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Surface Pro: Microsoft tries to bridge PC and tablet (pictures)
The Surface Pro is Microsoft's first Windows 8 tablet. It crams the innards of a PC ultrabook into a tablet form factor -- with mixed results.
Dan Ackerman
Dan Ackerman leads CNET's coverage of computers and gaming hardware. A New York native and former radio DJ, he's also a regular TV talking head and the author of "The Tetris Effect" (Hachette/PublicAffairs), a non-fiction gaming and business history book that has earned rave reviews from the New York Times, Fortune, LA Review of Books, and many other publications.
"Upends the standard Silicon Valley, Steve Jobs/Mark Zuckerberg technology-creation myth... the story shines." -- The New York Times
The kickstand is a unique Surface feature; it allows the tablet to stand up without the use of a separate case or dock. However, many people complain that it makes for awkward use when in "laptop mode" (with the keyboard attachment).
Two keyboard options are available. Physical keys (Type Cover) for $129 or touch keys (Touch Cover) for $119. For an extra $10, it's a no-brainer to get the "real" keyboard.
While the iPad is primarily used in its portrait orientation, most Windows tablets feel more at home in landscape mode. This pinball game is a good opportunity to mix it up a bit.
The game section in the Windows app store is weak so far, but you can install and run games on the Pro from Steam, GOG, and other sources; those latter options are unavailable on the RT version of the Surface.
The power brick and cable is thankfully small. That's good because at about 4 hours of battery life, you'll probably have to bring it with you. But the inclusion of a USB port for charging your phone takes some of the sting out.
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