As promised, I’m going to provide my own unique review of the Microsoft Surface. To be honest, there’s so much new and different about the Microsoft Surface that it will take pages and pages of review notes to do the job right. So, that’s what I’ve decided to do. Each feature and function (both software and hardware) will get its own review here, so I’ll be separating the reviews out into components, and therefore, different posts. And, as I go through the review process I’ll update this post with links to the various pieces so you can get a central spot to access them all (in case you miss one or two).
But, as a preliminary summary, I’d like to say that my experience with the Microsoft Surface has been extremely positive. From the date received (I received mine on the date promised – October 26th, 2012), to the well thought out packaging (I can’t bring myself to throw away the beautiful packaging), to setup and configuration (it was a breeze), to first use and personal customizations (accounts and app installs), the Microsoft Surface has been a dream. Yes, there are caveats and a lack of app substitutes, but I am able (so far) to overlook most of the glaring issues due to the quality of the hardware and the appeal of the operating system and GUI.
As a long time Android tablet user (Original Xoom and Nexus 7) and Android phone user (Original Droid, Galaxy S, DroidX, and now Droid RAZR HD) you would think that switching to something so different would be tough. I was afraid of that myself. But, after using it for several days, I’m hooked, and Android now seems to me to be an old and tired platform. I’ll explain that a bit better later on when I review the Windows 8/RT OS and GUI.
I’ll be writing up a new piece periodically, so check back.
Published November 12, 2012 – Is the Windows RT Surface a good business solution?
For now, I’ll leave you with some pictures from the unboxing from Friday, October 26, 2012. Take special note of the Microsoft Surface packaging. It’s a pure work of art and you’ll see immediately why I can’t bring myself to throw it away.
