The quarterly publication of the International Legal Technology Association
Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/163881
evolved from a laptop; however, the lighter and less-expensive RT model has the inner hardware and performance of a smartphonebased tablet. This brings us back to the Windows 8 ultrabook learning curve. To many, especially those who have not seen a demonstration, it can be hard to grasp the concept. Windows 8 incorporates two interfaces. The first is a Start screen designed for touchscreens and tablets, which features its own set of apps available from the Windows Store. The second, the desktop view, looks like the familiar Windows 7 and can be accessed from an icon on the Start page, as if it were an app. However, the ability to install applications within the desktop view may be limited or not supported at all, depending on the device hardware. The Surface RT, with the RT edition of Windows and smartphone-based ARM processor, can only run the new Windows Start screen apps, while the desktop view is only used for Microsoft Office and a few other Windows tools. The Surface Pro, with Windows 8 64-bit edition and a laptop-based Intel processor, has the ability to run both modern apps and traditional (Windows 7) applications. Ultrabooks are a good option for staff members, BYOD environments, trial war room setups and document reviews. Usability: Both the RT and Pro models have a similar design that is a bit thicker than the iPad. They incorporate standard tablet features plus a built-in kickstand and a keyboard cover connector. Some laptop features are included as well, such as a USB port (2.0 on the RT; 3.0 on the Pro), nonproprietary video output (micro HDMI on the RT; display-port on the Pro) and a micro-SD storage slot. The RT and Pro weigh 1.5 pounds and two pounds, respectively. It is the optional, removable keyboard cover — available in both touch and type versions — that makes the Surface models appealing to business users. The keyboard covers include a touchpad, making navigation very user friendly. The three- to eight-millimeter-thick keyboard cover attaches and detaches by magnet, offering "take it or leave it" flexibility. Multitasking is also a step above, with the ability to split the screen between two apps 74 Peer to Peer (currently a 25/75 split, with 40/60 and 50/50 split options in the upcoming 8.1 update). The integrated RDP client and printing make the process of working remotely more seamless. The usability differs between the two models. The RT model, similar to the iPad, is only compatible with a basic stylus, which is equivalent to a finger input. The Pro offers a dual-digitizer screen that works with the included stylus to allow detailed handwritten notes and drawings in various applications like OneNote, PowerPoint, Evernote and Adobe PDF. Battery life is another difference between the two Surface models, coming in at eight hours for the Surface RT and four hours for the Pro (about the same as a basic laptop). The Surface models do not currently have an integrated wireless display equivalent to Apple AirPlay. Third-party adaptors have been the only solutions, but Microsoft has incorporated Miracast (Wi-Fi display) technology into the upcoming Windows 8.1 update (compatible Wi-Fi card required). USB 3.0 port replicators are also compatible with the Surface Pro. In testing, we connected dual external screens (in extended mode), a wired keyboard and mouse, speakers and a wired gigabit network connection. It was like we were running off a desktop pc, which was impressive! Corporate-Provided vs. BYOD: This is where the expected differences and use cases for the Surface models are made evident. As mentioned before, the Surface RT cannot run legacy applications (Windows 7 or older) and cannot join a domain — typical of other smartphone-based tablets like the iPad. However, the RT includes Microsoft Office and has an option for a touchpad cover or USB mouse, features not available on any other smartphone-based tablets. The RT is the perfect option for MDM, limited-access VPN connectivity (although the vendor compatibility list is limited) and terminal server or VDI sessions. Built-in hardware encryption, which should be FIPS-compliant by the publish date of this article, can be enabled by MDM or ActiveSync policies. With these management and connectivity options, the Surface RT will work in both BYOD and corporate-provided environments. Although for some there is still a gotcha: The RT tablets are designed to link to a Microsoft account, similar to an iPad and AppleID. This compromises corporate data governance as the operating system has saving and sharing menu options linked to the personal account. This isn't much different from the iCloud on the iPad, but it may hinder network access plans for RT tablets, which might be a deal breaker or a reason to insist on containerized apps and terminal server or VDI sessions. Surface Pro was designed for 64-bit versions of Windows 8 and can join a domain and be managed, imaged and updated just like any laptop — all the traditional domain resource management tools will work. Unlike the RT model, the Surface Pro doesn't include Microsoft Office, so an individual professional license or a Microsoft Enterprise Agreement would be necessary. With Windows 8 Professional (or Enterprise), the Surface Pro has the ability to link the Start screen to a personal Microsoft account; a domain policy