This discussion is not really a fair fight because x86 is a desktop computing platform (generally speaking) and ARM is for mobile devices. That being said, there isn't one single ARM-based tablet or phone that can support USB peripherals such as printers, external disk drives, external DVD drives, etc. USB support is limited to HID devices such as keyboards & mice and thumb drives. Windows 8 is a full desktop OS and RT is the mobile "equivalent" only in UI and a few desktop "lite" apps. The line is getting fuzzy because the Surface Pro will have an iPad form factor but make no mistake, it's a full-bore computer. Battery life will not be as good but it'll be better than present-day laptops. I haven't read anywhere if the final release will support Wacom Penabled stylii but I can tell you that Consumer Preview did not impress me one bit. XP Tablet was, and is, the undisputed champ for ink but the times they are a changing. I always thought progress was supposed to improve the species but it looks like my definition is outdated. Long live my ancient ThinkPad!!