Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

------------------------------------------------------- IMPORTANT UPDATE as of November 28: The FULL version of MS-Office is now available for download. Go to the "Control Panel" in the Desktop folder (accessible via the desktop file manager). Click on "System and Security." Then choose "Install optional updates." There you will see the full update to MS-Office, which runs much quicker, I've found. -------------------------------------------------------- As a college professor, I rely heavily on programs like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. I also have to juggle multiple email addresses--one for colleagues, one for students and, when time allows, a personal account. Because I often like to use coffee shops as my office, I've owned numerous portable PCs over the years--from laptops to netbooks and, most recently, tablets. In fact, I'm embarrassed to confess that I've owned almost every type of tablet computer that has hit the market--the iPad 2, the Asus Transformer, the Kindle Fire and now the Surface. Before the Surface, I was able to complete some work on tablets, but anyone who owns an iPad or Android tablet (and who is also honest) has to admit that, while they are super in some respects, these tablets offer very little assistance to a person who is hoping to create and edit word processing, spreadsheet and presentation program files. The reason is because these devices lock a user into apps that only allow 10% functionality of the full versions of the leading office programs. This, however, is not the case with the Surface. It comes with a standard office suite, and I have been absolutely amazed at what I can do on this tablet. Most recently, I was able to grade student papers by inserting comments into the margins. While this isn't shocking on a desktop, it's unheard of on a tablet. The share button in the charms menu allowed me to easily send the files back to my students. This day of work alone made me fall in love with MS's delightful new Windows 8 operating system. I know. I've read all the reviewers who poo-poo Windows 8, and they're certainly entitled to their opinions. Many of these reviews, though, seem to be products of fan-boy hero worship, which tell readers less about Surface and Windows 8 than they do show how dogmatically people defend their purchases and favorite companies. As a former computer technician, though, I've never been a fan of any company, device, operating system or software that didn't serve my needs, and I've used many over the years. However, Windows 8--both the full version and the RT version--is the most exciting and useful operating system I've seen in years. It enables easy multitasking and an easy to navigate experience. While the value of an operating might be subjective, the fact that work like word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations is easier on the Surface is not subjective, and anyone who has used Android and I-Pad products for work and has also used the Surface can easily attest to this. It is true that there are limited apps at the time, but those of us who were first on-board with Apple or Android tablets easily remember a similar situation when they debuted. Still, to be honest, I'm not a gamer, and for my purposes, I have all the apps I need currently on the Surface. In addition to the quality of the operating system, the build quality is outstanding. This has been noted in almost every review, but it's impossible to really describe how fantastic and solid this tablet is. Truth be told, I entered the Windows 8 RT world with the Asus Vivo RT but returned it because the bezel didn't line up with the rear casing, and this made it feel a little less than comfortable and trustworthy. There are no such flaws with the Surface. In fact, I'm more impressed with the build quality of this product than any other tablet I've owned--including (and I hesitate to mention this because of the hate responses I'm sure it'll garner) the iPad. The one downside to this machine that somewhat amazes me is the screen resolution. It's not bad, but it's not stellar either. I just cannot imagine why MS didn't simply knock the ball out of the park with a higher res screen. This isn't a deal breaker, but it is puzzling. All in all, I am very happy with this product, and MS's shipping, packing and presentation were stellar. Though I've intentionally ignored MS for over 10 years (using Linux and Libre Office at home instead), they've made me a convert--for my home and, especially, my tablet needs. UPDATE: Here are a few extra comments that I made in the comments section that might be useful to those who are simply browsing the reviews. 1) If you have multiple email accounts, then the included email app will allow you to add all your accounts to that one app and then simply click from one account to the next when you see a new message has arrived. This works for all email accounts-even MS Exchange. 2) The calendar app nicely integrates all your calendars (e.g. Google, MS Outlook) into one calendar and color codes the different sources so you can easily differentiate your work from personal appointments. (REALLY NICE!) 3) The "charms" bar is also nice because you can share the on-screen information/document easily. Adding it to your online content or simply mailing it off to an email address is only one click away. 4) Obviously, having full versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer has many benefits, and the 2013 version of Office is a wonderful upgrade from the previous version. If you want to try it out, MS is letting people download a full trial version of Office 2013 via their site. It's worth a look. 5) The new SkyDrive (MS's cloud storage) nicely integrates with all programs. A few downsides 1) If you use Dropbox.com, then currently, there is no app for Dropbox. You can use other apps that will allow you to access those files, but they don't allow the easy edit and save that a true Dropbox program does. 2) The webcam is acceptable and works well for creating lecture supplements, but if you intend to record high quality videos, then the rear camera leaves a lot to be desired. It's not horrific, but it's certainly not as good as the other tablets I've used. Something to think about: the upcoming version of Surface (non-RT) will not only run a full version of Windows 8, but it will also have a digitizer-which means you'll be able to write with a stylus on the screen. If you prefer handwriting comments on papers/exams/reports, then this might be worth waiting for. You can use a capacitive stylus with the current Surface, but it doesn't offer the exactness of a true digitizer stylus.