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:
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.