Microsoft Surface Review (If you are thinking of getting a cheap one)

I bought my Microsoft Surface on Black Friday 2013 (Not Surface 2) because finally, it is at the price I want to pay. If there are more deals coming up and you can pick one up for cheap, here is my review to help you decide.

Firstly - Looks (Exterior)


You can check it out at the Microsoft store, The Microsoft Surface looks like the Surface 2, just that the built in stand has only 1 height. Still, its looks pretty good and functional. It is rather slim and feels well built and solid.



The Specifications.

Here is the low-down that made me buy the 32GB Surface (For $200+ Tax)

1) 64GB MicroSD Card Slot (Turns your Tablet into a 96GB machine for a low cost. (I bought a SanDisk 64GB MicroSD for $35)

2) FULL SIZE USB -- OMG this is useful

3) HD Video Out -- With adapters, you can connect it to a HDMI TV or a computer monitor.

4) Bluetooth 4.0

5) A/B/G/N wireless

6) Resolution: 1366x768 (not too bad but not full HD)



What does it include?

It includes a full browser, (Can play Flash Video)
Microsoft Office 2013 - Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Onenote

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Initially, I did not really like the Windows 8, it felt unpolished, and FLAWED. And since the Windows 8.1 update is available, why not go for 8.1?

Here are some instructions to update your poorly made Windows 8 to Windows 8.1
->Microsoft Link<- br="">


I must say, Windows 8.1 is much better.

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After testing for a few days and a few charging cycles, here are my thoughts.

Pros:

- Good enough battery life (played 4 hours of music, 2 hours of surfing and downloads after standby for 2 days)
- Free FULL MS Office 2013!!
- Quick Startup, no wait
- Good size and looks
- Good price
- Very AWESOME Facebook App, better than PC version.
- Plays MP3s (Unlike Apple)

Cons:
- Downloading Windows 8.1 (2GB) takes Forever!
- Not a lot of apps available for Windows RT (Some work on Windows 8.1 only not RT)
- After getting Windows 8.1, Facebook and a Twitter app, my 32GB Surface has 15GB storage remaining.
- Not really that light, when you carry it and use it, it makes your fingers tired.
- Surface Pro Pen does not work on the Surface RT (disappointed)
- Turning on Tablet is fast, restarting it is not...

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I'm rather satisfied with my Windows Surface though, using it for web surfing, doing documents and listening to MP3. For it price, it is worth it.

Overall Rating 9/10 (Value buy)

-- Robin Low

Galaxy Tab Review

I've used the iPad, Archos 7, Huawei Tablet and the Viewsonic tablets for a while, and now I decided to get the Galaxy Tab.

This is not the latest review of the Galaxy Tab launch last year, but I'm going to share with you my experiences and reasons why I got the G-Tab.

Quick specs: 1GHz processor, full Flash support thanks to Android 2.2, dual cameras, support for up to 32GB of storage and WiFi / 3G connectivity

The Galaxy tab looks great and the screen is fantastic. I would say Samsung has did such a good job of making such a bright screen, compared to the other tablets, it is definitely brighter.

The reason why I got the G-tab is because the price with a 2 year plan is S$248 (on a Singtel S$39 plan) It is pretty ok in price, and I love the specs.

Pros:

1) a headphone jack
2) microSD card slot
3) form factor is great for 1 handed use.
4) solid build.
5) great screen, great viewing angles.
6) Responsive screen.
7) supports flash.
8) 1Ghz processor. (much less lag compared to other tablets)
9) Internet tethering (via mobile AP app)
10) ok 3mp camera. (crappy flash)

Cons:

1) no micro-USB slot. (random Samsung Slot)
2) no kickstand
3) Gmail app on the Tab sucks, I sent 3 emails out when I pressed the send button.
4) ~ 6 hours of battery life vs the ipad 9.5 hours



After using all the Android tabs, even now with the newer tablets out, the Galaxy Tab is still a pretty choice which is better than the other tablets.

If you can get a plan with a relatively cheap tab, why not get it.

Overall 8/10

-- Robin Low