To clear my previous post up a bit:
Most tablets are ARM-based and technically just large smartphones without phone capability. They'll usually run most regular phone-apps that don't require cell network access to work, or that have some other quirky requirements, as well as apps that are designed to work optimally on actual tablets. The difference between a phone and these tablets is sort of like a desktop PC and a laptop PC.
If you get this type of tablet, you will not be able to use most applications that you have access to on an Intel-based PC or laptop. You will most likely find similar applications that have the same functions, although they'll look and feel different. Some PC applications might have been ported to work on them as well. Most games, even old ones, will not work unless you manage to find a DOS emulator. Those that do work will be ports of the PC version, which requires effort by developers so it's not done very often. But of course, there is quite a few games available natively for phones and tablets these days.
The Surface Pro is different because it is a real "PC laptop" in a tablet-sized box, with a touch screen, and therefore has all the same software compatibilities as regular PCs have. However, it also costs 2-3 times more than a decent ARM tablet. Beware though, MS also has a similarly named "Surface" which doesn't have the "pro" part in the name. This is their version of the ARM-based tablets. However, these are using neither iOS or Android, so you can't use the apps that are available for iOS and Android on them. You need to use the Windows-tablet versions of them, if such versions exist. You'll find quite a bit of apps for these tablets too, but they won't be the same that "most people" are using, because iOS and Android tablets are extremely much more widespread.
A Surface Pro 2 looks like this: http://cdn3.tnwcdn.com/wp-content/bl...am8_pos.01.png
The keyboard is detachable and also functions as a display protector when folded together and it has a thingie at the back that makes it stand upright on tables on its own and the color is so cool and omg i want one i wish i had more money and didn't have to take personal finances into the equation
Personally, I am seriously considering buying one (that's why i happen to know so much about them now!), but I'm still not sure if I want a regular laptop instead, seeing as that would be a lot cheaper for the same amount of performance.
For those of you that hate the Win8 UI, because Surface Pro 2 is running a real, full version windows 8, you can turn it off and get the regular desktop UI we're used to.
Just checked prices. In Norway, the Surface Pro 2 256GB costs almost exactly twice as much as an iPad Air 64GB. The iPad Air gets you a tablet. The Pro 2 gets you a laptop and a tablet.
Reply With Quote