Full specs

Key Features
What's new
  • Windows RT Microsoft's touch-centric OS is explicitly made for ARM-powered tablet devices.
  • Free Microsoft Office 2013 RT It was shipped with the RT version of Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook 2013.
  • Kickstand It comes with an integrated kickstand easy to switch between tablet and laptop mode.
  • Detachable Touch & Type Cover Be more productive with a full-size keyboard doubling as a protective screen cover.
  • More Magnet charging connector, Full-size USB 2.0 port, Bluetooth 4.0, HD front and rear camera.
What's missing
  • Can't run desktop apps You can't run desktop apps (x86 or x64) on this device. The only way to get apps is through the Windows Store.
  • No Windows 10 The latest OS you can get is Windows RT 8.1 Update 3
  • Less multitouch support It supports only 5-points multitouch.
  • More Only HD display and no USB 3.0 port.
AvailabilitySurface RT
Released2012
Release Info
  • Introduced: June 18, 2012
  • Not available for pre-ordered
  • Released: October 26, 2012
PricingSurface RT
  • $499 - 2 GB | 32 GB
  • $599 - 2 GB | 64 GB
Surface RT with Black Touch Cover
  • $599 - 2 GB | 32 GB
  • $699 - 2 GB | 64 GB
Surface RT Price
Microsoft Surface RT (32GB)
Microsoft Surface RT (32GB)
By Microsoft
$210.00
Microsoft Surface RT 64GB
Microsoft Surface RT 64GB
By Microsoft
$329.99
Microsoft Surface RT 32GB (Renewed)
Microsoft Surface RT 32GB (Renewed)
By Microsoft
$89.98
$124.00 27% OFF
Microsoft Surface RT Tablet (7XR-00001) Black - 64GB, 10.6in - Renewed
Microsoft Surface RT Tablet (7XR-00001) Black - 64GB, 10.6in - Renewed
By Microsoft
$124.99
Microsoft Surface 64GB Tablet (Dark Titanium) with Black Touch Cover
Microsoft Surface 64GB Tablet (Dark Titanium) with Black Touch Cover
By Microsoft
$89.99
Microsoft Surface 64GB Tablet with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, wifi, Bluetooth
Microsoft Surface 64GB Tablet with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT, wifi, Bluetooth
By Microsoft
$299.00
DisplaySurface RT
Size10.6 Inches
Info
  • Resolution: 1366 x 768 (1M Pixels)
  • Density: 148 PPI
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • ClearType HD Display
  • Touch: 5 points multi-touch
ExteriorSurface RT
Dimensions10.81” x 6.77” x 0.37” (275 mm x 172 mm x 9.4 mm)
Width: 10.81” (275 mm)
Height: 6.77” (172 mm)
Thickness: 0.37” (9.4 mm)
Weight1.5 lbs (680 g)
Colors
Dark Titanium
Keyboard and Trackpad
  • Surface Type Cover
    • Not included
  • Keyboard:
    • Activation: Moving (mechanical) keys.
    • Layout: QWERTY, full row of function keys (F1-F12).
    • 4 directional keys; Windows and Media Controls Keys.
  • Trackpad:
    • Two-finger multitouch gesture trackpad.
Ports
  • 1 x Full-size USB 2.0
  • 1 x microSD™ card reader
  • 1 x Surface Charging Port
  • 1 x Headset jack
  • 1 x Micro HDMI video out port
  • 1 x Cover port
Internal SpecsSurface RT
Processor
  • NVIDIA Tegra 3
    4 cores, 1.30 → 1.40 GHz, 1MB Cache,
Integrated Graphics
  • NVIDIA Tegra 3
    NVIDIA GeForce ULP graphics
    12 Graphics Cores,
Memory2GB of RAM
Storage
32GB 64GB
Storage
ConnectivitySurface RT
Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi 4: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n compatible.
Bluetooth
  • Bluetooth 4.0 low energy technology
BatterySurface RT
Size31.5 Wh
Battery LifeUp to 8 hours of video playback
Power Supply
  • 24W proprietary power supply
SoftwareSurface RT
OS
  • Windows RT
  • Upgradeable to Windows RT 8.1 Update
Built-in AppsMicrosoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT
Camera & AudioSurface RT
Camera
  • 720p HD LifeCam front-facing camera with TrueColor Technology
  • 720p HD LifeCam rear-facing camera with TrueColor Technology
Audio
  • Dual microphones
  • Stereo speakers
MiscSurface RT
Sensors
  • Ambient light sensor
  • Accelerometer
  • Gyroscope
  • Compass
In the box
  • Surface RT
  • Power supply
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Safety and warranty documents
Warranty
  • One-year limited hardware warranty
More
  • Casing: VaporMg
  • Kickstand: 1 position at 22°
  • Physical buttons: volumes, power

Features

Processor specs

ProcessorNVIDIA Tegra 3
Single Core Frequency1.4 GHz
Quad-Core Frequency1.3 GHz
L1 Cache32 KB
L2 Cache1 MB
Max Memory Size2 GB
GraphicsULP NVIDIA
Graphic Cores12
# Display Supported2

Videos

Tips and tricks

Learn how to utilize your Surface RT fully with our tips and tricks. Our comprehensive guide will assist you in maximizing battery life, enhancing performance, boosting productivity, and efficiently solving any issues that may arise.

FAQs

Before making a purchase decision, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the device you are considering. To help you with that, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding the Microsoft Surface RT. Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the device, including display, battery life, performance, software, and design. We hope that our Surface RT FAQ will answer all your queries.

How much does a Surface RT cost?

There are four configurations of Surface RT:

  • $499 – 2GB | 32GB 
  • $599 – 2GB | 64GB
  • $599 – 2GB | 32GB | Touch Cover
  • $699 – 2GB | 64GB | Touch Cover

What are the dimensions of the Surface RT?

Microsoft Surface RT has dimensions of 10.81″ x 6.77″ x 0.37″ (275 mm x 172 mm x 9.4 mm).

How much does the Surface RT weigh?

Microsoft Surface RT is weight at:

  • WiFi 1.5 lbs (680 g).

What ports are on the Surface RT?

Here are all the available ports on the Surface RT:

  1. 1 x Full-size USB 2.0
  2. 1 x Micro HDMI video out port
  3. 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack
  4. 1 x Surface proprietary charging port
  5. 1 x MicroSDXC card reader
  6. 1 x Surface Cover port.

Does Surface RT have a camera?

Yes, there are two cameras on Surface RT:

  1. 720p HD LifeCam front-facing camera.
  2. 720p HD LifeCam rear-facing camera.

What processor is in Surface RT?

Microsoft Surface RT has only one processor configuration:

  1. NVIDIA Tegra 3
    • Graphics: ULP NVIDIA.
    • Single-Core Frequency: 1.40 GHz
    • Quad-Core Frequency: 1.30 GHz
    • Cache: 1 MB
    • Graphics Cores: 12
    • 4 +1 cores

Does Surface RT support Surface Pen?

No, Surface RT doesn’t support inking capability.

Does the new Surface RT come with a keyboard?

No, you must purchase the keyboard (Surface Touch Cover or Surface Type Cover) separately. The Surface Touch Cover costs about $120, while the Surface Type Cover costs about $130.

When was Surface RT released?

Microsoft Surface RT was:

  • Announced on June 18, 2012.
  • Not available for pre-order.
  • Available on October 26, 2012.

Can you upgrade the RAM on the Surface RT?

No, you can’t upgrade your Surface RT RAM as it was soldered directly onto the motherboard.

Is the Surface RT fanless?

Yes, All Surface RT is fanless.

What size is Surface RT’s display?

Surface RT has a 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display.

What is the resolution of Surface RT?

Surface RT has a resolution of 1366 x 768 and a pixel density of 148ppi (pixels per Inch). For more information, check Microsoft Surface display size and resolution – a complete list.

What is the aspect ratio of Surface RT?

Surface RT has a 16:9 aspect ratio.

How long does the Surface RT last?

Microsoft Surface RT’s last 8 hours of battery life for video playback tested by Microsoft.

What is the battery capacity of Microsoft Surface RT?

Microsoft Surface RT has a battery capacity of 31.5 Wh (4,257 mAh, 7.4V). For more information, check Microsoft Surface battery capacity – a complete list.

How do I charge my Surface RT?

You can charge your Surface RT by using the OEM charger that came with your Surface RT –Plug the charger into the power source and plug the Surface charging connector into the charging port on the right side of the Surface RT. It’s a magnet and reversible connector, an official and recommended charging method by Microsoft.

How to charge your Surface

Can I charge Surface RT via USB?

No, the USB port on Surface RT is used for data transfer only.

Can Microsoft Surface RT run Photoshop?

No, it can’t. Surface RT uses the ARM processor, which cannot run traditional desktop software.

Can the Surface RT run games?

Yes, you can. However, you can download and play games available on Windows Store only.

Can you code or program on Surface RT?

No, it isn’t an ideal device for coding or programming. Most of the programming tools aren’t available for Windows RT. However, some code editors are available on the Windows Store for essential code-writing assistance.

Will Surface RT run Office?

Yes, Surface RT comes with a free Microsoft Office RT 2013. Office apps will run smoothly on Microsoft Surface RT.

Does Surface RT run Windows 10?

No, it doesn’t. The latest update for Surface RT is Windows 8.1 Update 3, which includes an option to switch between the Start Menu and the Start Screen.

Can you download apps on Surface RT?

Yes, you can. You can download safe and Microsoft-verified apps and games from Microsoft Store. However, you can’t download and install any apps from elsewhere.

Does Surface RT run full Windows?

No, Surface RT ships with Windows RT 8, which works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.

Is Microsoft Office free on Surface RT?

Surface RT has a Free Microsoft Office RT 2013, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook RT 2013.

Does Surface RT need antivirus?

In most cases, you don’t need a third-party antivirus. Windows 8.1 on Surface RT has a built-in Windows Defender for virus and threat protection. And, since Surface RT runs Windows RT 8.1 operating system, the traditional virus will not even execute.

Is the Surface RT a tablet or a laptop?

It’s a 2-in-1 tablet or laptop. It can be a tablet or laptop connected to a Surface Type Cover.

What is the company that makes Surface RT?

Surface RT is a product among other Surface-branded products that Microsoft makes.

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