Microsoft Surface RT Review

Are you considering a Microsoft Surface RT tablet?

I purchased a Microsoft’s Surface RT in early January 2013. After several weeks of use, here is what I can say about it.

What I Like about the Surface
• I love working on Word, Excel or PowerPoint files from anywhere. This gives the Surface a huge edge over competing tablets in my opinion.
• My kids don’t steal it from me. One day they will learn Excel, but until then  the Surface is all mine!
• The Micro-HDMI port allows it to be easily connected with a larger screen or a projector to display presentations or videos.
• The print utility works with most popular Wi-Fi enabled printers.
• Moving files around is easy, another huge plus for the Surface.

I also purchased a curved Bluetooth keyboard ($50) that makes typing on the Surface downright enjoyable. The cardboard-like keyboard that attaches directly to the tablet is OK, but I tend to avoid it.

Cautions
• Software is limited. The only programs that work on the Surface RT must come with it or be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote are pre-loaded on        the RT version, but not the PRO model (see notes below). Outlook is available too.
• The learning curve for navigating the device is pocketed with frustrating moments. Locating some of the settings is more difficult than it should be, but it gets easier with practice.

Wish List
Google Earth for the Surface RT, please!

Bottom Line
If you’re heavy into Word and Excel and want to use those programs on a tablet, I heartily recommend the Microsoft Surface RT. The comparatively limited number of apps means that your kids will avoid the device, but that’s a plus in my book.

Other Notes
Microsoft recently released its Surface Pro, which runs the full version of Windows 8. It’s more expensive than the Surface RT and is not pre-loaded with Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote). But unlike the Surface RT (which can only run software specifically written for it), the PRO version can run anything that will run on Windows 7.

This review was written by Kirk Jones, an employee of State Bank of Southern Utah.