When you purchase a new computer system or storage drive, you expect to be able to use the advertised disk space to store your files and folders. But Microsoft has made a surprising statement that reveals that their Surface Pro 128GB tablet will only offer 83GB of usable storage space.
Even though the 83GB is far more than a tablet equipped with 64GB of storage, it is also far less than the advertised 128GB of space advertised by Microsoft in its global marketing campaign. Should it not be called the Surface Pro 80GB tablet?
Understanding the Storage Discrepancy
The discrepancy between the advertised storage and the actual usable storage is primarily due to the pre-installed operating system and essential software that come with the device. The Surface Pro runs a full version of Windows 8, which takes up a significant amount of space. Additionally, recovery partitions and bundled applications further reduce the available storage. This is a common issue across many devices, not just the Surface Pro, but it is particularly noticeable here due to the large difference.
Microsoft did, however, state that their new Surface Pro will offer a free SkyDrive cloud storage account with 7GB of web-based storage to users. This can help mitigate the storage limitations by allowing users to store some of their files in the cloud. Furthermore, the Surface Pro includes a USB 3.0 port, allowing users to add additional storage if desired with external USB hard drives. This flexibility can be a significant advantage for users who need more space for their files and applications.
Comparing with Other Devices
When comparing the Surface Pro to other tablets and laptops, it’s important to consider both the advertised and usable storage. For instance, many tablets with 64GB of storage often provide around 50GB of usable space after accounting for the operating system and pre-installed apps. In this context, the Surface Pro’s 83GB of usable space is relatively generous, especially considering it runs a full desktop operating system rather than a mobile OS.
However, the significant reduction from 128GB to 83GB can still be a point of contention for consumers who feel misled by the advertised specifications. Transparency in advertising is crucial, and manufacturers should ideally provide clear information about the actual usable storage space to set realistic expectations for buyers.
Microsoft’s inclusion of additional cloud storage and the ability to expand storage via USB 3.0 are positive steps, but they do not entirely negate the initial disappointment some users may feel. It’s also worth noting that cloud storage requires an internet connection, which may not always be available or convenient for all users.
Source: Softpedia : Gizmodo : T3
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
