Tag: Surface RT

Microsoft and ARM, a rocky romance

Microsoft announces new Surface devices! Their light form factor blends the experience from a traditional laptop with a tablet. A new Windows version, especially built for low-power ARM processors, promises security and performance improvements. It gives users access to their favorite Windows apps with an all-day battery life. Microsoft believes these 2-in-1 gadgets can finally become their Apple-killer competitors.

Image Credit: Microsoft

You’d think that was referring to the new Surface devices announced at Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC event earlier this month. Or perhaps you thought that was referring to the Surface Pro X, launched in 2019. But in fact, it was actually talking about the Surface RT, launched in 2012.

That’s right, the Copilot+ PC launch is Microsoft’s third attempt to usher a new generation of Windows devices using the ARM architecture. What happened in the previous two?

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Using a Surface RT, 5 years later

Right before my last trip to Spain, rumors of a laptop ban in flights from Europe to the U.S. started appearing. I didn’t want to take my Surface Book and risk being forced to throw it inside my luggage on my way back (we all know how airlines treat luggage).

So what options did I have? Either leave my laptop at home, or travel with a device that I could live without, in case it broke after being handled like a sack of potatoes.

That’s when I thought of my old Surface RT, abandoned in a shelf for years. I wasn’t sure it would be “enough of a tablet” for my trip but coincidentally, that same week happened to be the 5th year anniversary of its presentation, so it was perfect timing for a test.

Would I be able to use my email? Write a little bit? Upload pictures to Facebook? Read Twitter? Buy tour tickets and make trip reservations? Would any of the old apps work?


The answer to all of those questions was, surprisingly, yes.

Continue reading “Using a Surface RT, 5 years later” →