Microsoft Surface RT was released late in 2012 and was the poster boy for Windows RT, the version of Windows 8 designed for ARM-powered systems. This is a cut-down version of the full Windows 8 operating system.
That means you can only use new Windows apps from the Windows Store. There is NO support for desktop apps such as iTunes, Photoshop, VLC, Filezilla and more, although the desktop is still there for use with the integrated Microsoft Office 2013 apps.
If you need full desktop app support but like the Surface design, there’s also an Intel version of Surface running Windows 8 Pro and called Surface Pro.
Other Windows RT tablets and hybrids have been available, including the Asus Vivo Tab RT, Lenovo Idea pad Yoga 11(though that was replaced with the Intel-powered Yoga 11S), and Dell XPS 10.
But Windows RT has struggled. Sales have been problematic with most companies withdrawing from the market and Microsoft having to take a$900 million USD write down on unsold Surface RT tablets.
That has led to a price reduction amounting to$150 per model(equal to £98, AU$163) - meaning that providing you want one there’s actually never been a better time to buy it. Price reductions also abound because the Surface 2 is coming soon. Microsoft says it is still fully committed to RT, and has even announced a version of the forthcoming Windows 8.1
There’s currently no 3G option for Surface, and with no dongles compatible with Windows RT at present, that’s not an option right now.
Of course, one of the headline features is the Touch Cover, the clip-on keyboard that enables you to use your Surface as either a tablet or laptop. It feels shockingly light, as if it’s made of cardboard.
Typing takes some getting used to, and the click sound that’s used to denote a successful key press is essential to effective typing, as the lack of tactile feedback can be disorientating.
However, the keys are sensitive and speed typing is certainly possible with a few hours of practice.
What’s more, despite the flat keyboard feeling like it’s been hewn from old egg boxes, it features a multi-touch track pad, should you want to use a mouse while in the traditional Windows interface.