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Xanathol · 04-11-2014, 04:36 PM

Let me clear up the crap on the Surface RT. Note - I am no fan - if you want a tablet, get the Dell 8" or 11". But this misinformation about the RT is just... sigh...

90% of the 'complaints' people have about the Surface RT completely ignores what a user is after, ie. "its not real Windows!". Perfect example is this thread - nowhere did the OP say they wanted to run 'real Windows'. And guess what? You won't run 'real Windows' or your Windows desktop apps on an iPad or Andriod tablet either. Do people mistakenly expect they can run real Windows apps because it is from Microsoft and MS did a bad job of making that clear? Of course... but a 5 minute product search and that expectation is addressed.

That said, it is real Windows - the difference is it is running on an ARM processor and app signing is enforced. The app signing is easy to get around, thanks to a widely available app that can disable it on boot. The ARM processor is the real 'got ya', when comparing to a Window's desktop, as more than likely, you don't have any apps that can run on an ARM. If you have a .Net app compiled for Any CPU, it runs just fine on a Surface RT with signing turned off; I run my own apps on mine all the time. But don't forget the paragraph above - you weren't running your Windows apps on an iPad or Andriod either! But you can Remote Desktop from your Surface to your main machine...

Network issues have happened, the most common being an apparent DNS issue on wake from connected standby ( other words, you turn it on and can't browse to a website ). The solution is to just disconnect and reconnect, then it should be fine.. at least until you let it go to sleep again. Annoying, yes, but not crucial, plus, the issue seems to be router dependent.

Disconnects during streaming or such are a bit rare; I won't say I haven't hear of them happening but I have never experienced it myself or personally know anyone who has. I've personally heard of no more issues like this than with any other brand.

IE is... well, IE. Twitter works great as does facebook - ie. most of your social sites. Streaming from ESPN3 or the like works terrifically. If you want to watch ripped movies, you have to be careful of the format; MKV support is not built in ( huge miss IMO ) and high encoding settings can choke it at times; just think "can a WD TV Live play this?" when it comes to the encoding issues. If the answer is yes, then the Surface RT can usually too.

Other notes... even on an RT, you get Office apps ( student version ), a Micro SD card port, a USB port, a mini-HDMI port ( yup - can plug it into your TV ), a kickstand, and you can get a keyboard attachment. Honestly, no real reason to choose a similar class iPad or Andriod tablet over an RT, unless there is an app you want that doesn't exist yet or you need an LTE connection.

That said - do yourself a major favor, save some dough, and get a Dell Venue Pro or something like it. Baytrail CPU ( yes, you can run your normal apps ), BT, 4G option ( major issue I have with the Surface is the lack thereof ), Miracast ( WiFi direct to your TV, if supported by said TV ), battery extending keyboard option... hell I could go on. If you're talking ~$300 vs $500 11", go with the $500 one every time. For $180... well, that's your call, but Dell does have the 8" version that compares better in price.

04-11-2014, 04:36 PM	#21
Xanathol Starter Join Date: Mar 2011 Casino cash: $9528791	Let me clear up the crap on the Surface RT. Note - I am no fan - if you want a tablet, get the Dell 8" or 11". But this misinformation about the RT is just... sigh... 90% of the 'complaints' people have about the Surface RT completely ignores what a user is after, ie. "its not real Windows!". Perfect example is this thread - nowhere did the OP say they wanted to run 'real Windows'. And guess what? You won't run 'real Windows' or your Windows desktop apps on an iPad or Andriod tablet either. Do people mistakenly expect they can run real Windows apps because it is from Microsoft and MS did a bad job of making that clear? Of course... but a 5 minute product search and that expectation is addressed. That said, it is real Windows - the difference is it is running on an ARM processor and app signing is enforced. The app signing is easy to get around, thanks to a widely available app that can disable it on boot. The ARM processor is the real 'got ya', when comparing to a Window's desktop, as more than likely, you don't have any apps that can run on an ARM. If you have a .Net app compiled for Any CPU, it runs just fine on a Surface RT with signing turned off; I run my own apps on mine all the time. But don't forget the paragraph above - you weren't running your Windows apps on an iPad or Andriod either! But you can Remote Desktop from your Surface to your main machine... Network issues have happened, the most common being an apparent DNS issue on wake from connected standby ( other words, you turn it on and can't browse to a website ). The solution is to just disconnect and reconnect, then it should be fine.. at least until you let it go to sleep again. Annoying, yes, but not crucial, plus, the issue seems to be router dependent. Disconnects during streaming or such are a bit rare; I won't say I haven't hear of them happening but I have never experienced it myself or personally know anyone who has. I've personally heard of no more issues like this than with any other brand. IE is... well, IE. Twitter works great as does facebook - ie. most of your social sites. Streaming from ESPN3 or the like works terrifically. If you want to watch ripped movies, you have to be careful of the format; MKV support is not built in ( huge miss IMO ) and high encoding settings can choke it at times; just think "can a WD TV Live play this?" when it comes to the encoding issues. If the answer is yes, then the Surface RT can usually too. Other notes... even on an RT, you get Office apps ( student version ), a Micro SD card port, a USB port, a mini-HDMI port ( yup - can plug it into your TV ), a kickstand, and you can get a keyboard attachment. Honestly, no real reason to choose a similar class iPad or Andriod tablet over an RT, unless there is an app you want that doesn't exist yet or you need an LTE connection. That said - do yourself a major favor, save some dough, and get a Dell Venue Pro or something like it. Baytrail CPU ( yes, you can run your normal apps ), BT, 4G option ( major issue I have with the Surface is the lack thereof ), Miracast ( WiFi direct to your TV, if supported by said TV ), battery extending keyboard option... hell I could go on. If you're talking ~$300 vs $500 11", go with the $500 one every time. For $180... well, that's your call, but Dell does have the 8" version that compares better in price.
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