Yesterday I picked up my new Microsoft Surface RT. It is a tablet PC that runs on the new Windows 8 operating system. It has an optional external keyboard, or a touch pad built in. Two built in cameras allow photos or video conferencing. I have only just started to truly explore the options. I think it will be a good tablet for me.

Coming from the old school, I opted for the more traditional keyboard. There are two options for the external keyboard, a very thin light version and one like mine. Both act as a type of cover for the tablet, with no way to fasten it closed.

Open the box, plug it in and turn it on. The tablet takes off and sets itself up. The user is asked for the Microsoft ID info, or to create one if you don’t have one. It took me a while to remember mine. You have to set the tablet up and “discover” how to access the internet to get to he users manual, it is not included.

Windows 8 is a very different atmosphere. It is tap and swipe friendly. You no longer go to “Start” to shut down. You must shut down by going to an off button or “charm” (the lingo has changed too) . Using the power button only puts it “to sleep.” In fact the saleswoman told me many people return the tablet because they don’t like Windows 8. Operating systems don’t upset me much, its the software I work with most.

So far, I have downloaded several apps: Drudge, Kindle, eBay, and more. I have not used them all yet. I did discover I can’t install Chrome, I am forced to use Internet Explorer. This is disappointing, since I have apps on Chrome I can’t get on Surface. So afar I have not found an app for Hootsuite or Facebook. I am able to open them from IE.

I was irritated to find the touchscreen keyboard has clicking sound enabled as default. It took some digging to find the off switch, since there is no users manual included. We’ll see how it goes over the next few days.

Tags: microsoft, surface rt, tablet, windows 8