If you thought that the news revealed yesterday explaining that Microsoft’s 128GB Surface Pro only offered users 83GB of usable storage space was surprising, you might be even more shocked to discover that Microsoft’s 64GB Surface Pro offers just 23GB of usable storage. This seems a little ridiculous to me.
On the 64GB Surface Pro tablet, the Windows 8 install, built-in applications, and a recovery partition will consume a massive 41GB or 64 percent of the total storage space before you even start adding your own media and files. This leaves users with less than half of the advertised storage capacity, which can be quite limiting for those who need to store large files or numerous applications.
External Storage Solutions
Sure, you can use external USB drives and sticks to add extra capacity, but that somehow defeats the point of a mobile device a little when you have to carry extra devices to store movies and files. This can be particularly inconvenient for users who rely on the portability of their tablets for work or travel. Additionally, external storage solutions can be cumbersome and may not always be readily available when you need them.
Some might think the advertising is a little stretched, promoting the devices as 64GB but only offering users 23GB of space. This discrepancy between advertised and actual usable storage can lead to frustration and disappointment among consumers who expect to have more space available for their personal use.
Implications for Users
Perhaps Microsoft should change their wording to express the “available space” on devices more clearly. This would provide a more accurate representation of what users can expect when they purchase a Surface Pro. Transparency in advertising is crucial to maintaining consumer trust and satisfaction.
It will be interesting to see just how much “available space” will be usable by owners of Apple’s new 128GB Apple iPad. Apple has historically been more efficient with their operating system and built-in applications, potentially offering users more usable storage space compared to Microsoft’s Surface Pro. However, it remains to be seen whether Apple will face similar criticisms regarding the discrepancy between advertised and actual storage capacity.
In the broader context, this issue highlights the importance of understanding the difference between total storage capacity and usable storage space. Consumers should be aware that a significant portion of their device’s storage will be occupied by the operating system and pre-installed applications. This knowledge can help users make more informed decisions when purchasing devices and managing their storage needs.
Moreover, the trend of increasing storage demands for operating systems and applications suggests that future devices may need to offer even larger storage capacities to meet user expectations. As technology continues to evolve, manufacturers will need to balance the need for powerful, feature-rich operating systems with the desire for ample usable storage space.
In conclusion, while the 64GB Surface Pro’s limited usable storage space may be disappointing, it serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency in advertising and the need for consumers to be informed about the true capabilities of their devices. As the tech industry progresses, both manufacturers and consumers will need to adapt to the changing landscape of storage requirements and expectations.
Source: Gizmodo
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