What is Windows RT? Redmond, We Have a Problem

I’ve been writing about Windows for almost 20 years, and I feel like I’ve kind of seen it all. But for the past several days, I’ve been struggling under the weight of the most brutal email onslaught I’ve ever endured over these two decades. And if my email is any indication, and I believe it is, the majority of people out there have absolutely no idea what Windows RT is.

This is a problem.

Source

A Guy
 
I don't even understand it fully. It's like Windows 8, but not Windows 8. It's Windows on ARM processors, looks like Windows 8, but not Windows 8.

Then there's WinRT....
 

My Computer

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    ASUS
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    Crosshair V Formula-Z
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    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
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    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
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    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
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    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Coke Robot;

Even as an ardent Windows 8 fan, and MS evangelist..you gotta see the point that Paul Thurrott is making. The average person, (not us on this forum) are hardly even aware that MS has a tablet coming out. When they see it, see the Windows name and notice that the Windows 8 interface and the Windows RT interface are similar, it's only reasonable to assume that they will simply expect it to run Windows based software. It's simply the version of Windows for that device, that's why they call it RT?

Just like Paul experienced, I have gotten questions from those I work with who are aware of the Surface table to explain to them in simple terms what the RT version is. They simply don't understand.

I just tell them that it's a tablet version of Windows, that only runs "smartphone" style apps (with exception of Office), and doesn't run regular PC applications. So that natural question becomes....1). What is the advantage in this device if app support is really limited 2). Why is it so expensive. 3). How much will the Pro version be and when does it come out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
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    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
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    Corsair 620HX modular
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    Antec P182
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    stock
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    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
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    15/2 cable modem
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    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
When I've explained Windows RT, I usually go to a softcore tech terminology to explain it. I ask if they know about the ipad, smartphones and such, they respond saying yes. I explain to them that the processors in those devices are TOTALLY different from a PC's, and that is how they can last for over 10 hours real easily. Windows has been built for that division of processors and systems called Windows RT. And with it, you can only have apps from the Windows Store, and nothing built for Windows up to now can ever work on it. It also has Office 2013 Home and Student installed, and is immune to malware.

Or, Windows on an ipad but with Office and looks cooler. :)

I'm still trying to understand it in depth, mainly device support. And WinRT.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Right, but as you can set they don't have any idea whatsoever on the own about this. Consumers will be confused.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
They should really have named it very differently.

Microsoft RT instead osf Windows rt might have helped.

In any case, the underlying thrust is the same.

More control for MS - no control for anyone else , including the customer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Let's see ... looks like a tablet, looks like a PC, behaves like neither, costs a lot ... so I want to buy one WHY????? :huh:

Stay tuned for the real reaction in just three more days.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64
I'd say this is as clear and simply stated for the average consumer as it gets, right from the "Help Me Choose" page of the Surface site. If a consumer decides to bypass all the site information and go straight to place the order then they have themselves to blame.

Surface with Windows RT
Surface with Windows 8 Pro
Operating System
Windows RT is an exciting new version of Microsoft Windows that is built to run on ARM-based tablets and PCs. Works exclusively with apps available in the Windows Store.
Runs current Windows 7 desktop applications and integrates with your existing enterprise management infrastructure. Use the programs and the apps available in the Windows Store.
Productivity
Get more done with up to 8 hours of battery life. Surface with Windows RT comes installed with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview¹.
Surface with Windows 8 Pro supports the full Office experience. Run Outlook, Word, SharePoint Designer, PowerPoint and more. Surface with Windows 8 Pro can run all of the applications that you’ve used on previous versions of Windows.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
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