Microsoft Surface RT Videos (Reviews, Tips, Apps)

[vgjfelix]

Hey all. Been away for a few weeks because I've been putting together this

Microsoft Surface RT - The Full Review - YouTube

This is my full and honest review of the Microsoft Surface RT. The first and showcase Windows RT tablet computer that sees Microsoft propel itself into this new and rapidly emerging market.

My views and opinions come from three months of using the device. Of course no matter how long a video review is it can't cover everything so apologies if you think I've missed anything.

Like it or hate it, agree or disagree, share your thoughts in the comments.

I have decided at this point that I've completed my Surface RT journey so I am going to sell it. I will continue to do more videos until it is sold but I can't imagine that will take took long.

Thanks for watching and supporting my videos.

vgjfelix

 

[11B1P]

^ that's to bad. I've enjoyed your video tips. I'm not a power user by any stretch of the imagination, but my RT does just about everything I need it to. I guess that's why I find it so hard to believe some people don't like it. For me, it just works.

 

[GSOgymrat]

I just discovered this thread. You put an amazing amount of work into this. I'm surprised after all these videos you felt Surface is an inferior device but I think I am most disappointed by your conclusion that there is no better solution than purchasing multiple devices, such as a Nexus 7 and a laptop. Surface definitely works better for me than what I was using before, which was carrying around a 15" laptop, an iPad, a phone and a Nook Simple Touch. Now I have the Surface, Nook Simple Touch and phone.

I am extremely excited by the Yota Phone and want a 6-7" version of this device.

 

[HeyCori]

Thanks for you full and honest review. There are some things that I disagree with, such as closing apps. I find that one quick swipe is more ideal than Apple's solution. Another issue you mentioned are apps that simply scroll text with no page breaks. I agree, that's poor app design but not particularly a design flaw of the operating system itself. I also found that I'm not as bothered by the niggles that you mentioned. For example, the battery symbol not showing an actual percentage number. IMO, whether I see a number or not is irrelevant. My remaining battery life will still vary by usage. You also mentioned how poor of a job the Surface does at resting on your lap like a laptop can, but isn't that the same flaw with all tablets? I use an iPad 2 at work and I haven't found a perfect "lap propping" method for that either. I think the review loses objectivity with such comparisons. Finally, I agree that Microsoft definitely has some catching up to do. Like you said, they are two years too late. However, I disagree with your Gamecube comparison. The Gamecube is inferior from a technical standpoint with zero hardware options. Surface and Windows RT can come in a variety of hardware options, most of which can match (or exceed) some of the other competing tablets on the market. Yes, I would also like to see more software available for Windows RT (though I'm honestly quite happy with Office, Hulu/Netflix and IE10) but I knew that Microsoft wouldn't just magically erase Apple's/Google's lead simply because it says Windows on it. Microsoft has a long, hard road ahead of them. However, that road is necessary if Microsoft wants to survive. Everything is going mobile. Microsoft has to do the same.

 

[vgjfelix]

A nice range of constructive opinions here so here are my responses

Another issue you mentioned are apps that simply scroll text with no page breaks. I agree, that's poor app design but not particularly a design flaw of the operating system itself.
True but I do think Mircosoft's 1st party apps act like a template which other developers have used so it's a worrying trend

IMO, whether I see a number or not is irrelevant. My remaining battery life will still vary by usage.
It makes a huge difference to mean. I can't tell whether it's got 20% or 40%. Does it need charging before you take it out for the day or not. Difficult to tell immediately.

You also mentioned how poor of a job the Surface does at resting on your lap like a laptop can, but isn't that the same flaw with all tablets?
For most tablets you hold it because it doesn't come with a keyboard so it's not exactly a flaw - they're just not designed to be typed on extensively. As said in the review, the kickstand by itself is a good idea, but it's there because the keyboard doesn't offer any support. The keyboard is unusable on your lap which is a classic tablet position. So the surface hints at this extra functionality but only in very certain conditions. The Asus Transformer series got this right and many other Windows RT tablets.

Finally, I agree that Microsoft definitely has some catching up to do. Like you said, they are two years too late. However, I disagree with your Gamecube comparison. The Gamecube is inferior from a technical standpoint with zero hardware options.
I admit I just plucked the Gamecube concept randomly out of the air. It was a response to a few comments on other Surface videos I've done where people are saying I should compare the first windows tablet to the first apple ipad which as a consumer you just can't do.

I think, ultimately, the Surface RT is a very subjective tablet. It does have a sweet spot for some people that makes it an ideal device, but I think that sweet spot is so small it doesn't capture enough of an audience. Plus I can't get over how expensive it is.

Anyway, appreciate the constructive feedback and I respect your opinions which were well made. I'm happy to to agree to disagree.

 

[HeyCori]

True but I do think Mircosoft's 1st party apps act like a template which other developers have used so it's a worrying trend

I agree. Microsoft's own apps should be mind blowing and they're not. They were definitely made under a strict time constraint.

I think, ultimately, the Surface RT is a very subjective tablet. It does have a sweet spot for some people that makes it an ideal device, but I think that sweet spot is so small it doesn't capture enough of an audience. Plus I can't get over how expensive it is.

That is one of the biggest hurdles in RT adoption. For example, the Surface is too expensive compared to other tablets and too expensive compared to other x86 laptops. Take away support for legacy applications and suddenly RT becomes a very hard sale for the price. Personally I think Microsoft and other OEMs should be shooting for a $300 starting price for RT tablets, even if that means lowering the licensing fee for Windows 8. PCs and Windows has always been a race to the bottom. Microsoft/OEMs needs to accept this and lower the price. You could almost justify the price if this was a two-way race between Apple and Microsoft, but it's not. Google is there with a superior ecosystem and cheaper prices. Even Amazon has their own chunk of the market. I don't think RT is doomed for failure but Microsoft definitely needs to address the price problem of their tablets.

 

[GSOgymrat]

. Plus I can't get over how expensive it is.

A 32 GB iPad is $599, a 32 GB Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 is $549 and a 32 GB Surface RT is $499 and includes Microsoft Office. I don't think Surface RT is comparatively expensive.

 

[vgjfelix]

Here is volume two of my Surface RT Basics tips series. 10 tips in around 10 minutes.

Microsoft Surface RT Tips - Volume 2 (10 tips) - Windows 8 - YouTube

@0:05 Mouse Basics
@1:50 Pin Basics
@3:13 Setting for Startscreen and Desktop
@4:21 Naming Tile Groups
@5:20 Lock Screen Notifications
@6:13 Touch Screen Right Click
@7:05 Simple Desktop Navigation
@8:12 Mult-Tasking Basics
@9:52 Swiping in and out
@11:20 Speed up and Protect Your Browsing

 

[prlundberg]

You make a lot of observations in your full review that I agree with. There is room for improvement. However the overall tone and bias clearly make it an opinion piece and not an objective review.

No, it's not as good of a tablet as an iPad. But it also does a lot of stuff iPads simply can't.

No, it's not as good of a laptop as an ultrabook. But it's a lot more mobile and convenient. And for the record I use it on my lap frequently without difficulty.

As an example, to harp on the keyboards because they don't have a battery is ridiculous. Transformer keyboard docks are bulky, heavy, and must be removed completely to use the tablet as a tablet. They aren't better unless you need that battery. The Surface keyboards work fantastic as covers. I will grant you the keyboards are overpriced, which is annoying. But if you really want that Tranformer keyboard you can go buy a VivoTab, which has sold in much smaller numbers than the Surface.

Anyway, I could go on point by point but I think you get the picture. You try to make it be all things to all people which it cleary is not and doesn't pretend to be. Guess what, cheap 7" Android tablets and a netbook on the side aren't either. Just because it doesn't meet your particular expectations doesn't mean it's a failure and deserving of such scorn. I'm happy with mine, it has replaced my tablet and my laptop. It has not replaced my home PC, but that was obvious going in.

 

[HeyCori]

Here's how to speed up touch screen response with a simple registry edit. As always, be very careful when adjusting the registry.

How to make your Surface RT touchscreen respond faster | PCWorld

 

[HeyCori]

Tired of unnecessary animations? Navigate to

Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Advanced tab > Performance Settings

From there you can adjust various animations to speed up your Surface.

 

[HeyCori]

Why and how to disable Superfetch

How to Disable SuperFetch in Windows 7 & 8

 

[HeyCori]

How to install apps on a sd card.

Installing Windows RT Store Apps on to the SD Card

 

[HeyCori]

When you got some cache sitting in your pocket

How To Clear Cache In Windows 8 To Free Up Valuable Disk Space | Redmond Pie

 

[Brad and Ellen]

When you got some cache sitting in your pocket

How To Clear Cache In Windows 8 To Free Up Valuable Disk Space | Redmond Pie

Thanks for this, we didn't know a couple of these, very helpful!

 

[HeyCori]

Such a useful tool that a lot of people don't know about

Use Snipping Tool to capture screen shots - Microsoft Windows Help

 

[Elvis7]

On the subject of videos, anyone know a good video converting app that doesn't take too long,i want to convert mkvs avi etc to mp4 so I can't play to my 360 or Xbox one. Also a good unzip app.
Surface rt

 

[calfee20]

There is a thread on this but a lot of people recommended handbrake
http://forums.windowscentral.com/mi...tware-convert-mkv-files-mp4-play-surface.html

 

[Elvis7]

There is a thread on this but a lot of people recommended handbrake
http://forums.windowscentral.com/mi...tware-convert-mkv-files-mp4-play-surface.html

I looked it up but theres no handbrake in the app store. I'm asking for an app on the surface rt to convert videos to mp4.

 

[dainla]

Here's how to speed up touch screen response with a simple registry edit. As always, be very careful when adjusting the registry.

How to make your Surface RT touchscreen respond faster | PCWorld

Thanks for this. Excellent.