Other than the possibility of resource issues like not enough memory, can I run anything on Windows Surface that I can run on a standard Windows 8 laptop or desktop?

Its starting to become time to shop for a new laptop and I thought being able to pop the keyboard off and carry the tablet around a house would be much nicer

Depends on the version of Surface...

[Link: microsoft.com]

Surface 2 - Runs Windows RT a variant of the Windows 8 operating system designed for mobile devices which use 32-bit ARM architecture (ARMv7). Does not run legacy Win7 Applications.

Surface Pro 2 - Runs a full version of Win8/8.1, runs legacy Windows applications. Running Intel Haswell processors.

Surface (Originally Called Surface RT) - Runs Windows RT a variant of the Windows 8 operating system designed for mobile devices which use 32-bit ARM architecture (ARMv7). Does not run legacy Win7 Applications.

Surface Pro - The original version of the Surface units with an Intel Processor. No longer produced, but some are still likely available in the sales channel.

FWIW: Actually, if you want the original Surface they're going to be seriously cheap next week! Rumor is there are warehouses full of them!

directly from microsoft?

But it looks like the pro2 is what I need

absolutely. i am looking at one as well. i dream of walking around configuring lighting, WAPs, etc on a tablet style device.

i am not sure if i will surface pro or lenovo yoga 2 pro. need to do some more research.

The surface Pro original does everything the pro2 does...unless i haven't read into the pro2 enough. The only real thing i see different is the option to have 8gb of ram and it has the new haswell intel for longer battery life...

the original has USB which is perfect for uploading customer remote files or doing quick tweaks.

If they are blowing them out (wherever they are blowing it out) ill pick up 1 or 2.

Would also be amazing to run D-Tools on!

If you're sold on the Surface, I think the Pro2 is the right choice when you need to run legacy Windows software. The updated Haswell processor is also well worth it, in my opinion.

Another thing to look at is the Sony Vaio Tap 11. It runs Win8/8.1, latest Haswell processors, has a detachable keyboard, and includes an active digitizer stylus much like the Surface Pro 2. I haven't used one for long, but the couple minutes I played with it, I liked it a lot. Just another option.

Does anyone know if there would be a solution for URC products that currently require Windows XP?

I could be very wrong, but the last, and only time I goofed with a MS tablet about 2 months ago there was no Sonos app. I was kinda surprised....

If it will run any windows 8 programs, then it will run sonos

Very different products. The Yoga 2 Pro is more of a laptop you can bend into a tablet (using probably a better hinge system than most hybrids, but remember it does leave the keyboard exposed). Also consider the Thinkpad Yoga, which is a slightly smaller version hopefully with better build quality.

If anyone has any questions on any of the Haswell 13-14" Ultrabooks... I'm primed to answer them, as I've been forced to research a replacement for my old laptop for the past few weeks!

Not to hijack. Have anyone got your hands on Helix? What do you think on that piece?

It's a nice machine. It will likely get an update by Lenovo soon, as it is still using the Ivy Bridge processors... so you will end up giving up a fair amount of battery life compared to Haswell. If you can get a good deal, then it could be a good buy, but realize you will give up a sizeable amount of battery life compared to Haswell.

So I sure others will remember my recent threads about this very conundrum. We'll I purchased a Sony 13" Viao ultra book. I am super happy with it. Windows 8 was a challenge but you can master it in two days.

I have the PC for over a month now but I have only charged it three times. I purchased the external sleeve battery pack and it showsore than 13 hours of life. I carry it around every where in houses and it is just like a tablet. Lighter than my ipad and still has all of the PC features. Don't hesitate to give it a look. I couldn't wait any longer for the carbon X1 refresh.