Review: Windows 8 - Part One: Rebirth

by Parm Mann on 29 October 2012, 12:00

Tags: Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Windows 8

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The Surface Movement

Microsoft's willingness to take risks in the battle against Apple and Google is often questioned, but consider this; by launching its own Windows 8 hardware, Microsoft is inviting the wrath of numerous partners, many of whom are largely responsible for the company's success.

This is a decision that hasn't been taken lightly, but it's a sure-fire sign of Microsoft's ambition as the software giant is unwilling to rely on device manufacturers to create a marque tablet to rival the iPad. Taking matters into its own hands, Microsoft has imagined, built and released a tablet dubbed the Surface.

Surface is exactly the sort of hardware that's needed to turn the new Windows into a captivating product. Smart design, a playful interface and new hardware epitomises the new Windows experience, but the dual nature of the operating system is such that even Microsoft couldn't create one product to cover all bases.

Adding to the confusion, the Surface tablet will be available in two different models; Surface with Windows RT and Surface with Windows 8 Pro.

 


Surface with Windows RT


Surface with Windows 8 Pro

Launch Date
October 26, 2012
TBC
Pricing
From £399
TBC
Operating System
Windows RT is an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.
Runs current Windows 7 desktop applications and integrates with your existing enterprise management infrastructure. Use the programs and the apps available in the Windows Store.
Productivity
Get more done with up to 8 hours of battery life. Surface with Windows RT comes installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview¹.
Surface with Windows 8 Pro supports the full Office experience. Run Outlook, Word, SharePoint Designer, PowerPoint and more. Surface with Windows 8 Pro can run all of the applications that you’ve used on previous version of Windows.
Applications
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview1, (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.
Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.
Security
Surface with Windows RT features device encryption and comes with Windows Defender.
Windows 8 Pro provides enhanced networking and IT management. Surface with Windows 8 Pro is secured with BitLocker drive encryption, use Remote Desktop, Active Directory, and Client Hyper-V. Compatible with third party applications.
Connectivity
Always connected, even when in standby mode. Connected standby keeps apps up-to-date.
Connectivity off when hibernating/sleeping to preserve battery.
Thinness
9.30mm
13.5mm
Weight
1.5lbs
2.0lbs
Battery
31.5 Whr
42 Whr
Storage
32GB, 64GB
64GB, 128GB
Screen
10.6in, 16:9, 1366x768
10.6in, 16:9, 1920x1080
Ports
Stereo speakers
Full-size USB 2.0
microSDXC card slot
Headset jack
HD video out port
Cover port
Stereo speakers
Full-size USB 3.0
microSDXC card slot
Headset jack
Mini DisplayPort
Cover port

The ARM- and Intel-based hardware configurations are unique between each Surface model, but the key differentiator - that the Surface for Windows RT "works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store" - is buried in the table. Microsoft needs to be clear on this message, and help minimise confusion by explaining to users that legacy software, that most people are familiar with, won't run on the company's first Windows tablet.

We'll be taking a look at the Surface hardware - and by definition Windows RT - in a forthcoming article, but for the purpose of this review we'll be concentrating our focus on the product designed for most PC users, Windows 8.