the device and its small footprint OS draw so little power, the Surface RT stays connected even in Standby mode and automatically downloads system and updates.
If you don't need the power of a full-blown desktop-type OS or the ability to run business apps, the RT is a good fit.
If you're a business user (or a student whose coursework requires heavy-duty software such as video editing or desktop publishing applications), then you may be willing to trade off the RT's light weight and great battery life for something that combines a tablet's portability with a desktop machine's processing power. If so, the Surface Pro is a viable option.
The Pro is thicker than the RT (about 1/2 inch compared to about 1/3 inch) and also a bit heavier (2 pounds compared to 1.5 pounds). It comes in 64GB and 128GB versions, and offers many of the same ports and connectors that are available on the RT. (One possibly important difference: The USB port on the Pro is USB 3.0, while the RT's is a USB 2.0 port.)
On the Pro, you can run desktop versions of the full-blown Office suite, including Microsoft Office 2013 or the subscription-based Office 365. (You can also install Office 2010 by connecting an externel CD or DVD drive.)
The Pro includes a variety of applications preinstalled, including Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; and Xbox Music, Video, and Games.
Battery life on the Pro is less than that of the RT, mainly because of the Pro's much greater processing power. For that reasons, apps do not auto-update; when you shut the system down, it shuts all the way down.
The Pro's 1920 x 1080 resolution is better than the RT's, though the 16:9 format remains the same. The Surface Pr's biggest selling point is that it allows you to run with Windows 7 and Windows 8 programs, including custom apps written for your workplace. It also allows you to join network domains and use a standard Window VPN to access your workplace network remotely.
One more plus, if you happen to looking for some relaxation in the midst of all of that work: The Surface Pro will run many Xbox games, although some minor Xbox-specific functionality may be missing.
The upshot is that the Pro is an impressive combination of desktop power and and tablet convenience.
But they really are different. We'll help you choose the one that best meets your needs. First, some commonalities: Both devices feature 10.6-inch displays, full-sized USB ports, MiroSD slots to expand storage, and HD video tablet's display on a TV, monitor, or projector.
Two combination keyboard/cases are available for both devices: the very thin Touch Cover, the latter of which features movable keys for a true keyboard feel.
The Surface RT runs Windows RT, a tablet OS that runs tablet-based apps, several of which are available at the Windows Store.
The RT comes in 32GB and 64GB versions, is .37 inches thick, and features a 1366 x 768 display. It offers stereo speakers, a full-size USB 2.0 port, a headset jack, and HD video our. The battery is replaceable (but only by an authorized service center) and is good up to 8 hours.
Tablet-base Office apps are included, with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT pre-installed.
The suite includes version of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and One Note that have been optimized for tablets. Because the device and its small footprint OS draw so little power, the Surface RT stays connected even in Standby mode and automatically downloads system and updates.
If you don't need the power of a full-blown desktop-type OS or the ability to run business apps, the RT is a good fit.
If you're a business user (or a student whose coursework requires heavy-duty software such as video editing or desktop publishing applications), then you may be willing to trade off the RT's light weight and great battery life for something that combines a tablet's portability with a desktop machine's processing power. If so, the Surface Pro is a viable option.
The Pro is thicker than the RT (about 1/2 inch compared to about 1/3 inch) and also a bit heavier (2 pounds compared to 1.5 pounds). It comes in 64GB and 128GB versions, and offers many of the same ports and connectors that are available on the RT. (One possibly important difference: The USB port on the Pro is USB 3.0, while the RT's is a USB 2.0 port.)
On the Pro, you can run desktop versions of the full-blown Office suite, including Microsoft Office 2013 or the subscription-based Office 365. (You can also install Office 2010 by connecting an externel CD or DVD drive.)
The Pro includes a variety of applications preinstalled, including Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; and Xbox Music, Video, and Games.
Battery life on the Pro is less than that of the RT, mainly because of the Pro's much greater processing power. For that reasons, apps do not auto-update; when you shut the system down, it shuts all the way down.
The Pro's 1920 x 1080 resolution is better than the RT's, though the 16:9 format remains the same. The Surface Pr's biggest selling point is that it allows you to run with Windows 7 and Windows 8 programs, including custom apps written for your workplace. It also allows you to join network domains and use a standard Window VPN to access your workplace network remotely.
One more plus, if you happen to looking for some relaxation in the midst of all of that work: The Surface Pro will run many Xbox games, although some minor Xbox-specific functionality may be missing.
The upshot is that the Pro is an impressive combination of desktop power and and tablet convenience.
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