Incoming! Mothman plays with Windows RT tablet

On 09/26/2013 at 12:24 PM by mothman

Greeting Pixlbits.

For someone who is not a fan of Microsoft (and that's being diplomatic) I sure have a lot of devices running MS OS's these days. This is due to my current employer who is 100% Microsoft right down to phones and tablets.

I'm currently in possession of a 32 GB (oh no it isn't) Windows RT tablet and the higher end snap on keyboard cover. By higher end I mean that unlike the lower priced cover this is a real keyboard with actual keys. I'm typing this blog on the RT as we speak.

Even though this is billed as having 32 GB of storage the formatted size is 24.8 GB. It would be almost excusable if you actually had 24.8 available for use but after set up, usable space is around 14 GB.

Thankfully the device support micro SD cards so I installed my 16 GB card for an additional 14.8 GB of free space. The tablet will support up to a 64 GB so that's not too bad.

The build quality is very good and the unit feels solid. It found my wireless mouse without a problem which is a good thing because I hate using trackpads.

Unlike my experience with Android tablets you can actually set up a printer on the thing. It found my HP 3510 within seconds of me starting a search and set it up automatically. Printing may not be high on the list when considered which tablet to buy but I like it.

I've been experimenting with using the Smartglass app with my Xbox 360, my initial reaction to which is.... why? I'm going to mess with it over the weekend and see if it does anything I consider useful.

Watch this space for details.

Mothman is off into the light.

Matt Snee Staff Writer

09/26/2013 at 12:32 PM

"Mothman, save the world!"

Mothman: "I'm the only one who CAN save this world!"

mothman

09/26/2013 at 12:54 PM

You are correct sir. :D

But what if the world doesn't want to be saved?

09/26/2013 at 01:01 PM

dammit, man! It don't matter!

leeradical42

09/27/2013 at 01:22 PM

Im interested to find out what you find lol!!

NSonic79

10/06/2013 at 02:02 AM

that's interesting to hear. My wife is curious about the windows tablets but keeps flip floping between that and the ipad. The better build and decent keyboard might sway her.

10/06/2013 at 07:04 PM

Your reply is below. It didn't take the first time

10/06/2013 at 06:59 PM

If she does decide on the Surface she must get the type cover or whatever the more expensive keyboard is called. I don't think it comes in fancy colours like the less expensive pad but there is no comparison in terms of quality and usability.

The biggest drawback as far as I can see after 3 weeks with the Surface is that the app store is quite a bit smaller but that's not an issue for me since I don't really game on tablets.

Then I guess there's that Retina display but the images on the Surface RT look fine to me and if you spring for the just announced Surface 2 which is the RT with HD graphics then that's not an issue. It will cost you 100 bucks more but it is still less expensive than an iPad.

The built in kickstand, ease of printing and expansion capability are big pluses as far as I'm concerned.

PixlBit