Look Beneath the Surface

The newest Windows tablet, the Microsoft Surface, was released approximately a week and a half ago. This exciting new tablet device was the first such device to be released with Windows RT (a version of Windows 8 specifically designed for tablets using ARM technology), and as such generated a large amount of public speculation regarding its nature, functionality, and malleability. Approximately 90% of computer users utilize Windows as their operating system of choice, making the dual release of this new OS/tablet quite a big deal. The tablet is offered in two different sizes: 32GB and 64GB.

However, as with all devices with removable storage, the 32GB/64GB label is not all that it seems. Many of these supposed “free gigabytes” are actually taken up by various tools and built-in software. The 32GB Surface is in fact 29GB in binary that is used in computer storage informational systems. 5GB of the initial 29GB is space that is reserved for Windows recovery tools. Another 8GB is used to support the OS, Microsoft Office, and the pre-loaded apps that come with the tablet, leaving the user with only 16GB of the originally stated 32GB.

If a user is looking for storage space, Microsoft recommends using Cloud storage (SkyDrive), microSD cards (up to 64GB), a USB flash drive, or an external hard drive.

In short, beware if you are planning on purchasing this sleek and shiny new automaton, as it may be less desirable than you may have originally believed.