The Surface RT, released in 2012, was a pioneering device that marked Microsoft’s foray into the world of tablets. Although it may have been overshadowed by its more powerful sibling, the Surface Pro, the Surface RT remains an intriguing and capable device that deserves a closer look. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of the Surface RT, exploring its features, capabilities, and what made it a unique offering in the market.
What is the Surface RT?
At its core, the Surface RT is a tablet designed to run on the Windows RT operating system, a stripped-down version of Windows 8. The “RT” in Surface RT stands for “Runtime,” signifying that it’s optimized for running Windows Store apps, rather than traditional desktop applications. This distinction is crucial, as it sets the Surface RT apart from more powerful devices like the Surface Pro, which can run full-fledged Windows applications.
The Surface RT was designed to be a more portable, touch-centric device, ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, emailing, and consuming media. Microsoft aimed to create a device that would appeal to consumers who wanted a tablet-like experience, but with the added benefit of being able to run Windows apps.
Aesthetics and Build Quality
The Surface RT boasts a sleek, minimalist design that exudes a sense of premium quality. The device features a 10.6-inch capacitive touchscreen display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. While the resolution may seem low by today’s standards, the display is bright, vibrant, and responsive, making it an excellent choice for watching videos, browsing the web, or enjoying games.
The Surface RT’s casing is made from a durable magnesium alloy, giving it a solid, premium feel. The device weighs in at 1.5 pounds, making it easy to carry around, and its 9.3mm thickness ensures it can slide into most tablet sleeves or bags with ease.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the Surface RT is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor, clocked at 1.3GHz. While the processor may not be the most powerful, it provides more than enough oomph for the device’s intended uses. The Surface RT comes with 2GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, depending on the model.
One of the standout features of the Surface RT is its battery life. Microsoft claimed the device could last up to 8 hours on a single charge, and in reality, it often exceeded that mark. This makes the Surface RT an excellent choice for long commutes, travel, or extended periods of use away from a power source.
Software and Apps
The Surface RT runs on Windows RT, a variant of Windows 8 that’s optimized for ARM-based processors. While this means the device can’t run traditional desktop applications, it’s designed to work seamlessly with Windows Store apps. At launch, the Windows Store offered a limited selection of apps, but Microsoft continued to expand the catalog over time.
The Surface RT comes with a variant of Microsoft Office, dubbed “Office Home & Student 2013 RT,” which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. This suite of apps provides a comprehensive productivity solution, making the Surface RT an attractive option for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to create content on the go.
Microsoft’s Vision for Windows RT
Microsoft’s vision for Windows RT was ambitious: to create an operating system that would bridge the gap between traditional desktop computing and the emerging world of mobile devices. By focusing on Windows Store apps, Microsoft aimed to provide a more streamlined, efficient, and touch-friendly experience that would appeal to a broad audience.
While Windows RT never gained widespread adoption, it paved the way for later versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, which would eventually merge the desktop and mobile experiences.
What Can You Do with a Surface RT?
Despite its limitations, the Surface RT is a capable device that can handle a range of tasks. Here are a few examples:
- Browsing and Email: The Surface RT provides an excellent browsing experience, with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer 10 built-in. You can also access your email using the built-in Mail app or third-party email clients from the Windows Store.
- Gaming: The Surface RT has a range of games available, including popular titles like Angry Birds, Cut the Rope, and Microsoft’s own Solitaire. While the device may not be suitable for demanding games, it’s perfect for casual gaming on the go.
- Productivity: With Microsoft Office pre-installed, the Surface RT is an excellent choice for creating documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. You can also use the device to check and respond to emails, making it a great option for remote work or studying.
- Media Consumption: The Surface RT is an excellent media consumption device, with support for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. You can also use the device to store and play back local media, such as music and video files.
Surface RT Accessories
One of the standout features of the Surface RT is its range of innovative accessories. The device is compatible with the following:
- Touch Cover: A thin, lightweight keyboard that doubles as a protective cover. The Touch Cover is a marvel of engineering, providing a typing experience that’s surprisingly good considering its slim profile.
- Type Cover: A more traditional keyboard with a slightly thicker design, offering a more tactile typing experience.
- Surface Pen: A stylus designed specifically for the Surface RT, allowing you to take notes, mark up documents, and create artwork with precision and accuracy.
Legacy and Impact
Although the Surface RT may not have achieved the same level of success as other Microsoft devices, it played a crucial role in shaping the company’s future. The Surface RT’s focus on touch-centric design, Windows Store apps, and ARM-based processors paved the way for later devices like the Surface Pro 3 and Surface Go.
The Surface RT also influenced Microsoft’s approach to design, with its focus on minimalism, clean lines, and premium materials. This design language has been carried forward to subsequent Surface devices, making them instantly recognizable as Microsoft products.
Criticism and Controversy
The Surface RT was not without its critics, who pointed to its limited app selection, lack of desktop application support, and generally underwhelming performance. Some users were frustrated by the device’s inability to run traditional Windows apps, making it less adaptable than more powerful devices like the Surface Pro.
Microsoft faced criticism for its marketing strategy, which some argued was confusing and unclear about the device’s capabilities and limitations. The company’s decision to discontinue Windows RT and focus on a more unified Windows 10 experience was seen as a sign of defeat, but in reality, it marked a necessary shift towards a more cohesive and competitive ecosystem.
Conclusion
The Surface RT may not have achieved the same level of success as other Microsoft devices, but it remains an intriguing and capable device that deserves recognition. Its innovative design, excellent battery life, and unique features like the Touch Cover and Surface Pen make it an attractive option for those looking for a portable, touch-centric device.
As we reflect on the Surface RT’s legacy, it’s clear that Microsoft’s experiment with Windows RT may not have paid off as expected. However, the lessons learned from this experience have influenced the company’s approach to design, software, and hardware, shaping the trajectory of future Surface devices.
In the end, the Surface RT is a reminder that even the most ambitious projects can have a lasting impact, even if they don’t quite achieve their intended goals.
What is the Surface RT?
The Surface RT is a tablet computer developed and marketed by Microsoft. Released in 2012, it was designed to run a special version of Windows 8, called Windows RT, which is optimized for ARM-based processors. The Surface RT was meant to be a more portable and affordable alternative to the Surface Pro, which runs on Intel processors.
Despite being a powerful device, the Surface RT never gained much traction in the market, mainly due to the limited availability of apps and the confusion surrounding the Windows RT operating system. However, the Surface RT still has its loyal fan base, and many users have found ways to adapt it to their needs.
What are the key features of the Surface RT?
The Surface RT comes with a 10.6-inch touchscreen display, a quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3 processor, 2GB of RAM, and 32 or 64GB of internal storage. It also features a USB port, a microSD card slot, and a proprietary charging connector. The device weighs around 1.5 pounds and has a battery life of up to 8 hours.
One of the unique features of the Surface RT is its kickstand, which allows users to prop up the device at a comfortable viewing angle. The Surface RT also comes with a detachable keyboard, which is sold separately. The keyboard is designed to mimic the feel of a traditional laptop keyboard and provides a more tactile typing experience.
What are the differences between Windows RT and Windows 8?
Windows RT is a stripped-down version of Windows 8, designed specifically for ARM-based processors. The main difference between the two is the availability of apps. Windows RT can only run apps from the Windows Store, whereas Windows 8 can run both Windows Store apps and traditional desktop applications.
Another key difference is the user interface. Windows RT has a more streamlined and simplified UI, with a focus on touch-based input. Windows 8, on the other hand, has a more traditional desktop environment, with support for mouse and keyboard input.
Can I install desktop applications on the Surface RT?
No, the Surface RT can only run apps from the Windows Store. Due to the limitations of the Windows RT operating system, it is not possible to install desktop applications on the device. This means that users are limited to the apps available in the Windows Store, which can be a major drawback for users who need access to specific desktop software.
However, many users have found ways to adapt to this limitation. For example, users can use cloud-based services to access desktop applications remotely, or they can use alternative apps that provide similar functionality.
Is the Surface RT still supported by Microsoft?
Microsoft officially ended support for the Surface RT in 2017, which means that the device will no longer receive security updates or bug fixes. However, users can still use the device and access the Windows Store, albeit with some limitations.
Despite the lack of official support, many users have found ways to keep their Surface RT devices running smoothly. For example, users can install alternative browsers to replace the outdated Internet Explorer, or they can use third-party apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
Can I still buy a Surface RT?
The Surface RT is no longer available for purchase from Microsoft or most major retailers. However, users can still find the device on online marketplaces such as eBay or Craigslist, or from third-party sellers.
When buying a used Surface RT, users should be cautious and make sure to purchase from a reputable seller. The device should come with a valid warranty or guarantee, and users should thoroughly inspect the device for any signs of damage or wear.
Is the Surface RT worth using in 2023?
Despite its limitations, the Surface RT can still be a viable option for users who need a portable and affordable device for basic tasks such as browsing, emailing, and document editing. The device’s ARM-based processor provides excellent battery life, and the Windows RT operating system is still relatively fast and responsive.
However, users should be aware of the limitations of the device and the lack of official support from Microsoft. The Surface RT may not be suitable for users who need access to specific desktop applications or require the latest security updates. Nevertheless, for users who are willing to adapt, the Surface RT can still be a reliable and useful device.