Microsoft Surface Review: Specs Of 1st Gen Windows RT-Powered Tablet Features Quad-Core Processor, 10.6-inch Display For A Price Cheaper Than iPad Mini Retina

Microsoft Surface review: The original Windows RT-powered tablet that signaled Microsoft’s entry to the world of tablets is being offered for a price cheaper than the iPad Mini with Retina display, $349 against the smaller Apple tablet’s $399. The unit is outfitted with a 10.6-inch touchscreen, front and rear facing 720p HD video cameras and an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor.

Resolution for the Microsoft Surface’s display is at 1366 x 768 pixels and a pixel density of 158 ppi. The multi-touch screen is scratch-resistant and has a light sensor as well. The Surface tablet has a 1 megapixel camera and runs on an NVIDIA Tegra 3 quad-core processor with 2 GB RAM. Internal storage for the tablet begins at 32GB. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 Wi-Fi, Micro HDMI and USB 2.0.

According to CNET, the Microsoft Surface’s Metro interface is innovative, elegant, powerful, and versatile. The tech cite noted the tablet feels strong and well-built. It’s also functional with Office 2013 and includes rich video and music services. The keyboard cover accessories are the “best way to type on a tablet, period” says CNET.

Phone Arena, on the other hand, cites the downside of Surface indicating as a minus the low pixel density screen (148 ppi), the unit lacking a GPS and the camera not having autofocus or flash. The Verge cites the Surface’s having a weak ecosystem (lack of apps) and says that it doesn’t live up to hybrid promise.

Since the unit was released, Microsoft has since updated the Surface line of tablets with the Surface 2 and the second iteration of the high-end version of the flagship tablet, Surface Pro 2. Thanks to the new tablets the $349 price of the unit is affordable relative to the Apple’s iPad, but the ecosystem whee it revolves - Windows RT has always been deemed limiting. The availability of other tablets from Lenovo and Asus, outfitted with the full version of Windows 8.1 provides stiff competition in terms of choice for the Microsoft Surface line.