It's not (yet) an iPad killer, but the new Windows tablet does have a few impressive features for business.
In a perfect world, the better gadget would always win. For the brand
new Microsoft Surface RT tablet there is no question
Microsoft has decided to embrace the world of touch computing, hoping to
dethrone the mighty iPad and attract mobile users in droves.
We are not yet ready to say Surface RT is better than the iPad. But
there are some significant features that make it attractive for
business.
1. Behold, the Keyboard
You can obtain a portable keyboard for the iPad, but the Surface RT includes one
that is downright brilliant. Some might argue it is not that different
from the soft keyboard on the iPad, and I've seen some speed typers at
airports who make me wonder how they do it. The Surface RT includes a
cover that doubles as a keyboard, and there are two surprises. One, even
though the keyboard only has slightly raised keys, I can type much
faster and more accurately on it than the iPad. Also, there's a stand on
the back of the Surface RT, so you can fold off the cover, prop up the
tablet, and start typing like you are on a laptop. Brilliant. Microsoft
offers a rainbow of colors and the keyboard/cover snaps into place with a
click.
2. Free Office Apps
Microsoft includes the Office 2013 apps for the Surface RT for
free. That's a major plus for business owners who decide to deploy the
device to employees. The suite uses a fresh, clean-cut design that runs
smoothly on the mobile processor that powers the Surface RT. There are
the big three--Word, PowerPoint, and Excel--plus the 2013 version of
OneNote, a collaboration and info gathering tool. So far, what I like
best about Word is that you can quickly save a document to Microsoft
SkyDrive for cloud storage, and that the app runs stable and with
familiar tools. Plus, no install programs to run.
3. Smart Store
There are plenty of Windows Store naysayers, and I'm not
exactly a diehard fan. There are many apps missing, including a few of
my favorites like SproutSocial. But while the store is missing important
apps, there is one benefit: The apps you will find are designed to run
fast and reliably on the RT tablet. I tested Skype, the Kindle e-reader,
the Zinio app, and several others. The apps use the same tile approach
of Windows 8 for touch apps with plenty of open space and finger-aware
buttons. Presumably, there will be touch apps for many popular desktop
programs, including Photoshop and many others.
4. Connections, Natch
Microsoft has included several options for connecting the
tablet to other gadgets. The RT supports Bluetooth 4.0 so you can
connect a new crop of devices like digital pens that can automatically
adjust pressure sensitivity. There's a USB port, which means you can
attach keyboards and mice, webcams, and just about any add-on that does
not require a driver designed only for the Windows 8 desktop version.
Under the stand, you'll even find a microSD port for loading pictures
and videos.
5. Battery Life
It's easy to become a slave to re-charging. Hunting for
outlets at airports, connecting up as soon as you walk into a hotel
room. Since the RT lasts almost 10 hours, you might find that
re-charging is not as much of an issue. Ten hours is enough to get you
to your next meeting after jumping off the plane, and that's really all
that matters. I also found I did not have to dim the display or turn off
features to get good battery life.
6. Screen Tech
The screen on the Surface RT has a sharpness that I don't see
on Android tablets. At 400 nits, it is also quite bright and readable
even outside. The resolution is more in line with a typical laptop, but
Microsoft has used some type-smoothing tech to improve readability.
Swipes and gestures on the RT worked reliably every time, and colors
looked outstanding for games and photos. In many ways, the screen is the
most important hardware element because it is what you look at all day.
The iPad 4, announced last week, is arguably more crisp with a higher
resolution, but the Surface RT gets major points for brightness and text
clarity.
