subject: It Support - Microsoft Surface, Laptop Replacement? [print this page] You've obviously watched Microsoft's foray into the world of tablet computers with the launching of the "Surface' . Checking out its slim form and reviewing it favourably to our chunky looking laptops , we asked the question , is the Microsoft Surface a laptop computer alternative ?
On the surface so to speak , the operating-system appears to be identical to Windows 8 , it is in fact an operating system referred to as Windows 8 RT . Sorry to say Windows RT will not play ball with your entire legacy Windows computer software , boo ! However Word , PowerPoint and Excel also are in the OS , hooray ! To cut to the chase , before we progress , I'm afraid at this time there isn't a valid answer to the computer laptop alternative question , all this is determined by that which you use your laptop for . If your laptop use revolves around certain applications , they might not yet be available for the Surface , for example Adobes Photoshop Elements has yet to make an appearance in the completely new Window's store ( Microsofts version of Apples iStore and Google Play ) .
As a tablet it is on the heavy side , however with barely an extra 40g of weight you will aquire an extra inch of screen , and lets consider the facts , with the everyday laptop which weighs in at over a hefty 3 .5lbs , you bag is still going to feel significantly lighter . Very first impressions are that it feels a little thicker than you'd expect , yet somehow at 9 .4mm it is the exact same dimensions as the iPad 4 that gives the visual impression of being leaner on account of its tapered edges , Microsofts design and style in unashamedly 'boxy' . To the everyday laptop it's akin to looking at a piece of corrugated cardboard alongside a sheet of paper .
In use the Surface with it's stand and cover that doubles as a keyboard unquestionably feels a lot more laptop than tablet . However the angle between touch screen and keyboard is fixed , some adjustability to match personal preference could be good feature . The display is effective but undoubtedly doesn't hold the wow component of the amazing retina screen of the most up-to-date iPad . Nevertheless as mentioned before the slightly larger display size and the 16 :9 ratio is a definite advantage .
The engine that drives it all appears suitably well specced , but nonetheless in actual fact everything starts to feel slightly sluggish . Whether or not the processor just is not quite up to the job or maybe if the new platform does need a little tinkering with to ensure it is run more efficiently remains to be seen . The inclusion of a traditional USB port allows the use of classic windows peripherals , despite that you have no promise their drivers are going to support the RT os , and memory sticks . Furthermore SD slot allows for hassle-free upgrades to the in-built storage capacity .
The touch cover keyboard takes a bit of getting familiar with because it does not have any feedback from the 'keys' , however it is unquestionably functional and ultimately you are able to type away at a reasonable rate .
Microsoft Surface , a laptop replacement ? Could possibly be if software developers grasp it and fill the brand new Windows Store with Windows RT compatible variations of their goodies . For the moment our recommendation is merely wait around some time longer .
