With this month’s unveiling of the Microsoft Surface, tablet fans have a tougher choice when they go shopping. Although Apple previously dominated the market with its iPad, the Surface emerges as a worthy opponent.

The Surface, available in either a consumer version that runs Windows RT or a business version which runs Windows 8 Pro, is a larger machine than even the newest iPad. The Surface’s larger screen may appeal to many shoppers—at 10.6 inches and resolutions of either 1366 x 768 for the Windows RT version or 1920 x 1080 for the Surface Pro. Even the fourth generation iPad screen is only 9.7 inches. Gamers however, may disregard the size and opt for the iPad’s retina display, with its 2048 x 1536 resolution. Plus, the larger Surface is also heavier—the Pro version weighs 1.99 pounds compared to the 1.44 pounds of the newest iPad. The RT version Surface, however, is more comparable at just 1.49 pounds.

Each of the tablets is available with a variety of built-in storage space options. The fourth-generation iPad offers version with 16, 32 and 64 gigabytes of space, while the Surface RT comes with either 32 or 64 GB, and the Surface Pro offers 64 or 128 GB of storage. Based on comparative price points, however, the Surface gives the user more storage for their buck. The $499 iPad comes with just 16 GB of storage, while the Surface with RT at the same price offers 32GB of space.

Camera features also differ between the two tablets. The new Surface comes with front and rear 720p cameras. The iPad offers a better rear camera—at 1080p—but its front camera is only VGA. In essence, the Surface will offer users a better face-to-face video chat experience in front, but the iPad wins in the rear with its full HD video-shooting capacity.

The Microsoft Surface offers one element Apple cannot match, however: Microsoft Office. The tablet comes with touchscreen-optimized Office 2013, which experts say could revolutionize the market. The new tablet may also appeal to gamers, since its USB ports can support game controllers.

[Image via Shutterstock]

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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