Unveiling Microsoft Surface Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface is a series of touchscreen-based personal computers and interactive whiteboards designed and developed by Microsoft. First announced in October 2012 and released in November of the same year, the series marked Microsoft’s entry into the premium tablet and laptop markets. The initial models, including the Surface RT, were designed to showcase the capabilities of the new Windows 8 operating system. The device has evolved over the years, offering a variety of models to suit different needs, including laptops, tablets, and even a desktop, the Surface Studio.

Design and Build

The Surface RT was Microsoft's first tablet, featuring a sleek and professional design that set it apart from other tablets available at the time. It measured 274.6 x 172 x 9.4 mm and weighed 680.4 grams, making it relatively portable for its size. The device's dark titanium finish added a touch of elegance and durability. However, it lacked cellular connectivity, which was a downside for users looking for connectivity options on the go.

Display

The Surface RT featured a 10.6-inch TFT display, with a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels. This large screen was suitable for both professional and personal use, providing ample space for multitasking and media consumption. Despite its low pixel density of approximately 148 PPI, the display offered good color reproduction with a contrast ratio of 1324:1, resulting in vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Performance

Under the hood, the Surface RT was powered by an Nvidia Tegra 3 T30 chipset, featuring a Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A9 CPU and ULP GeForce GPU. While these specifications were adequate for basic tasks and media playback, the device struggled with more intensive applications and multitasking, a limitation of the Windows RT operating system and the 2GB of RAM provided. Nonetheless, it served as a suitable device for users who required basic computing capabilities on the go.

Memory and Storage

The Surface RT offered two storage options: 32GB and 64GB, both of which included 2GB of RAM. While the internal storage might not have sufficed for heavy users or large media collections, the presence of a microSDXC card slot allowed users to expand the storage capacity easily. This feature made the Surface RT more versatile by providing additional storage for apps, media, and documents.

Camera and Multimedia

The device came equipped with a single 1.2 MP rear camera capable of recording 720p video, as well as a similar 1.2 MP front-facing camera. While these cameras were not suitable for professional photography, they were adequate for video conferencing and basic photography needs. The inclusion of stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack ensured decent audio quality for media consumption, while the built-in USB 2.0 port and OTG support allowed for the connection of various peripherals.

Connectivity and Sensors

The Surface RT offered Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n with dual-band support, as well as Bluetooth 4.0, allowing for wireless connectivity with compatible devices. However, it lacked cellular connectivity, NFC, and radio, which limited its usability on the go. Despite these limitations, the integrated sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, and compass, provided added functionality for certain applications and games.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a non-removable Li-Ion battery with a capacity of 31.5 Wh. Microsoft claimed a standby time of up to 360 hours and a talk time of up to 8 hours, making it suitable for a full day of moderate use. The battery life was competitive for its time, allowing users to take advantage of the Surface RT's portability without frequent charging breaks.

Software and Ecosystem

Running on the Microsoft Windows RT operating system, the Surface RT was tailored to deliver a Windows experience optimized for ARM architecture. However, Windows RT's inability to run legacy Windows applications was a significant drawback. Instead, users were restricted to applications available through the Windows Store, which had a limited selection compared to the wider Windows ecosystem. Despite these limitations, the Surface RT provided access to Microsoft Office RT, offering productivity tools like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Price and Market Position

At launch, the Surface RT was priced at approximately 260 EUR, positioning it as a mid-range tablet with premium design features. While it faced stiff competition from tablets with more established ecosystems, Microsoft's offering stood out due to its productivity apps and integration with other Microsoft services and devices.

Legacy and Discontinuation

The original Surface RT played a critical role in Microsoft's strategy to enter the hardware market and create a new category of devices that blended the capabilities of laptops and tablets. However, it faced challenges due to its restrictive operating system and limitations in functionality. Due to these issues and declining sales, Microsoft eventually discontinued the Surface RT. Despite its shortcomings, the Surface RT laid the foundation for future iterations of the Surface line, influencing design and engineering decisions leading to successful successors such as the Surface Pro and Surface Book.

Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface RT represented an ambitious effort by Microsoft to carve out a space in the hardware landscape. Although it had its limitations, particularly concerning software compatibility and performance, it was a stepping stone that paved the way for the evolution and success of subsequent Surface devices. Today, the Surface brand is synonymous with cutting-edge design and versatility in the computing world.