Microsoft Surface Review from an iPad Owner / Lover

Below is the summary of an recent review from an “average user” who loves his Apple iPad

…Simply put, Surface RT is better than the iPad and here’s why:

Allows for a connection to a second screen. I mentioned this earlier but you can connect an external display to Surface using the micro-HDMI port. This allows you to put the Start screen on one display (Surface), while you work in the desktop on the other screen.

Includes a full version of Microsoft Office. I could never write a review of this magnitude on the iPad. Think about that for a moment. Even though Surface is not fully a PC, since installation of desktop apps is prohibited, it is much more capable at creating content, if for no other reason than full version of Office 2013.

Adobe Flash support. Internet Explorer on Surface supports Adobe Flash for approved websites. There’s no need to install an extension (which is prohibited anyway). Flash comes preinstalled and is automatically updated by Microsoft.

Connect to 400 million external devices. I have a wireless printer that I did not have to install drivers for. Surface simply found the peripheral and allowed me to print to it out of the box. Microsoft created a website that allows you to check if your device will work with Surface.

Integrated Keyboard. Although there are myriads of external keyboards you can connect to the Surface, two models come with a detachable keyboard cover.

Multiple User Accounts. These are not profiles that work under the same user account. These are completely separate user accounts that allow each user to customize the environment to his or her own liking. Additionally, this allows each user to sync settings, calendars, email, bookmarks and other preferences. By contrast, iPad is limited to one account only.

Fully Functioning Windows Explorer. The desktop contains the full Windows Explorer experience that allows you to connect to HomeGroups, as well as any other devices on your network for moving or viewing files on your Surface, or for pushing to your Xbox 360.

The Verdict

Surface is fantastic. There’s no tablet like it on the market. If you’re looking for a mobile device that allows you to play casual games like Angry Birds and write a book report in Word, Surface is your choice. Concerned about apps? Don’t be. The Windows Store is new and surges with quality apps at an alarming rate. Some are even exclusive to the Windows platform. Concerned about viruses and malware? Don’t be. Windows RT comes with built-in security protection. You don’t have to worry about viruses at all.

Surface RT is not a full laptop replacement, but it’s definitely more capable than iPad or Android tablets.

If I were giving the Surface a numerical rating (out of 10) it would look something like this:

Hardware: 9.8

Software: 9.5

Workability (ability to get real work done): 9

Ecosystem: 9

Overall Rating: 9.3