Surface Pro vs Surface RT: All you need to know

Microsoft has just announced the new Pro version of the Surface tablet which will go on sale in January. Here's a look the key differences between the Pro version of the tablet and the one with Windows RT.

Processors:The Surface tablet with Windows RT comes with a Quad-core NVIDIA Tegra 3and 2GB RAM. The Surface Pro version comes with a 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000 and 4GB RAM. So if you want a tablet for some heavy duty work and it has to be a Windows one, then the Pro is the one to go for.

Storage:Surface tablet with Windows RT has comes with 32 GB and 64 GB space options. The Pro version of the device comes with 64GB and 128GB space.

Screen size: The screen size is the same for both. The two versions of the tablets have a 10.6 inch screen (26.9 centimeters)(diagonal) with ClearType HD Display.

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[caption id="attachment_540913" align="alignleft" width="380"] The Surface tablet is seen in this file photo. AP[/caption]

Connections: The Surface tablet with Windows RT has space for microSD, a USB 2.0 connection, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae (for wireless communications).

It doesn't support 3G. The Surface tablet with Windows 8 Pro has microSDXC, USB 3.0, a Mini DisplayPort Video connection, 2x2 MIMO antennae (for wireless communications). This too doesn't support 3G.

Price: This one is the shocker. The Surface with Windows RT starts at 499 for 32 GB version, $699 for 64 GB version. Touch Cover, which has working, printed keyboard on inside surface but whose keys don't move when pushed, will cost $100 extra when purchased with the 32 GB version (It's $120 if bought separately). It's included with 64 GB version. Type Cover, with keys that move, costs $130.

The one with Windows 8 Pro starts at a whopping $899 for 64 GB version; $999 for 128 GB version. The Surface Pro has a Stylus included.

OS: The low end version of Surface comes with Windows RT which is a special version of Windows 8 that only runs on devices powered by ARM chips. Windows RT does not have an in-house Windows Media Player but it does come with a NetFlix app, Xbox Music and Xbox Video services. It also runs a special version of Office 2013.

The pro-version of the Surface tablet runs Windows 8 Pro. However its not clear whether the Pro version of the tablet will comes with a Office 2013 suite.