The good - and very bad - of the Microsoft Surface

That's to a stroke of luck on Craigslist, I was finally able to get my hands on a Microsoft Surface recently.

I'm not going to lie -- I've been railing against the Surface for quite a time now, but let's focus on the good for now.

First of all, it is exactly as advertised -- it can fully replace your laptop. The Surface runs a full version of Windows, in which you can download and install software on. Google Chrome? Microsoft Office? VLC? No problem.

Further, when the cover/keyboard is attached, the Surface folds into a very tight package -- much smaller than your typical laptop. Plus, being able to detach the keyboard and use it as a regular tablet, and with the built-in stand are great for tablet users.

One of the downsides is the Surface only comes in the standard-size -- no Surface mini yet.

But why hold off any longer, and let's give the people what they want: Me ranting like a lunatic.

The problem with the Surface is my biggest gripe against it -- I feel Microsoft is dishonest to consumers when advertising the product.

You've seen those dopey commercials where they show you how it comes apart and a Macbook Air doesn't, haven't you? Then it flashes the price: Starting at $499.

Almost $500 isn't cheap for a Windows laptop in today's market (this goes back to how Windows is built versus how Mac's OS X is built, but we've covered that before -- you can go online to timesonline.com for past columns). Chromebooks can start as low as $150 for basic models. Even relatively advanced laptops can still squeeze in under $500.

"But Steve," I'm sure you're saying, "affordability is subjective."

Absolutely. Price is static, but affordability is relative -- $500 to one person may not be much, but to another it could mean his or her monthly rent or mortgage. That's not what I'm upset about.

The point is the first word of the sentence: "Starting" at $499. Sure, there are more advanced models of the tablet, but that's not what Microsoft is referring to. For $499, you get: The tablet. That's it.

"But what about the keyboard they show?" you may ask. "Surely, that has to be included."

It's not.

And what's worse, it is expensive. Microsoft's website no longer sells the touch keyboard anymore (which is a piece of junk), so the Type Cover keyboard is $130.

Already we're talking about $630 (plus tax) to replace your laptop.

Still on board? OK. The new Surface 3 comes with a dandy pen tool so you can write and draw on the tablet (it, essentially, works the way a mouse does). It's also another lovely accessory that's not free. Be prepared to shell out an additional $50.

So, here in Pennsylvania, we're talking about a tablet, with keyboard and pen tool, running north of $700. "Starting at" is a very cover-your-butt phrase.

So how do I feel about the $100 I spent on my Surface? Well, let me phrase reframe that in Microsoft speak: How do I feel about the amount of money totaling $100 I spent on my Surface?

Stephen Gugliociello is a writer for The Times whose technology column appears regularly. To get in touch with him, email sgugliociello@timesonline.com, tweet at him @BCTSteve, or follow him on Facebook, facebook.com/bctsteve. 

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