Microsoft Surface rt?

[01KY4R]

I personally use an iPad while at home for forum browsing, but I'm looking to do some part time work for a local company that will have me traveling locally and creating policies/procedures. Does anyone have experience with the first generation surface? I want to stay inexpensive, under $200, since I honestly can use my laptop that I've had for a couple years but would prefer something smaller that still allows me to use Microsoft word. Of course, I'd still like to have the capability of checking t4r during down time so Internet browsing is also a must have. Lastly, I'm not concerned with having data since I'll only use the internet when on wifi.

Please let me know your thoughts!

 

[9lb taco]

I personally use an iPad while at home for forum browsing, but I'm looking to do some part time work for a local company that will have me traveling locally and creating policies/procedures. Does anyone have experience with the first generation surface? I want to stay inexpensive, under $200, since I honestly can use my laptop that I've had for a couple years but would prefer something smaller that still allows me to use Microsoft word. Of course, I'd still like to have the capability of checking t4r during down time so Internet browsing is also a must have. Lastly, I'm not concerned with having data since I'll only use the internet when on wifi.

Please let me know your thoughts!

I've had a 64Gb Surface RT since release. It's probably had less than 100 hours of use. Depending on the specs of your laptop & the type of work you'll be attempting, IMO, the original Surface RT may not be worth your time & money (better off with the laptop itself).

I used mine mostly for personal stuff fro while traveling for work the first couple of years I had it. I don't use work equipment for anything personal, and carrying two laptops around is a bit excessive. It was a very useful tool in this regard. As a bonus, various office documents and other functions were compatible with my work laptop, so it was useful for a quick glance/modification of files.

That being said, it's not a laptop replacement like the original Surface Pro was intended to be. The ARM processor is capable of web browsing and many other multimedia type functions, but most often provides a bit of a painful experience. The touch keyboard takes some getting used to. The type keyboard is a lot better but still not quite as nice as a quality laptop keyboard.

I still carry it around in my bag daily, just don't have much use for it anymore unless I'm in a pinch.

 

[01KY4R]

Thank you 9lb! It sounds like I should wait to see what I'm really going to need or can get the chance to try one out first.

 

[MONTYMTB]

I personally use an iPad while at home for forum browsing, but I'm looking to do some part time work for a local company that will have me traveling locally and creating policies/procedures. Does anyone have experience with the first generation surface? I want to stay inexpensive, under $200, since I honestly can use my laptop that I've had for a couple years but would prefer something smaller that still allows me to use Microsoft word. Of course, I'd still like to have the capability of checking t4r during down time so Internet browsing is also a must have. Lastly, I'm not concerned with having data since I'll only use the internet when on wifi.

Please let me know your thoughts!

Did you know that Word is available for the ipad?
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-word/id586447913?mt=8

 

[01KY4R]

I knew there was an iOS version of word but didn't realize it has been that far improved to the point people are actually using it and giving positive reviews. Thanks for posting... I'm going to give it a test.

 

[KidVermicious]

The big knock on the RT is, it's Windows RT and it's limited to Windows apps. It's not 8.1 and can't run actual Windows programs the way 8.1 does.

I just bought a Toshiba Envoy ten inch tablet PC, it was $180 or so at Best Buy. It's not too fast and doesn't have an integrated keyboard, but it'll run Windows apps and any legacy Windows programs, and it's eligible for the free upgrade to 10.1 when that comes out. The devices running RT will not.

 

[01KY4R]

The big knock on the RT is, it's Windows RT and it's limited to Windows apps. It's not 8.1 and can't run actual Windows programs the way 8.1 does.

I just bought a Toshiba Envoy ten inch tablet PC, it was $180 or so at Best Buy. It's not too fast and doesn't have an integrated keyboard, but it'll run Windows apps and any legacy Windows programs, and it's eligible for the free upgrade to 10.1 when that comes out. The devices running RT will not.

Thank you very much for posting this! I was unaware that RT cannot receive the updates.

 

[BlazeRunner]

I have the 32gb first edition surface rt, and use it daily. I honestly can say I would NOT recommend it. The rt app community is pretty weak and this thing is buggy as hell. Also, I'm not particularly rough with it, but the hinges for the stand are garbage. I almost yell at this thing daily, I hate it. Microsoft has no business in hardware, some of the highest failure rates in the industry.

 

[01KY4R]

I have the 32gb first edition surface rt, and use it daily. I honestly can say I would NOT recommend it. The rt app community is pretty weak and this thing is buggy as hell. Also, I'm not particularly rough with it, but the hinges for the stand are garbage. I almost yell at this thing daily, I hate it. Microsoft has no business in hardware, some of the highest failure rates in the industry.

You solidified my decision to take my buddy up on a deal for a Dell laptop for $50. Thank you for your honest opinion. I guess I was stuck on the cool factor over practicality.