Surface RT versus Surface PRO

DevToolsGuy / Monday, January 21, 2013

As of January 15th 2013, the Surface Pro hasn’t been formally launched. However preliminary reports and sneak previews have been making their presence felt. Based on these, here is a tentative comparison of some of the features of Microsoft Surface RT versus Microsoft Surface PRO:

Surface with Windows 8 Pro

Features/Specs

Surface with Windows RT

Surface with Windows 8 Pro

Operating System

Windows RT (32-bit)

This will run only Windows RT.

Is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Can only run apps available in the Windows Store and bundled or built-in desktop apps. Legacy apps cannot run on this device.

Windows 8 Pro (64-bit)

This will run Windows 8 Store apps and can also run current Windows 7 desktop applications.

Applications

Includes Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview, (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Video, Music and Games.

Includes Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games. Can run programs that can execute on Windows 7.

MicroSD slot

Includes MicroSD slot.

Has a more accessible MicroSD slot as compared to the RT.

Pen Support

Capacitive pen supported but is not included

 

Has a pen that can connect to the magnetic power connector of the device during travel. The pen is comfortable and easy to use.

Network Connectivity

Always connected, even during standby. This keeps apps up-to-date.

Connectivity is set to off when hibernating/sleeping to preserve battery.

Weight

1.5lbs

2.0lbs (thus, larger and heavier)

Storage

32 GB or 64 GB of eMMC storage*

64GB, 128GB

Screen

10.6”, 16:9, 1366x768 with 5 point multi-touch

10.6”, 16:9, 1920x1080 with 10 point multi-touch

Size

10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches

10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches

CPU

NVIDIA Tegra 3 T30

Intel Core i5 (third-generation, “Ivy Bridge”) with Intel HD graphics 4000

 

RAM

2 GB

4 GB

Estimated Costs

In US, it is priced at $499 (32GB) without Touch Cover, $599 (32 GB) with Touch Cover and $699 (64 GB) with Touch Cover.

Estimated prices are: $899 (64GB) and $999 (128GB)

* eMMC is an embedded non-volatile memory, consisting of flash memory as well as a flash memory controller integrated on the same silicon die.


What is missing in both? (at least based on early reports)

  • GPS

In today’s world, having GPS on a device is a necessity rather than a luxury. A Surface device can be great for navigation in a car if it supports GPS.

  • NFC

Near Field Communications (NFC) has become really popular with Microsoft in recent times. However neither the Surface RT nor the Surface PRO support NFC.

  • Mobile broadband

Neither Surface RT nor Surface PRO offers cellular broadband.