Is Surface with Windows 8 Pro worth the $$$ ?

Microsoft is not off to a very good start with its push into the tablet market (at least, according to every blogger on Earth).  But with the introduction of a Surface tablet with a full version of the Windows 8 operating system, things could get a little more interesting.  A tablet that is also a fully functional laptop may be the future of personal computing, but can this new Surface stand up to the most popular and respect ultrabook available, the Macbook Air?

Here are the comparative specs for the baseline models of each:

-Macbook Air versus Surface Pro
Operating System
1.7GHz dual-core Intel Core - 3rd Gen Intel Core i5 (that's all it says online)
RAM 
4GB, 4GB
Storage 
64GB, 64GB
Display
11.6" high-resolution LEDbacklit, 16:9 (widescreen) versus 10.6" ClearType Full HD Display, 16:9 (widescreen)
Screen Resolution
1366 x 768 pixels versus 1920x1080 pixels
Dimensions
Height: 0.11-0.68in/Length: 11.8in/Width: 7.56in versus Height: 0.53in/Length: 10.81in/Width: 6.81in
Weight
2.38 lbs versus 2 lbs
Price
$999 versus $899


There are not many differences between the devices when you look at the raw specs and the Surface Pro has a much better screen resolution.  BUT you need to consider two important details that, in my opinion, give the edge to the MacBook Air.

First, the $900 price tag for the Surface Pro does not include a keyboard.  That will cost you $120 more for the Touch Cover and $139 for the Type Cover.  Also note that the keyboard will provide no support for the device whatsoever, so typing on anything but a table is out of the question.  And typing at night? Forget it, only the MacBook Air has a back lit keyboard of the two.  Why make such a big deal about the keyboard? Because the type of person who would spend this kind of money for the Surface Pro will be doing laptop-like work, which necessitates a good keyboard. And the Microsoft keyboard are pretty good.  I've tried them first hand. I just wouldn't spend $120 for one.

Secondly, the apps.  The app selection on the Microsoft Store is to Microsoft what Apple Maps is to Apple....and topic of endless ridicule by the technology world.  But it is also a crucial difference.  Apple has far better and much more software for tablets than Microsoft.  Even though the Surface Pro will be running a robust OS, they still expect you to look to their empty online store shelves for software.

But what exactly are we getting with the OS? On the Microsoft website, it specifically says a full "Office" experience for Word, Excel, etc. not a full "OS" experience, although it also mentions that Surface Pro can run all your applications from previous versions of Windows.  Until I see this in action, I'll remain skeptical that I'm getting a full Windows experience.

So for the price, the internal storage, the processing power and portability, the Macbook Air still reigns supreme.  If you really want a tablet for work and you really need Microsoft Office, then yes, get the Surface Pro. But if you're a normal person, wait to see what the future holds.