Microsoft Surface RT Now Available for Pre-Order
October 17, 2012 by Jim McCarthy 
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Microsoft’s Windows RT-based Surface tablet is now available for pre-order on the Microsoft Store website. Read on for details.
Microsoft’s Windows RT-based Surface tablet is now available for pre-order on the Microsoft Store website. We told you about the new tablet here, and here are some details of the product specifications from Microsoft’s website:
Operating System
Windows RT is an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.
Productivity
Get more done with up to 8 hours of battery life. Surface with Windows RT comes installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview.
Applications
Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview1, (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music, Video, and Games.
Security
Surface with Windows RT features device encryption and comes with Windows Defender.
Connectivity
Always connected, even when in standby mode. Connected standby keeps apps up-to-date.
Thinness
9.30mm
Weight
1.5lbs
Battery
31.5 W-h
Storage
32GB, 64GB
Screen
10.6”, 16:9, 1366×768
Ports
Stereo speakers
Full-size USB 2.0
microSDXC card slot
Headset jack
HD video out port
Cover port
The Surface RT is available in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States. Here is a chart summarizing the pricing in the US and UK:
|
Model |
Price USD |
Price GBP |
| 64GB With Black Touch Cover |
$ 699.00 |
£559.00 |
| 32GB With Black Touch Cover |
$ 599.00 |
£479.00 |
| 32GB W/O Black Touch Cover |
$ 499.00 |
£399.00 |
| Surface Touch Cover |
$ 119.99 |
£99.99 |
| Surface Type Cover |
$ 129.99 |
£109.99 |
The UK prices include VAT.
These prices are competitive with the iPad. However, these models omit mobile data connectivity and the screen resolution is less than the iPad. While these RT model will run Office, they can not run any legacy applications, only applications installed from the Microsoft app store.
Here are some product pictures:
Overall, I think that I will hold off and evaluate the Pro version, which is due out in early Q1 2013, before jumping onboard the Surface bandwagon. How about you?
