Surface Pro vs Surface RT – Difference and Comparison

The Surface RT is a tablet (like an iPad) and cannot run conventional Windows apps, while the Surface Pro is a laptop replacement that has tablet-like features — for example, touchscreen — but can also run all traditional Windows apps. The Surface RT tablet can only run apps from the Windows Store (much like how Apple allows iPads to only run apps from its app store). There are no such restrictions with Surface Pro. At $500, Surface RT is cheaper than Surface Pro which starts at $900. It is also lighter, thinner and has a longer battery life than Surface Pro. Both devices use a 10.6″ touch-screen display.

Comparison chart

Cost

The Surface RT starts at $499 for the 32GB version and $599 for the 64GB model. The price increases by $100 if you want to buy a touch cover with the Surface. The cover is only available in black.

The Surface Pro starts at $899 for the 64GB model and $999 for the 128GB version. It is not sold with a cover; covers have to be purchased separately but are available in several colors. The touch cover costs $120 and the type cover is $130.

These are Microsoft.com prices . As of this writing, these devices are available at a slight discount on Amazon.com

Hardware

Because of its faster, conventional Intel Core-i5 processor and larger RAM , the Surface Pro has capabilities similar to a standard netbook . Microsoft has positioned the Surface Pro against Apple’s MacBook Air . On the other hand, the Surface RT is much closer to a standard tablet like an iPad.

Although the Surface Pro is offered in 64Gb and 128GB models, the usable free space is much less (29GB and 89 GB). The Surface RT is available in 32 and 64 GB models, but its usable space is 16-18GB less than the listed total.

Distinguishing Features

Here are some of the features that distinguish Surface RT from Pro:

• The Surface Pro has a screen resolution of 1080×1920 pixels, while the Surface RT has a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. The Surface RT has additional display support, but the Pro has a sharper display.

• The Surface Pro has 4 GB of RAM , while the Surface RT has 2 GB.

• The Surface Pro sports a USB 3.0 port , while the Surface RT only has a USB 2.0 port .

• The Surface Pro has a graphics accelerator, HD playback, and video recording, but it does not have GPS navigation or a microphone. The Surface RT has all of these features.

• The Surface Pro can run desktop applications, while the Surface RT can only run apps from the Windows Store. This store has a much smaller selection than the iOS App Store and Android’s Google Play .

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Competitors

Competitors for the Surface RT are tablets like the iPad or Nexus 10 , or even the significantly cheaper Kindle Fire HD 8.9″ .

Competitors for Surface Pro include MacBook Air and several Windows 8 netbooks and other touchscreen computers (Amazon link) .

Popularity

As of March 15th 2013, Microsoft had sold 1.5 million Surface devices in total. However, according to Bloomberg, 400,000 Surface Pros have been sold since they went on sale in February.

Durability

Both devices have scratch resistant glass.

Battery Life

The Surface Pro has 3-4 hours of battery life, while the Surface RT has 8 hours.

Security

The Surface Pro has application and security policy control with AppLocker, and enhanced data protection capabilities using BitLocker technology . It is compatible with third part security applications. It includes a TPM chip for enhanced encryption and protection against unauthorized use.

The Surface RT has device encryption and Windows Defender. It also includes a RPM chop for encryption and protection against unauthorized use.

References

• Which surface is right for you? Microsoft.com
• Surface Pro specifications
• Surface RT specifications
• Microsoft Surface Pro sales cannibalizing Surface RT