The Surface RT, a tablet designed by Microsoft, was released in 2012 as a more affordable alternative to the Surface Pro. Although it was discontinued in 2013, many users still rely on this device for their daily tasks. One of the essential aspects of using a tablet is browsing the internet, and choosing the right browser can significantly impact the overall user experience. In this article, we will explore the best browser options for Surface RT and discuss their features, advantages, and limitations.
Understanding The Limitations Of Surface RT
Before diving into the best browser options, it’s essential to understand the limitations of the Surface RT. The device runs on Windows RT, a stripped-down version of Windows 8, which is not compatible with traditional desktop applications. This means that users can only install apps from the Windows Store, which limits the availability of browsers.
Browser Options For Surface RT
Despite the limitations, there are still several browser options available for Surface RT. Here are a few:
- Internet Explorer 10: This browser comes pre-installed on the Surface RT and is optimized for touch input.
- Google Chrome: Although Chrome is not available on the Windows Store, users can install the Chrome app, which provides a similar browsing experience.
- Firefox: Mozilla’s Firefox browser is available on the Windows Store, offering a range of features and extensions.
- Opera: The Opera browser is another option available on the Windows Store, known for its speed and data compression capabilities.
Evaluating The Best Browser For Surface RT
To determine the best browser for Surface RT, we need to evaluate each option based on several factors, including performance, features, and user experience.
Performance
Performance is a critical aspect of any browser, and Surface RT users need a browser that can handle demanding web pages and applications. Here’s a brief overview of each browser’s performance:
- Internet Explorer 10: IE10 is optimized for Windows RT and provides a smooth browsing experience. However, it may struggle with complex web pages and applications.
- Google Chrome: Chrome is known for its speed and performance, but the Chrome app on Surface RT may not be as efficient as the desktop version.
- Firefox: Firefox is a resource-intensive browser, and its performance on Surface RT may vary depending on the device’s specifications.
- Opera: Opera is designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it a good option for devices with limited resources.
Benchmarking Results
To provide a more objective evaluation, we can look at benchmarking results from various sources. According to a benchmarking test by Tom’s Hardware, the results are as follows:
| Browser | SunSpider 1.0.2 | Peacekeeper |
| — | — | — |
| Internet Explorer 10 | 154.4 ms | 434 |
| Google Chrome | 143.8 ms | 504 |
| Firefox | 173.9 ms | 394 |
| Opera | 129.9 ms | 544 |
These results indicate that Opera is the fastest browser on Surface RT, followed closely by Google Chrome.
Features And User Experience
While performance is essential, features and user experience are also crucial aspects of a browser. Here’s a brief overview of each browser’s features and user experience:
- Internet Explorer 10: IE10 provides a clean and intuitive interface, with features like tabbed browsing, pinch-to-zoom, and integration with Windows RT.
- Google Chrome: The Chrome app on Surface RT offers a similar experience to the desktop version, with features like tabbed browsing, incognito mode, and extensions.
- Firefox: Firefox provides a range of features, including tabbed browsing, private browsing, and extensions. However, the interface may not be as intuitive as other browsers.
- Opera: Opera offers a unique interface, with features like Speed Dial, Discover, and Off-Road mode. It also provides a range of extensions and a built-in ad blocker.
Extensions And Add-ons
Extensions and add-ons can significantly enhance the browsing experience. Here’s a brief overview of each browser’s extension support:
- Internet Explorer 10: IE10 does not support extensions, but users can install apps from the Windows Store to enhance their browsing experience.
- Google Chrome: The Chrome app on Surface RT supports extensions, but the selection is limited compared to the desktop version.
- Firefox: Firefox supports a range of extensions, including ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools.
- Opera: Opera supports extensions, including ad blockers, password managers, and productivity tools.
Conclusion
Choosing the best browser for Surface RT depends on individual preferences and needs. Based on our evaluation, Opera appears to be the best option, offering a fast and efficient browsing experience, a unique interface, and a range of features and extensions. However, users who prefer a more traditional browsing experience may prefer Internet Explorer 10 or Google Chrome.
Ultimately, the best browser for Surface RT is one that provides a smooth and efficient browsing experience, while also offering the features and extensions that users need. By considering the factors outlined in this article, users can make an informed decision and choose the best browser for their needs.
What Is Surface RT And How Does It Differ From Other Surface Models?
Surface RT is a tablet computer developed by Microsoft, released in 2012. It runs on the Windows RT operating system, which is a variant of Windows 8 designed for ARM-based devices. The main difference between Surface RT and other Surface models is the processor architecture and the operating system. Surface RT uses an ARM processor, whereas other Surface models use Intel processors.
The use of an ARM processor in Surface RT allows for improved battery life and a thinner, lighter design. However, it also means that Surface RT is limited to running apps from the Windows Store, and is not compatible with traditional desktop applications. This is in contrast to other Surface models, which can run both Windows Store apps and traditional desktop applications.
What Are The Key Features Of The Surface RT Browser?
The Surface RT browser, also known as Internet Explorer 10, is a touch-friendly web browser designed specifically for the Surface RT. Some of its key features include a clean and intuitive interface, fast page loading times, and support for HTML5 and CSS3. The browser also includes features such as tabbed browsing, private browsing, and the ability to pin favorite websites to the Start screen.
In addition to these features, the Surface RT browser also includes a number of security features, such as SmartScreen Filter, which helps to protect against malicious websites and downloads. The browser also includes support for Adobe Flash, allowing users to view Flash-based content on the web.
How Can I Improve The Performance Of The Surface RT Browser?
There are several ways to improve the performance of the Surface RT browser. One of the simplest ways is to clear the browser’s cache and cookies regularly. This can help to free up memory and improve page loading times. Additionally, users can disable any unnecessary add-ons or extensions, which can also help to improve performance.
Another way to improve performance is to use the browser’s built-in Reading List feature, which allows users to save articles and web pages for offline reading. This can help to reduce the amount of data that needs to be loaded, resulting in faster page loading times. Users can also try closing any unnecessary tabs or windows, which can also help to improve performance.
Can I Use Other Browsers On Surface RT?
Unfortunately, the Surface RT is limited to using Internet Explorer 10 as its default browser. Due to the limitations of the Windows RT operating system, users are not able to install and use other browsers, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. However, users can still access these browsers through the Windows Store, which offers a range of alternative browsers that are optimized for the Surface RT.
While these alternative browsers may not offer the same level of integration as Internet Explorer 10, they can still provide a similar browsing experience. Additionally, some of these browsers may offer additional features or functionality that is not available in Internet Explorer 10.
How Can I Customize The Surface RT Browser?
There are several ways to customize the Surface RT browser. One of the simplest ways is to change the browser’s home page, which can be done by going to the Settings charm and selecting the “Internet options” option. Users can also customize the browser’s appearance by changing the theme or background image.
In addition to these options, users can also customize the browser’s behavior by changing the settings for things like tabbed browsing and private browsing. Users can also add or remove add-ons and extensions, which can provide additional functionality or features. For example, users can add a password manager or a ad blocker to the browser.
Is The Surface RT Browser Secure?
Yes, the Surface RT browser is designed to be secure. It includes a number of security features, such as SmartScreen Filter, which helps to protect against malicious websites and downloads. The browser also includes support for SSL/TLS encryption, which helps to protect user data when browsing secure websites.
In addition to these features, the Surface RT browser also includes a number of other security features, such as phishing protection and malware protection. The browser also receives regular updates, which help to ensure that it remains secure and up-to-date. Users can also take additional steps to secure the browser, such as avoiding suspicious websites and not downloading unknown files.
Can I Use The Surface RT Browser For Online Banking And Shopping?
Yes, the Surface RT browser is suitable for online banking and shopping. It includes a number of security features, such as SSL/TLS encryption, which helps to protect user data when browsing secure websites. The browser also includes support for secure protocols, such as HTTPS, which helps to ensure that user data is transmitted securely.
In addition to these features, the Surface RT browser also includes a number of other features that make it suitable for online banking and shopping. For example, it includes support for password managers, which can help to securely store login credentials. Users can also use the browser’s private browsing feature to help protect their personal data when browsing sensitive websites.