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General discussion

Surface RT or Surface Pro

Dec 21, 2012 6:16AM PST

I got a surface RT 64 and a touch cover as a gift but when I heard the Pro was coming out next month I returned it for an Amazon credit.
The lack of Outlook being available on the RT & the complaints I read about the limitations of apps on RT were the main deal breakers for me.
Now I'm thinking that the new Surface Pro will have half the battery life and that's a bigger problem.
I'm really looking for a windows laptop replacement
Should I have stayed with the RT and simply used my offices Outlook online version?

Discussion is locked

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Are you OK with a Restricted Tablet?
Dec 21, 2012 6:55AM PST

Windows 8 RT, as it stands today will only allow software that you get from the Microsoft Store. Windows 8 RT is unlike any PC you've ever heard about. Are you OK with Microsoft being your sole source of all applications?

The apps have no limitations. It's only limitation is if Microsoft will allow it and if the authors will put up with Microsot.

8 Pro is more like your regular Windows PC. Open choices.
Bob

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Surface RT or Surface Pro
Dec 22, 2012 2:21AM PST

Sorry I don't understand your reply.
I'm asking specifically about the pros and cons of the Surface RT and the Surface Pro.

As I mentioned I got a surface RT 64 and a touch cover as a gift but when I heard the Pro was coming out next month I returned it for an Amazon credit.

The lack of Outlook being available on the RT & the complaints I read about the limitations of apps on RT were the main deal breakers for me.

Now I'm thinking that the new Surface Pro will have half the battery life and that's a bigger problem.
I'm really looking for a windows laptop replacement\

Should I have stayed with the RT and simply used my offices Outlook online version?
Or get the Pro using my $700.00 credit?

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Re: Windows laptop replacement
Dec 22, 2012 2:48AM PST

The choice of Windows 8 tablets is rather restricted at the moment. The choice of Windows 8 laptops is nearly unlimited.
From your post, it's not clear at all why you want to replace a laptop with a tablet. So no real advice is possible, I think.

Kees

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It appears you are a prime candidate for 8 RT
Dec 22, 2012 4:59AM PST

It appears you are ready for the restricted tablet that is Windows 8 RT today.

Be aware that the battery life span is still unknown. Many devices come with 300 to 1000 cycle batteries so are you OK with the 8 RT I'm seeing today if you buy a new battery yearly?

If so it appears you can live with all the current restrictions and planned life span.

You also will not be worried by Microsoft's attitude to buyers of their locked down, no upgrade machines. That is, you are fine with being run over by the bus. Here's what they did with Windows 7 Phone users as they changed to RT.
http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-of-course-we-threw-windows-phone-7-buyers-under-the-bus-7000000222/

If all this doesn't bother you, then you are ready for a Windows 8 RT tablet.
Bob

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Windows laptop replacement
Dec 22, 2012 10:48PM PST

Hi Bob,
I like the idea of having a very small, light, portable touch screen, that's not an iPad.

Something that will run Office. (excel, word, & outlook)

The closest thing to a "Windows Ipad"

If this is possible with the Surface RT or Surface Pro then I'm ready.

Keep in Mind that I'm spending $700.00 less than anyone else because I have a gift credit...
Which of these 2 machines are right?
And if not these 2 then what should I be looking at?

Zeke

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Have you ever owned an orphaned device, OS or app?
Dec 22, 2012 5:28AM PST
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Surface RT or Surface Pro
Dec 22, 2012 10:50PM PST

Hi Bob,
I like the idea of having a very small, light, portable touch screen, that's not an iPad.

Something that will run Office. (excel, word, & outlook)

The closest thing to a "Windows Ipad"

If this is possible with the Surface RT or Surface Pro then I'm ready.

Keep in Mind that I'm spending $700.00 less than anyone else because I have a gift credit...
Which of these 2 machines are right?
And if not these 2 then what should I be looking at?

Zeke

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I hear you Zeke.
Dec 23, 2012 1:18AM PST

I can't make this decision for you. While I like MSFT's design choices, the draconian restrictions on Windows 8 RT plus the past history of Microsoft on they last Windows RT OS show us that the device is only for those that can live with all that I presented here.

Windows 8 RT is not a Windows Ipad. Windows 8 Pro might be that but what we have come to accept as Windows features such as installing our choice of software does not exist in Windows 8 RT. Windows 8 RT also does not run any prior Windows apps even if the restrictions were lifted.
Bob

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SO IM GONNA GET THE SURFACE PRO
Jan 6, 2013 1:01AM PST

as i understand it the Surface Pro doesn't come with Office loaded at all.

so how do you buy the software?
use an external drive?
download from site?

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Answers to the Pro.
Jan 6, 2013 1:06AM PST

1. You buy software just like you do today for other Windows.
2. Yes.
3. Yes.

You load the software from media, web as you see fit.
Bob