Microsoft drops the Surface RT from 30 inches. Films it.

By Daniel Rubino
last updated

Microsoft is evidently getting creative when showing off the Surface RT. In this latest video posted to their YouTube channel, we get to see the device dropped 30" onto a hardwood floor. Well, we don't actually see it as what we're watching is the video taken from the Surface as it is sent to the ground. 

As a demonstration of how well it's built, the Surface RT continues recording without skipping a beat. Of course we don't know how the display looks but since we didn't hear any gasps, we'll assume it's okay too. Needless to say, the Surface RT looks to be quite durable, as evidenced by Sinofsky's skateboarding trick.

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

27 Comments
  • They should do a Surface vs. iPad drop test :-)
  • Is it just me or is this video pointless?
  • Why do you think this is pointless?
  • You can't see what damage was done. It's cool to see that it's still recording though.
  • It's just you, I dropped my Ipad 2 from about the same height cost me $120 to have it fixed.
    Good to know the surface is a bit tougher.
  • They should use a Surface to film an iPad being blended.
  • I like.
  • Same here.
  • Daniel, give me some advice, to wait for the pro or to just get the RT? Internal struggle is killing me
  • Here's a suggestion to make your decision easier.  Install Windows 8 on a computer or VM and use only the Metro environment for at least a day or two.  Pretend the desktop does not exist, except for Office and Explorer.  Don't install any other non-Metro programs.  If everything's a-ok and you're happy, get an RT.  If you find yourself wanting a real computer, get a Pro.
     
    If you don't have Windows 8 RTM, use the release preview version - it won't expire til January:
    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/release-preview
  • +1 Good advice.
  • Or even better, install the RTM evaluation. It expires after 90 days: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/jj554510.aspx
  • You know you want the RT just do it :) and get the pro next year. Thats my plan. 
  • Please, for the love of all things holy, stop recording protrait videos - this is not an iphone. 
    Would love to see a vid of the device after. 
  • Amen. Portrait videos drive me nuts.
  • .
  • The cameras on the Surface are only 720p, how is this video available in 1080p if shot from the device itself?
  • Because it's rotated 90 degrees?
  • I just love the Music and the "Click" advert. I get excited everytime I watch it :)
    For once, MS makes a cool advert. Amazing!
  • LOL! 
    Oh you adorable Microsoft people.
    But seriously. Stop with the portrait recording. Just stop. Please. :/
  • Hahaha! I know... portrait video camera usage needs to die.
  • wait am I the only one that cringed as they counted down to dropping it.  I just hate dropping my tech, hate it with a passion.  I realize its a test, but I still silently shouted nooooooo!!!  
  • I totally wanted to see how good/bad it looked physically, but the fact it's still ON and RECORDING (with no apparent damage to the camera or internals) that's pretty dang impressive. I just want to see the display and case damage.
  • Personally, if I had that crowd staring at me, I might want to be dropped from some sort of height as well.  Sorry, but that is a creepy little crowd of geeks....
  • 30 inches?
  • Average height of a table
  • I like. They seem to be engaged with viewers when doing things like this.