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With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft has now entered the tablet market with the highly anticipated Microsoft Surface. Surface also marks the introduction of Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 designed specifically for ARM. Without further ado, here’s our verdict on the Microsoft Surface.

Windows Surface is one of the new hybrid tablets that are emerging, blending touch tablet and traditional laptop functionality into one portable package. The main selling point is the keyboard, which can be effortlessly connected to Windows Surface, allowing for speedy word processing that is normally difficult on touch tablets. Being priced at the same level as the iPad retina display (£479 including keyboard), it’s clear to see who Microsoft have in their crosshairs.

Dimensions

With a 10.6-inch screen, the Surface is perfect for word processing, watching video and doing day to day tasks while remaining portable. It’s incredibly slim (9.3mm), being 1mm slimmer than the iPad retina display. Weighing in at 678g, this device is slightly heavier than other tablets and may cause discomfort when held in the hands for extended periods of time. That being said, there is a nifty kickstand which makes viewing Microsoft Surface extremely convenient.

Screen Quality

With many tablet manufacturers pushing screen resolution to the max, people were surprised to see that the resolution was somewhat lacking. With only 148ppi (pixels per inch) things definitely lack clarity when compared with the likes of the iPad 4 or Nexus 10.

Software

The biggest problem with Microsoft Surface is its distinct lack of apps. The marketplace is extremely barren when compared to the likes of the Apple of Android stores. Basic things like Facebook and Twitter don’t have their own apps and can only be accessed through ‘People Hub’. You should only rush to sell your iPad when this problem gets sorted.

Processor

Microsoft Surface is powered by a Tegra 3 chip, a highly praised processor that has powered the likes of the HTC One X+. The performance of the Surface is stable for the most part, however there have been many reports of long loading times for apps launching and lag while browsing. Not the most impressive thing about the Surface. However, it does do the job.

Connectivity

One of the best features of Microsoft’s Surface is its wealth of connectivity options, some of the best seen on a touch tablet. The Surface comes with a full sized USB port, Micro SD slot and HD video out. The only disappointment is the lack of mobile internet connectivity for the Surface, giving it limited capabilities when not connected to Wi-Fi.

Overall

This is a very promising product from Microsoft, however it still has many problems that need sorting out, in particular the lack of applications. I don’t think it is time to trade in/sell your stuff online just yet to fund the purchase, until Windows fix some of the problems with Surface.

I understand that app reviews are usually Ron‘s territory, however I thought that as it is anew year I should try some thing new. What better to write about than something which is currently very topical: New Year’s resolutions!

As we enter 2012, it is predicted that the majority of resolutions made will focus on either loosing weight or quitting smoking. Therefore to try and help people stay on track to keep their resolution, I am going to review some weight loss apps.

Here we go then, a review of 2 really useful weight loss applications!

Lose It! iPhone and Android Weight Loss App

The first weight loss app is called ‘Lose It!’ and is available the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad and Android smartphones. Lose It! is free, so it costs nothing to download, which is always a bonus 🙂

The app lets you set goals, and then through daily calorie rationing, helps you work towards achieving them.

The app comes hand in hand with a site called Loseit.com which if you create an account, can help you track the food you are eating, and the exercise you are doing, calculating what you need to do to achieve your goals!

If you sign up for an account (which by the way is free) you can also see how your friends are doing, meaning that it could be very helpful if you are a bit of a competitive person!

An example of what the LoseIt! account home login screen looks like

Now the big question, does it actually work? Well, over 95% of users who used the app for 4 weeks lost weight, so it would seem that this is a weight loss app that works!

Give this app a go, it is free, and from the reviews I have read, it works! You can find in the Android Market and iTunes.

Nike Training Club iPhone Weight Loss App

The next app is called Nike Training Club, and is primarily aimed at women, although reading reviews about it and reading up about the app myself, there is nothing really to stop men using it too.

A screenshot of the apps interface

Like LoseIt! the Nike Training Club app is free to download, but is only available on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, not Android.

Nike’s app focuses mainly on the exercise part of weight loss, rather than the food you eat. What the app basically does is provide you with your own personal trainer from your phone, iPod or tablet.

The app has 130 different exercises/drills that you can do, and it times you whilst you are doing your workout. You can track your overall training time, and the more you train, the more rewards you can get, which can help motivate you to keep going!

The feedback is again very good, many people are saying that because of the fantastic guidance from professional athletes that the app can gives you access to, there really is no need to hire a personal trainer.

Download the app via iTunes for free and get your workout going 🙂

So, what do you think of the apps, are they useful and do they help you keep your New Year’s resolution?

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