Windows RT is the OS that no one seems to love. The problem it has is that it is not “real” Windows. Well sorry to disappoint you all but it was never meant to be “full” windows in the same way iOS was never meant to be OSX.
The most popular complaint by people who have actually bought one is “it doesn’t run my Windows software”. This is primarily down to Microsoft’s marketing people who failed to convey to customers that Windows RT is in fact not Windows (in the traditional sense). In fact they should never had called it Windows in the first place to differentiate it from the traditional Windows software. Either way Microsoft made a balls up in the name.
Naming aside though Windows RT (especially 8.1 on the Surface 2) is a lovely OS to use. A client bought a Surface 2 just before christmas and they love it. I got to set up Office 365 and Skydrive on it and was very impressed by the hardware and the OS itself (Windows 8 does work with touchscreens). The inclusion of Office is a real bonus for actually getting work done especially when Office is still the defacto standard in a business environment.
This is the market Microsoft should be aiming the Surface 2 squarely at. The Surface 2 can print, includes a full Office suite and has the battery to last all day. Yes the lack of Apps in the Windows Store is a real limitation but how many businesses really use apps? The other bonus is that while not being “real” Windows Windows RT feels familiar even though it differs from Windows 8. If you can already use Windows 8.1 on a laptop or PC there is very little you wont be able to do on a Surface 2.
If you use the Surface 2 for what it was designed for (ie work) you wont be disappointed. Try and use it for playing around on or comparing it to an iPad then you will.
If you want (or need) the full Windows experience on a tablet then stump up the cash and go for a Surface Pro 2. If you just want to get some work done using a tablet go for the Surface 2 instead and pocket the change.
About the Author
Hi I’m Chris Wakefield the owner of ComTech IT Support. I provide Windows and Linux based IT Support, laptop repairs and computer repairs to both business and personal clients in Stirling and Falkirk.
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