We’ll discuss some of these differences later in the chapter, but the big picture goes like this: Windows RT is a new, unproven product. It runs only on ARM-based platforms that could enable thinner and lighter iPad-like tablets that may get better battery life than Intel-compatible products. (That tale has yet to be told.) Windows RT is roughly comparable to the base version of Windows 8, but is lacking one very critical feature: It is not compatible with any existing Windows applications or utilities. And it’s missing two interesting and potentially useful features, Windows Media Player and Storage Spaces. On the flip side, Windows RT offers a few unique features of its own: device encryption, and free, bundled versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These applications are based on Office 2013 and, like Windows RT, are branded with the RT name (for example, Word RT).
We mentioned that there were three mainstream Windows 8 editions. As it turns out, there are others. Microsoft is selling a version called, yep, Windows 8 Starter, in emerging markets only, so we can safely ignore that release. And a Windows 8 Enterprise edition is provided only to Microsoft’s corporate customers that sign up for a volume licensing program called Software Assurance. This version of Windows 8 is in fact quite interesting as it offers some additional and useful features that are now available in Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro. But since you can’t actually acquire it normally, it’s also something we won’t be focusing on too much here.
To make the right choice, then, you’ll need to understand the individual differences between each mainstream Windows 8 version. And you’ll need to understand the pros and cons of the various hardware features you’ll find in Intel-compatible PCs and ARM-based devices.
First, we’ll discuss the software differences.
Understanding the Differences Between the Product Editions
There are various ways to present this kind of information, but we find that tables, logically divided by category, are easy on the eyes and mind. Tables 1-1 through 1-10 show how the mainstream product editions stack up.
Table 1-1: Hardware Capabilities
| Feature | Windows 8 | Windows 8 Pro | Windows RT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum number of processors | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GB (x86), 16 GB (x64) | 4 GB (x86), 64 GB (x64) | 4 GB |
Table 1-2: Upgrade Capabilities
| Feature | Windows 8 | Windows 8 Pro | Windows RT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium | Yes | Yes | - |
| Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate | - | Yes | - |
Table 1-3: Metro Features*
| Feature | Windows 8 | Windows 8 Pro | Windows RT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start screen, semantic zoom, live tiles | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Windows Store | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Calendar | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| People | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Messaging | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Photos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SkyDrive | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Reader | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Music | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Video | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Companion | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Games | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing Maps | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing News | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing Sports | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing Travel | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bing Weather | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Internet Explorer 10 Metro | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Snap | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touch and Thumb keyboard | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Play To | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Exchange ActiveSync (EAS) support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile broadband features | Yes | Yes | Yes |