Tablet Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Note V Microsoft Surface Rt.

[Everhelpful]

Can anyone advise me about the merits or otherwise regarding the following Tablets: Samsung Galaxy Note as opposed to Microsoft Surface RT,basically,which one should I buy.? Many Thanks for any advice.

[AB Editor]

I have a Surface and it's excellent.

Depends what you want to do?

The Surface is most like a normal computer and the Note is most like a Smartphone - both are good and likely to fulfil your needs to varying degrees.

What services do you use most often?

[Everhelpful]

Mainly to use similar to an IPad,which I can't get on much as it is forever in the clutches my 5 Year Old Grandson playing his games.

[Nibble]

The answer to this question is dependant as to the usage that you'll be most useful to you, i.e whether a smartphone/pc is more useful. Until you decide which mode of computing is of more need for you.

[AB Editor]

Lol! Take it back off him! Or you could buy a new iPad?

Do you use a windows 8 computer?

[AB Editor]

Have you got a big-ish John lewis near you? They have Surface RTs and Notes to play with. Maybe worth a little trip out?

[Everhelpful]

Come to my House and try to get it off him!! Got one IPad thought a change would be better,PC runs Windows 7 but is in another room,I need to watch him while He is playing although I have got In-App Purchases turned off,I probably sound a bit thick but was does a Smartphone do? I have an Iphone but screen is a bit small to see at my age.

[Everhelpful]

Should have come out as "What" does a Smartphone do.

[Alston]

Ed...Is there any computer type equipment which you haven't got.:-)

Al.

[AB Editor]

I realised you wanted a comparison:

The Surface RT has things like Word, Excel etc built in, which can be used just like a computer. It has a tablet mode for lots of stuff, but sometimes it's nice to have a real keyboard.

The Note will use Google services, but it more like your iPhone in the way it works - i.e. there's no desktop mode and you can only download/work with certain files. BUT you may find these restrictions useful in streamlining the hings you want to do.

What is it you actually do on your tablet/computer? If the answer is: read books, browse AB, use facebook and send a few emails.... then either will "do" :)

[VHG]

The Surface RT has been a total disaster for Microsoft.

In fact they are being sued by investors who claim they were lied to about how well the RT was selling. See below (or search for "Surface RT disaster").

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9241606/Lawyers_sue_Microsoft_over_Surface_RT_unmitigated_disaster_

They are already cutting the price of the RT, and could well scrap it altogether and perhaps come back into the market at a later date with a "new" tablet.

I would not buy a Surface RT as I think in its current state it is a "dead end".

ps. Don't confuse the Surface RT with the Surface Pro, which runs a "proper" version of windows 8.

The RT only runs the "Run Time" version of Windows so you cant run "proper" Windows applications on it.

[Everhelpful]

Looks like it is going to be Microsoft Surface RT as Currys have it on "Special" at £279,assuming Microsoft Surface RT "Convertible" 32 Gb is the same,please let me know.Thank You.

[gingejbee]

The worst possible reason for buying something - because a crap retailer has it at a cheapo price. No thought processes there, then.

[VHG]

The only reason it is on special is because Microsoft have had to slash the price as they cant sell them.

They have warehouses full of them so are "dumping" them on the marketplace.

See my append above where I say buying a Surface RT is NOT a good idea.

Also there are FAR less apps in the Windows store compared with the app store for iPads or Samsung Galaxy tablets (which run Android).

Please don't waste your money on a Surface RT.

Search the web and you find loads of articles saying the Surface RT is a "dead" platform

Here is one

http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/computers/blogs/gadgets-on-the-go/windows-rt--dead-in-the-water-20130814-2rvzs.html

[gingejbee]

VHG: I'm agreeing with you 100% - it's the OP who can't see the wood etc.

[AB Editor]

VHG you seem quite worked up about it :)

It's not a dead platform and is a bargain at that price. My personal experience with it is excellent.

VHG is right, it doesn't have as many "apps" however - but as I said, it all depends on what you need it for.

If you're like me and you need a real version of Word and Excel it's perfect. If you need the latest version of Angry Birds and Instagram then you need an iPad... and you won't find a proper version of word on there.

It all depends on your use case.

[Everhelpful]

gingejbee,I am 73 years old and have researched and asked for comments and comparisons so I don't think I am buying because it is a "cheapo" at a "crap" Store,as you put it, perhaps just to satisfy you I should go and pay £349 at John Lewis or Argos,Amazon etc. I think I am a bit too worldly-wise to be caught out like that,so please don't accuse me of having no "thought processes"as you put it.I actually find your reply pretty offensive and patronising. Anyway,where is the Answer to my Original Post instead of a frivolous and ridiculous remark?

[AB Editor]

There will be a "Surface 2" out shortly, which is why they've slashed the price. It's what happens just before the "next" iPad launches.

[Everhelpful]

Thank You Ed and VHG for your very helpful comments,so much appreciated.

[AB Editor]

Gingejbee - I suggest you attempt to back up your claims rather than put down someone. If you've got a good reason Everhelpful shouldn't go for it - let him know. There's no need to be rude about it.

[AB Editor]

I do strongly suggest having a "play" before you buy anything. If you're not familiar with Android it can feel very odd compared to an iPad - the logic can be very different.