Hi guys I do not have a computer and I'm looking for something for school and i was wondering if the surface rt could do what a computer could do. I want to know if it will be able to use microsoft word so I can type documents for school. Also is there like a usb slot where I can transfer the stuff. I'm still deciding on getting either a laptop or the surface. Can the surface play games like runescape and minecraft? My budget is $200 and I have someone who wants to sell me a surface rt for $190 32gb and someone who has an hp g56 laptop for 160$ please help and thanks. Much appreciated
Is the surface RT like a laptop?
Guest
No, windows RT is based off an ARM architecture (etc etc)
BASICALLY, its LOOKS like windows 8, but it ISN'T
the surface RT does have a word app, and an USB port, but can't run full windows apps/programs (eg steam)
there isn't an official version of minecraft or runescape for windows RT, so youre out of luck there
and some serious software modification does allow it to run simple full windows programs, but the mods are beta-state and somewhat unstable
Benjamin
The Surface RT is very similar to a laptop but will NOT do everything a standard laptop will do. For standard school applications you should be fine, but if you are planning on doing any heavy tasks or running more advanced programs I would not recommend the RT. The RT is a good tablet for students, as it does have Office (Word, Powerpoint, Excel) pre-loaded, but it does not run x86 Windows Applications. The RT was designed to only run apps in the Windows Store, which means you can't run standard desktop applications. If it's not in the store it won't run (with a few exceptions of Microsoft products). Also, keep in mind that right now the Windows Store does not contain many popular apps and is still somewhat new.
The Surface RT does have a USB port, so you can connect a game controller, mouse, or external hard drive/flash drive. You will be able to transfer your files.
If you are looking to play games like RuneScape and Minecraft, then DO NOT get the RT. Like I said before, it can't run standard x86 apps, including Minecraft and the RuneScape client. Even if you do get Unescape working in the browser, the performance will most likely be so bad it would be unplayable.
If you are looking for a tablet similar to the RT that can run x86 apps, then get the Surface Pro 2/3. It runs full windows, which means you can run anything you would want to run on a desktop PC. It does not come with Office though.
Honestly though, $200 most likely will not cut it for any quality laptops for school. You would be looking at around a minimum of $500 for even a cheap laptop.
Austin
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Saha