Microsoft Surface reviewed

You can in fact type with the Microsoft Surface on your lap, just like a laptop.

TechRadar seems to have had unprecedented access to the Microsoft Surface and have posted a 3 page review of the two devices.

They note the design is impressive and practical, and reveal that the whole bezel is touch aware.

They also reveal the kick-stand is held in place with magnets and has two rubber feet and that the screen switches off when the touch cover is closed, much like the iPad smart cover.

They also said the device is well balanced, and could easily be balanced on the lap for typing like a proper notebook.

They found the Windows RT running on the Surface RT to be smooth and fast and worked as well as Windows 8 running on the x86 processor.

They conclude:

It’s a surprise that Microsoft created its own tablet, but it’s done a more than decent job of it; far more creative and polished than many Android tablets.

Microsoft has to get the price right – the current thinking is comparable with iPad and 10-inch Android tablets for Surface RT rather than with the 7-inch Kindle Fire – and battery life has to be good.

Surface doesn’t feel like an iPad in your hands; it feels like a well-designed Windows tablet crammed with clever touches that make it practical.

But this is the first hurdle in a number to come in the tablet race – sure, the design and construction of the Microsoft Surface tablet is great and in a blind test would fare well against the best the tablet world has to offer.

The next stage is convincing the world that Windows 8 is a comparable tablet OS to iOS and Android, and making it competitive on cost too.

But the first move is a good one – giving choice, an excellent array of hardware and a well-designed tablet range to those that are still unsure whether the current crop of slates can match their needs.

It also sends a message to Microsoft’s hardware partners: this is the standard for Windows 8 tablets should adhere to, unless you’re going to get seriously competitive on price.

Read their full review for much more detail here.