[Singapore] SMB Tech This Week

Introducing our latest column! Every week we’ll round out some of the latest technologies – gadgets or otherwise – that’s caught our eye in Singapore.

This week, we look at two mobile computing devices:

Microsoft Surface Pro

The Microsoft Surface RT, the first of the technology giant’s foray to compete in the mobile tablet market, was an excellent travel companion with its incredible battery life (almost 8 hours) and its sleek and light form factor but the current lack of apps for ARM-driven Windows RT limited its versatility.

On the other hand, the Windows 8 Surface Pro (above) which launches this week is possibly the most versatile mobile computing device, combining the form factor of a tablet with computing power that more than rivals most competing gadgets in the market. Don’t like apps? It functions like a regular PC, so you can install programs like you do a Windows desktop. In a sense, the Surface Pro fills that void between an iPad and the MacBook Air.

Sure, it may compromise on battery life and (at S$1,198 for the entry-level model, without the Touch Cover at that) it doesn’t come cheap, but you do get what you pay for.

Sony Xperia Tablet Z

Capitalizing on the encouraging demand for the Sony Xperia Z phone, the Xperia Tablet Z is the Japanese consumer electronics giant attempt at the tablet market. Also launched this week, the LTE-enabled, Android-based Xperia Tablet Z (at S$988) is currently the sleekest, thinnest and lightest Android tablet computer of that size. And true to Sony’s forte, the device is a great entertainment device, and can seamlessly integrate with and control various home entertainment appliances such as speakers, TVs and home theater systems.

It’s water resistant too, but we don’t think a self-respecting small business owner should be soaking in a hot tub watching drama serials for that long.