Here's a review, also from Tribune Corp. that says some of the same things, but contradicts others.

As for the software, if you're worried about Windows 8, don't be. It looks and works great. Of course, it is a big change from any previous version of Windows as well as any other tablet operating system out there, but it's very intuitive and if you buy the Surface and play with it every day -- as I imagine you would if you buy a $499 gadget -- you'll learn within a week or less.

Windows 8 runs very quick on the Surface.


http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/11/business/la-fi-tn-microsoft-surface-review-20121110

As for missing apps, it specifically states "there's still no official Facebook, Twitter or Pandora app. There are other apps that have been built to substitute for these notable missing tablet essentials, but it's still a shame that the official apps aren't available. With time, though, that should become less of an issue."

It's those sites responsibility to provide their own official apps. But, I can tell you that every app from Twitter I've used is garbage. The third party apps are much, much better. The official Facebook app on Windows Phone is ok, but sluggish. It's usually faster to go to the web site in the mobile browser. I rarely use Pandora, so can't comment on that. I don't understand the complaint of no official app when you can get apps that do the same thing, only much better. Am I missing something?

>Here is a short review of the Microsoft Surface tablet PC from today's Chicago Tribune. The Surface was discussed here in the past few days but I can't find a post to reply to. I think the discussion was in the Godzilla thread about Windows 8.
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>Microsoft Surface RT
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>The good: Microsoft Surface's Metro interface is innovative, elegant, powerful and versatile. The tablet feels strong and well-built, includes Office 2013 and offers rich video and music services. Its keyboard cover accessaries are the best ways to type on a tablet, period.
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>The bad: The tablet has sluggish performance, its Windows Store is a ghost town, Metro requires some practice to get the hang of, and the desktop interface feels clunky and useless.
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>The cost: $499 to $599.
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>The bottom line: If you're an early adapter willing to forget everything you know about navigating a computer, the Surface tablet could replace your laptop. Everyone else: Wait for more apps.