Microsoft, which is only making the software, has now entered the hardware market by breaking its 37-year tradition not to compete with hardware companies. The company unveiled two self-made tablets under the name of “Surface” on 18th June at the event in Los Angeles. The names of the tablets are Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro. These tablets has been designed and engineered by the company itself. Exterior of Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro looks almost same but they are different from each other in terms of hardware configuration. They are considered to be the great competitor of Apple iPad. If you want to know which one is better, then take a look on the following comparison to get a better picture.
Comparison of Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro
Design
Both, Surface Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro have PVD finish and come with the VaporMg case. This case works as the keyboard and a kickstand. Compared to Windows 8 Pro, Windows RT is a little bit thicker and heavier. Windows RT version has 9 mm thickness and 676 g of weight whereas Windows 8 Pro weighs 903 grams and has 13.5 mm thickness.
Screen
The devices have 10.6-inch display which is bigger than the tablets that currently available in the market. Windows RT version has ClearType HD Capacitive display and Surface Windows 8 Pro has Full HD ClearType Capacitive display. The screen resolution has been not announced by the company.
Processor
Processor is considered as the key player in any device. Windows RT version is powered by NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM processor while Windows 8 Pro tablet comes with Intel’s third generation processor, Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge). As per the company, both tablets will perform the same.
Battery
Windows 8 Pro tablet has more powerful battery than Windows RT tablet. Windows 8 Pro includes 31.5Wh battery while Windows 8 Pro has 42Wh battery. The battery life of both tablets is not revealed yet by the company.
Connectivity
When it comes to connectivity, Surface Windows RT features Micro HD Video, microSD, 2×2 MIMO antennae and USB 2.0 while Surface Windows 8 Pro includes USB 3.0, 2×2 MIMO antennae, Mini DisplayPort Video and microSDXC.
Storage
Surface tablets are available in 2 storage options. Windows RT tablet will come in 32 or 64 GB Storage options and Windows 8 Pro will be available with 64 or 128 GB Storage options.
Accessories
Along with the tablet, users will get various accessories. With Windows RT version, users will get Touch Cover and Type Cover, VaporMg Case, 0.7mm thick Stand and Touch Cover and with Windows 8 Pro, users will get VaporMg Case, 0.7mm thick Stand, Touch Cover, Pen with Palm Block, and Type Cover. The Touch Cover will be available in 5 colors and works as a keyboard/touchpad. Type Cover will be 5mm thick and has actual keys and trackpad buttons.
Price and availability
The prices of the surface tablets have been not announced by the company. Surface Windows RT will hit the market this fall and Windows 8 Pro will be available for purchase around 3 months after the Windows RT tablet.
Table Showing Comparison of Microsoft Surface Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro:
|
Model
|
Surface forWindows RT
|
Surface for Windows 8 Pro
|
|
OS
|
Windows RT
|
Windows 8 Pro
|
|
Weight
|
676 g
|
903 g
|
|
Thickness
|
9.3 mm
|
13.5 mm
|
|
Display
|
10.6” ClearType HD Display
|
10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
|
|
Battery
|
31.5 W-h
|
42 W-h
|
|
Processor
|
Nvidia Tegra 3
|
Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
|
|
Connectivity
|
microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae |
microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae |
| Accessories | Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand | Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block |
|
Productivity
|
Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type Cover |
Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block |
|
Storage
|
32 GB, 64 GB
|
64 GB, 128 GB
|
Video of Microsoft Surface Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro from youtube: