Microsoft Surface RT 32GB Black - tablets (Full-size tablet, Windows, Slate, Windows RT, Black, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n)

Can't be used as it's an obsolete product that is not supported by Microsoft so I have wasted money on something I cannot use!

I bought this as a Christmas present so it has not been opened yet. I know the recipient will love it because he has one that is getting old. He has been talking about getting another one because he likes the surface pro.

I have used and own several of these original Surface tablets. They're excellent tablets. Build quality is excellent and Microsoft support is as well. This is the first generation of these tablets and they were a good start. They improved a lot after several OS and firmware updates after release. New ones are harder and harder to find now days because this product has been replaced by the Surface 2, which is very similar to this one, but with some good improvements, such as a two position kickstand and support for some new features (think wireless projection). For the price, this is one of the best tablets on the market. I buy them for my company because they are inexpensive and can be used for several solutions, such as kiosks.The biggest negative about this and all Windows RT based tablets is that some popular apps that exist on Apple and Android app stores are not yet available on the Windows Marketplace. However, most missing apps have full function websites that actually work better than the apps and can be used on the Surface browser instead of the app.Choosing mobile devices such as tablets is a very personal experience; everyone has their own opinions about what is best and their own list of needs. I have owned and used this Surface RT, the Surface 2 and I'm now using the Surface Pro 3. I like them all better than anything else on the market. I particularly like their well-made, slim, Type Cover keyboards and their built-in kickstands. It takes a little time to learn, but I really like Windows 8.1; it's nice having access to the Windows desktop and a tablet interface all in one. The Surface tablets also have expansion ports such as HDMI/Mini-Display ports (very handy for presentations and for hooking up to external monitors in the office or TVs in the office or hotel rooms), USB ports and built-in card readers. In fact, I'm currently writing this review on my Surface Pro 3 and I haven't taken my laptop out of the office in over two years. I used my Surface RT and my Surface 2 in place of my laptop whenever traveling or working from home and I now use my Surface Pro 3 and I don't miss the laptop at all. Heck, I used one of these Surface RT's to run the projector presentations at a two-day sales meeting a couple months ago and it worked perfectly.I think Surface tablets can work for anyone willing to take the time to get used to Windows 8.1. However, if there are apps you are using with Apple iOS or Android and you feel you absolutely have to have them to be happy, you need to check the Windows app store to see if the app or an acceptable alternative is available before committing. As I said earlier, most apps have websites that work on these tablets if you are ok using the browser instead of an app; something to consider before writing the tablet off.One other thing to be aware of about this particular Surface tablet is that it is one of the earlier models and after you power it on, it will download and install several OS and firmware updates, which will actually change the tablet interface considerably from the time you first power it on up until the latest firmware and OS updates have been installed. It shouldn't be a problem, but is something to be aware of if you buy this tablet. If you force the updates, it will take a few hours to completely bring the tablet up to date. However, if you allow it to do it at it's own pace automatically, the updates could span several days, because the updates will run automatically in the background and ask you to reboot as necessary.

I bought one of these 3 days before christmas thinking it would make a great late christmas gift, but I was wrong. The seller had it shipped in 2 DAYS and I was able to give it to my wife on Christmas. If I ever need a product and this seller has it, i will be quick to deal with them again. If I could give 10 stars, I would.

First of all, you WILL need a mouse and keyboard if you want to properly enjoy this tablet. I use a  Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/B  and  Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse  to do the trick. The tablet comes with Microsoft Word and Powerpoint, which is very useful, especially if you don't already own these softwares already.Now let me compare this with other tablets ranging in the same price.-------------------------The Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 (10.1-Inch, Wi-Fi)-------------------------The Surface RT is better than Samsung Tab in a couple ways.1. Clearer screen2. More web possibilities(can view JAVA scripts, your kid can play Club Penguin!)3. USB slotThe Samsung Tab still has some things that are better than the Surface.1. More apps(has the Google Play store and lots of free apps, unlike the Surface's Microsoft Store that has apps ranging from $2-5)2. Speakers do seem louder3. Chrome can be installed4. Comes with a pen that has a hover option-------------------------Apple iPad 3rd Generation-------------------------Very much like the Samsung Tab, the iPad 3rd Gen. seems better in MORE apps. As everyone knows, there are tones of free to .99 apps on the iPad. However, putting apps aside, the RT has more internet options as before stated, not to mention that I'm sure Microsoft's store will continue to expand.--------------------------------------------------------Now lets talk about other things the RT has.It looks and feels a lot like a Chromebook, especially with a mouse and keyboard. However, the chromebook relies on internet.The RT has two "home screen" like features: you can easily flip back and forth by pressing the command/windows key on the keyboard (not onscreen keyboard; for touch you press on the bottom left of the screen). One of the home screens has all of the applications whereas the other one is a window's desktop.Downloading from the internet is very limited, as you can not download chrome or most .exe files(this means no games like minecraft!). However, you should be able to download images, music, and video clips easily enough. Opening up an adobe file on Internet Explorer will conveniently open an adobe application.Browsing the web, like stated above, feels unlimited. HOWEVER, since downloading chrome is currently not an option, waiting for content to load seems slow using Internet Explorer(IE). How slow? Open up IE on your computer, and it will load most webpages as fast as it does on the RT.I got the RT about two months ago, and everything seems to work well!Feel free to ask questions in the comment section. Apple Wireless Keyboard MC184LL/BMicrosoft Wedge Touch Mouse

The shipping was accurately described, which I was satisfied with. However this product was not in the condition the pictures insinuated, and its processing speed is slow in comparison to my old RT model. Plus its very glitchy its crashed on me twice while browsing kijiji.