Apple launched its revamped fourth-generation iPad on Oct. 23 with some new features. Microsoft launched its first line of tablets (Surface Pro and Surface RT) on Oct. 26, which is looking to rival the iPad. 

Here is the comparison of the latest fourth-generation iPad with the Surface RT.

Dimensions And Weight

The iPad measures 9.5 x 7.3 x 0.37 inches and weighs 1.44 pounds (1.46 pounds for the cellular version). On the other hand, the Surface RT measures 10.8 x 6.8 x 0.37 inches and is slightly heavier at 1.5 pounds.

Processor

iPad uses Apple's custom designed A6X processor which the company claims doubles the speed of the tablet when compared to the A5 processor. A quad-core Tegra 3 processor, clocked at 1.3GHz, powers the Microsoft Surface RT. Both the devices are equipped with powerful processor.

Display

The iPad sports a 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology with 2048 X 1536 pixels resolution and 264 pixels per inch (ppi). The Surface RT features 10.6-inch ClearType HD 5-point multi-touch display with 1366x768 pixels with 148 ppi.

Storage

The iPad is available in 16/32/64 GB on-board storage versions and does not have the option to expand further. On the other hand, the Surface RT is available with 32/64 GB internal storage option with the option to expand further using a microSD card.

Camera

The iPad features a 5-megapixel iSight rear-facing camera and a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD front-facing camera. The Surface RT is equipped with 720p front-facing and rear-facing cameras.

Battery

A 42.5 watt-hour battery powers the iPad, which Apple claims to provide 10 hours of usage. When compared to the iPad, the Surface RT includes a smaller 31.5 watt-hour battery. The usage time for the Surface RT has not been indicated by Microsoft.

Operating System

The Microsoft Surface RT runs on the latest Windows RT, while the iPad runs on the latest iOS 6.

Connectivity

The iPad will be made available in Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi plus cellular capabilities. However, the Surface RT will be available with only Wi-Fi capabilities. Both the devices will have Bluetooth.

The Surface RT will also include a full USB and a micro-HDMI port which is absent in the iPad.

Price, Availability, And Colors

Both the base model of the iPad and the Surface RT have a starting price tag of $499 and are available to pre-order from their respective Web sites.

The Surface RT is only available in black whereas the iPad is available in black and white colors.

Both the fourth-generation iPad and the Surface RT feature high-end specifications. It will come down to user preference when making a choice between either one of the tablets.