I want to start this review with it, why I have decided me just for the Surface RT, despite the negative attitude of the public towards this device. One hears often ne that's nothing, because no real Windows programs run "and the like. Then I asked myself the opposite Asked why people buy Android and iOS tablets, as well run here any Windows programs and that is what I think in a tablet also not to.
I was to consume looking for a tablet on the train or on the couch comfortably and for this I do not need normal "Windows software, which is anyway not designed for touch devices that would make garkeinen fun. So now came the decision for which device I decide on a budget between 400 and 500.
An iPad I do not want, because I use no other Apple devices and after extensive trying not'm willing to pay the extra for the added good design of hardware and software.
Android I know of several friends and acquaintances. Of course there is a huge Appauswahl before but it seems a little out of place for me in Tablets. During operation, there is much room for improvement, it does not particularly thoughtful impression when an iPad had earlier in his hand.
Then the surface appeared.
I use for two years a Windows Phone 7 phone and am used to the tiles. On a tablet you do about it far more sense, since it really exploited the screen area to display a lot of information at a glance. Introduced with Windows 8 / RT sidebars that can show by wiping movements, are really handy and convince me completely. There are no buttons for forward / back or other needs, and the entire screen is one of the apps. The operation comes after 5 minutes so loose from the hand that you want to use anything else. That really sounds now after Fanboy but you have to admit simply that here a lot of brain power was invested!
As ingenious as simple possibility is to present two apps side by side. I, for example, IM + pin (a Multi Messenger) right or left, as you would expect from Windows 7 here knows about, and next to run another app, images, Internet Explorer, or what you want, here are no restrictions exist.
On the subject of printing my father brought me, because he had to go a few detours with his Android tablet around (not even all formats) to be able to print. Since the Surface provides a full USB 2.0 slot I have my Brother DCF 185C printer simply plugged times and lo and behold, Windows recognizes the device, install the driver and you can as usual be printed.
Such is the way with all USB and Bluetooth devices that I've found here at home, Windows RT provides an incredibly wide range of drivers that I had not previously thought. For example, I have inserted a Canon PowerShot A470 digital camera, detected, installed, and you can be imported with a hint pictures in the Photo Library.
The Surface binds one to the normal Windows home network and acts as a PC with free gifts etc. In addition, all devices of the network are detected and are ready for use as a network printer, my DLNA TVs, media center and more ...
The memory of fairly tight 32 GB can be expanded with a microSD card and has so for around 20 twice the storage space available.
The performance of the device can be described as very good ", it has not even slightly wiggled with me, no matter how many apps I had opened in the background. The Internet Explorer should be here again highlighted separately. Not only does the old jerky times are finally over, the browser is currently playing with in the top league, and works perfectly. In addition, he brings a full Adobe Flash and so offers a terrific range of functions. For example, Sky has still no Android app for SkyGo on. For Windows 8 / RT of course not, but you can view the normal flash stream in the browser without problems, perfectly. So you're clear on independent of the speed of development of apps in so essential players such as MyVideo, SkyGo or other video on demand services.
Finally, of course, is still the full Microsoft Office 2013 to name. It has if you take at the university or otherwise have to work with Word where a small laptop with you, presents the fast something expected or can be written. Now Either one uses touch (added in Office something stupid) or the sensational Touch Cover keyboard. Works surprisingly well and it can definitely work with them productively. Or you put a USB hub into the USB port and closing mouse + keyboard. No problem.
There are of course many more which could emphasize positive, I have found for me the perfect Tablet and am convinced that if we the general negative talk about Windows 8 or RT does not believe it can not take a risk, to acquire a great product, where you have very long enjoyment!