Performance
Microsoft has used an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor to power the Surface RT. This has been found in high-end smartphones such as the HTC One X and tablet such as the Google Nexus 7. The chip will be supported by 2GB of RAM.
With a 32GB or 64GB SSD available, boot times and search times will be faster than traditional laptops. We've seen a Samsung Windows 8 tablet boot up in eight seconds flat - so the Surface should be able to replicate this.
Whilst performance shouldn't be a problem, this is the first time that the desktop Windows platform has been shipped on ARM-based architecture, so it's not going to be perfect.
Connectivity
Being a Windows-based device the Surface RT includes a few ports which are found on Ultrabooks. The device has a full-sized USB 2.0 connection, microSDXC card reader and HD video out port.
The 9mm chassis doesn't have enough space for an Ethernet port though so you'll have to rely on Wi-Fi connectivity. The device also supports Bluetooth, so you can connect up peripherals.
In total, 420 million existing hardware peripherals including mice keyboard, displays and printers will be supported by RT.
Battery life and price
Microsoft hasn't given concrete figures about the battery life, preferring to use terms such as "all day" usage. We expect the Surface RT to offer between 8 10 hours. The firm has noted that it will have ultra fast charging times too with Panay noting that the Surface will charge in 2 hours, even it is being used.
Prices start at 399 for the 32GB edition, which is the same price as the 16GB Wi-Fi only iPad. This rises to 479 if you want the Touch Cover and 559 for the 64GB edition (with Touch Cover).
Verdict
Microsoft has taken a bold move by launching the Surface RT. However, Panos Panay, head of Surface put across a compelling use case for the device during his presentation. If the Windows Store can grow quickly to provide apps, Microsoft could have the making of a successful product.
-
NCSC issues alert over 'zero-click' phishing campaign hitting enterprisesNews Ukrainian organizations were used to test new zero-click techniques employed by Russian hackers
-
MSI Prestige 13 AI+ reviewReviews The new MSI Prestige 13 AI+ is every bit as impressive as its big brother, the Prestige 16 AI+, only a lot smaller and a lot lighter
-
Arm’s new CPU represents a major shift for the AI data center market – what does it mean for UK tech?Analysis With established expertise and an open approach, Arm could capture rising demand for CPUs
-
The AI PC is coming: Here’s what you need to knowAnalysis Analysts believe a new wave of AI PC’s will spur increased tech spending in 2024
-
Arm's Cortex-M52 is a powerful compact processor for low-cost AIoT developmentNews The Arm Cortex-M52 looks to drive developer enablement in AI-powered IoT devices
-
Arm acquires stake in Raspberry Pi in bid to drive IoT developmentNews The deal confirms a long-standing Raspberry Pi commitment to Arm chips
-
Qualcomm open to investing in Arm as part of consortiumNews This comes after SK Hynix said it was interested in forming a consortium to acquire the British chipmaker
-
Arm China CEO refuses to step down despite being dismissed
News This is the second time Arm has tried to get rid of the CEO, after falling out with him in 2020
-
Nvidia warns rivals are exploiting uncertainty surrounding Arm’s futureNews The company claims Intel and AMD have been getting ahead due to the drawn-out regulatory process
-
Samsung Galaxy Book S review: ARMed and dangerousReviews So long, Surface Pro X - Samsung shows us how it’s really done
