i’d say the big differentiator here is the software. iOS isn’t optimized for keyboard input (and, as far as i know, doesn’t support mouse input at all). Windows

i’d say the big differentiator here is the software. iOS isn’t optimized for keyboard input (and, as far as i know, doesn’t support mouse input at all). Windows RT however, being essentially the same as Windows 8 in this regard, is efficiently navigable via keyboard and mouse input alone. so beyond having the physical keyboard there to replace the on-screen one for typing-out long messages, it also serves as an effective navigation tool and with all the traditional Windows shortcuts available. the Surface covers also include dedicated media keys and have function keys assigned to the newly introduced charms as well as full trackpads. an iPad with a physical keyboard tacked-on actually degrades ease of use as the addition changes the form of the device while not providing an alternative means of interacting with it suitable to that form. as a result, beyond the single action of typing, all navigation becomes less efficient as you have to reach-out and touch the screen in a less-natural way than accustomed to. i've found that even the typing experience here doesn’t feel that much better as you still get interrupted when having to make what would be otherwise minor adjustments (moving cursor, selecting text, formatting, ...) by having to reach-out to the screen. on a Surface though, the cover provides a complete and efficient alternative means of input. this has less to do with the particular implementation of the cover/kickstand (which is great by the way) but rather, that it runs essentially the same OS as the majority of (non-touch-enabled) desktops and laptops to be sold in the coming years. regardless of particular views on Windows 8 and whether it is less efficient than previous versions, it still is a fully functional traditional OS, and interacting with it as such works very well. using a Surface for a few days now, i really do think the form factor lives-up to the claim of no-compromises. you can navigate entirely via touch or entirely through the traditional mouse/keyboard combo and not even know that the other existed. and (the most likely option) somewhere in-between works exceptionally well. while i traditionally use the cover while in the desktop or typing-out a long message (like now), i find the input method option it affords is also great to have for when i just happen to be sitting at a desk or want to use the device standing-up on my lap. in that sense the particular implementation on the Surface’s cover/kickstand really shine as it makes switching between form factors effortless.