Surface PC Specifications

Surface PC models will differ in processor architecture, OS, and other characteristics.

The Surface for Windows RT (Surface RT) uses an ARM processor and runs Windows RT. The Surface for Windows 8 Pro (Surface Pro) uses an Intel processor and runs Windows 8 Pro.

Surface RT devices will be thinner and lighter than Surface Pro, while Surface Pro will offer more powerful hardware, including higher screen resolution and more storage. Microsoft did not announce estimates for battery life, a critical characteristic for tablets.

Surface RT devices will include Office for Home and Student 2013 RT, which along with Internet Explorer are the only Windows desktop applications that Windows RT can run. Surface Pro will be able to run most existing Windows desktop applications. Both Surface PC models will run the new Metro-style applications. Microsoft has not announced release to manufacturing (RTM) dates for Windows 8 and Windows RT, so it’s not clear when the corresponding Surface devices will appear, nor whether they will be available at the same time or at different times. Pricing has also not been announced.