Available storage on Surface RT is not as advertised

With the Surface RT tablet now being launched in select pockets across the globe, the new tablet from Microsoft is available in 32GB and 64GB storage capacities. If you are under the impression that the 32GB version will provide you with around 29GB of usable onboard storage, then you are mistaken, as Microsoft has recently put up a page displaying how much memory space you are actually able to use.

With the 32GB version, a user gets roughly 16GB of free space, while the 64GB model provides approximately 46GB of usable space. This is a lot less than expected.

A PC in a tablet form factor

With the 32GB model, Microsoft has provided a break-up of what utilises the disk space. It states that the total disk size as reported by Windows is approximately 29GB, reserved space for Windows recovery tools is around 5GB and another 8GB for Windows RT. This leaves a user with approximately 16GB of disk space.

The break-up is same for the 64GB version and the free space reported by File Explorer is approximately around 46GB.

Microsoft has put up a disclaimer with an asterisk alongside the total disk size available, which states that the advertised local disk size is shown using the decimal system, while Windows displays the disk size using the binary system. As a result, 1GB in decimal appears somewhere around 0.93GB in binary. The storage capacity is the same; it is just shown differently depending on how the GB is measured.

First unveiled in June, the Surface has an ultra-light durable casing, integrated kickstand, Touch Cover, a USB port, a 16:9 widescreen and a high-definition display with a 22-degree angle. Microsoft claims that Surface lets customers seamlessly make the transition between entertainment and content creation.

There is no official word yet on the availability of the Surface in India. However, one can pre-order its 32GB version from eBay. The eBay seller, cart2india2010, has put up the listing as a pre-order. From the look of it, cart2india2010 has quite a few tablets in stock, available through a ‘Buy it Now’ option and free shipping facility. The different modes of payment for the tablet include PaisaPay, Credit Card, EMI and Debit card. The seller notes that the pre-orders will start shipping from November 2012, subject to time extension after the order is received. The seller is located in New Jersey, United States and is selling the 32GB variant at Rs 38,490.

Here is a look at some of the features of the Microsoft Surface for Windows RT:

• OS: Windows RT
• Weight: 676g
• Depth: 9.3 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• Battery: 31.5 W-h
• Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productivity apps: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Accessories: VaporMg Case and Stand
• Available in 32GB, 64B memory capacity