Thread: MS Surface 2nd generaton
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Old 09-26-2013, 10:07 AM   #48
WillysJeepMan
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Join Date: Dec 2010
Device: Kobo Touch, KFHD7, GTab 8.4 Pro, iPadAir 2
Quote:
Originally Posted by Teknikal View Post
I've always liked the surface hardware but the whole Windows 8 tile thing just isn't for me, unless theres a good customisable start menu (not button) and an option to never have to see those tiles I just couldn't bring myself to ever consider one.

The hardware itself is very sleek though.
Win 8.1 provides an "all programs" view. I find that suitable enough on the Surface RT. There are also a few additional options for customizing the Live Tile screen.

As a total package (not focusing on any one spec) I find the RT hardware superior to my iPad 4.

The things that impress me about the RT:
  • Full USB 2.0 slot - mice, keyboards, drives, thumbsticks, Blue Yeti mic, etc. all just work.
  • Printing - The RT was able to find the printers on the network, install drivers, and print. (something that I stopped thinking about since regularly using an iPad with no AirPrint-capable printers around)
  • microSD card - additional/removable storage is very handy.
  • TouchCover - I find that I can type more quickly on it that I would've expected. The multi-touch trackpad is a nice bonus.
  • The near seamless switching of using the RT as a touch device or keyboard/mouse device. Some usage is simply better by touch (like reading blogs) than keyboard and mouse. And all it takes is folding the TouchCover back behind the RT.
  • Support for Bluetooth mice - I'm a mouse guy. I can use a touchpad but prefer a mouse. I can use the RT with the TouchCover for typing and use a Bluetooth mouse for navigation… it is a very natural-feeling configuration for me.
  • ClearType - I find ClearType on the RT to be an effective equivalent to a retina-type display. The clarity and vibrancy of the RT screen display photos and videos wonderfully. ClearType helps text appear to be hi-res.
  • Microsoft Office (w/Outlook) - After spending years with devices that had "office apps" that weren't even as function as MS Works, it is a pleasant experience to have a nearly full-functioned version of Office to use.

What continues to be lacking for the RT are quality apps for things that people coming from other platforms are accustomed to. It isn't too bad for me as for others because I had already limited my usage to apps that had versions for iOS/Android/OSX.

8.1 brings some improvements to the RT with regard to performance, free space, and functionality. Totally worth $199 or $249 that RT/TouchCover bundles have been selling for on eBay. But spending $349 for the RT alone... that's a tougher decision. Spending $449 for the RT2 alone makes no sense to me (even when factoring in the spec-bump and "valuable" freebies).
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