Almost done, I promise.  Just a few more of the stock applications to go.

MUSIC
There was a simple video player installed, but not a simple music player and nothing resembling Windows Media Player.  What you have for music is something called XBOX LIVE, and I must admit I 'm confused.  I'm not a gamer and don't own (or most probably never will own) an XBOX.  From the looks of the app and the website, Microsoft is trying to rebrand some services and create an iTunes or Google Play Store type service for Music, Video and Games.  Why XBOX I wonder…As a customer, I have absolutely no mental connection between a game console and a music or video service…let alone the app to play my music.

The app itself was very confusing.  It seemed to be framed around music streaming and other social activities and playing music a distant fourth or fifth option.  The music streaming itself was an additional sign-up and fee (not surprising or problematic, but wasn't presented up front or with decent information).  I didn't see any way to actually purchase music…if there was and I am wrong, then the question should be "Why couldn't I find it?"  I did try to register and start with the XBOX LIVE thingy, but had account issues and no matter what I did, my account name would not change off of "HappyTurtle635"..or something like that.  I don't know who that person is, or why it was attached to my Microsoft account, but it put me off the entire enterprise.  Luckily there were a few decent music player apps available, so I decided to leave the XBOX app alone.

FOR THE REAL HEADACHE
So, I want my music files and playlists on my SurfaceRT.  Seems like a simple, ordinary thing….I travel a lot and often want to listen to music or watch video.  This is usually when I can't connect to a wifi spot or the web, thus a streaming service or option isn't going to work. (This includes planes, the subway, on Amtrak..the times when you REALLY want music or video).  I also want to download and keep in sync my playlists.  Don't really need some of the odd details like play count or date last played, etc. but do want the lists themselves, that they are kept updated to changes and would prefer to sync the music files by the playlist…since I have many and swap them out often.  

This should be easy…with every other device and brand, you just connect the device to the PC with a USB cable or wifi connection, the requisite software starts (iTunes or similar), and you either manually sync, transfer or update files, or you have a per-determined process.  I had also recreated my playlists in my PC Window Media Player 11 (WMP11); a time consuming process, but determined it might be necessary.  So, a simple set of needs (transfer and sync media files, transfer and sync WMP playlists).  I was about to be thwarted…
*  First, there is no easy or "built in" tool for copying media files or playlists from your PC to the tablet.  Remember, Microsoft didn't build in a way to connect the tablet to the PC with a USB cord like you do with any Android, Blackberry or Apple device.  
*  The special Windows Easy Transfer cord and application for handling PC to PC file transfers isn't built to do this.  
*  The solution most referred to in the help forums, was to utilize the Windows Home Groups, and "share" your files or "stream" them from your PC.  However, that doesn't help you transfer the files for easy use, only connects the device to the PC (kinda, sorta, maybe) through your wifi connection…although this doesn't work when away from the same wifi as your PC

Ultimately, I managed to get the music files transferred, using my Home Group connection (while at home only) and using Windows Explorer in desktop mode to manually copy the folders over…literally hours worth of effort and so incredibly frustrating using that small interface with my fingers…it wasn't built for this!  Like I said earlier…every time I hear someone from Microsoft or a fanboy chastise a confused or angry user with "Windows RT is a mobile platform" as an excuse for something…I want to slap them and make them repeat that phrase a thousand times.  The RT is a mobile platform with no connection, application or simple process for your media.  This is a BASIC, not a luxury or special request.

As a final insult: after all of that effort, time, and frustration, the music and video players wouldn't play my playlists.  Couldn't get a straight answer, even from the Microsoft Specialists online and the most common answer I received was "The RT Media players use a different playlist format…the WMP playlists won't work".  If wrong, then why doesn't anyone at Microsoft have the correct information and why is this such a challenge?  If it is true, and certainly seemed to be, then WHY THE H*** WOULD I EVER WANT TO USE WMP, THE TABLET, OR XBOX FOR MEDIA????

FILE MANAGEMENT/EXPLORER
If you're like me, you use Windows Explorer a lot; moving, copying, deleting, and organizing files, pictures, documents, etc.  The RT does have Explorer, but only in that insufferable desktop mode and no other application for file management.  There are some decent ones on the store, but again, this is such a basic requirement for devices that it's another big miss.  At least get the Modern UI version of Explorer up and running….

SKYDRIVE
I had thought that your Skydrive files that are attached to your Microsoft account (with all that connection we're supposed to have) would've been easier to find and use.  I didn't get into the RT version of the Office Apps, but the picture viewer and other apps either needed you to perform several steps to get to the Skydrive content, or couldn't connect at all.  For me, more of a "nice to have" and not a requirement, but for many it is a real necessity. My thoughts are the same for any device and cloud storage account…you shouldn't need a separate or special app for using your cloud account files (thus extra steps, work, inconvenience).  If you have connected your device to a cloud account, then any app that uses these files (media players, file managers, picture editors, Office, etc) should be able to access, work with and save files as easily as if they were on the device itself.  Admittedly that may not always be easy amongst competing platforms and brands, but a Microsoft device and a Skydrive account SHOULD have it that easy.  Not a huge problem, but will be soon and a real missed opportunity (again…mobility).

START SCREEN
While not a big problem, I am a bit perplexed at the limitations Microsoft has placed on the Start screen itself.  Except for the generic wallpapers, accent color and other minor details, the user has almost no control over the look or use of the tiles.  There are no apps for making customized tiles or changing up existing ones.  Few apps have any control over what information is displayed on a Live tile (none I think) and almost half had no live tile option or could be sized between the small or large.  From the feedback and help forums I read, this is all due to "security" restrictions put in place by Microsoft.  I'm no expert, but exactly how would my tablet and data be at risk if I was allowed to change a tile color?  Again, it doesn't make any sense and is a missed opportunity….especially considering the resistance the public has over the Start screen.
There are other built in apps, such as a camera, a games hub (just an XBOX online and sales hub), Skype; but I didn't work with these apps enough to feel comfortable giving an opinion, and frankly they would pale in comparison to the previously listed issues.

ONLINE HELP
When you use the HELP function in the Charm Bar, you probably won't find an answer, as the only issues dealt with were SOOOO incredibly simple.  So, you will find yourself using the "Online Help" link.  This opens a Microsoft support website that you can use to search for answers or connect to the "community" (aka forums).  Problem is…that website is a generic one for Windows 8….all of Windows 8 and although you can select to receive answers for WindowsRT, you will mostly get solutions that don't apply to you.

There is a WindowsRT specific support site and it is often referred to by the help forum moderators.  So…someone tell me how this happened and why has it not been resolved.  It renders the "Help Link" useless; not that the support site was that helpful to begin with.  The most basic of information or questions a user might have are not dealt with, and child-like questions (like "how do I change the speaker volume") are the norm.  Rarely did I find anything useful.

There are other built in apps, such as a camera, a games hub (just an XBOX online and sales hub), Skype; but I didn't work with these apps enough to feel comfortable giving an opinion, and frankly they would pale in comparison to the previously listed issues.


Next up:  a final appraisal, some last words and a plee