Here’s the good and the bad, as I’ve seen it posted (and I haven’t seen anything specific to the screens being stylus ready, although the Samsung Slate 7 was, but I haven’t seen any confirmation that either uses a Wacom digitizer nor would store a stylus onboard (that’s important to me));
Samsung ATIV Smart PC Pro tablet against Surface Pro tablet:
Processor, RAM: Well, it is one of major factors that differentiate a Windows Pro machine from a Windows RT tab. The former is meant to run on advanced Intel x86 processors, while the latter is to tout ARM-based chips. In the case of the Samsung and Microsoft Windows Pro tabs, both the machines get power from the third generation Intel Core i5 CPUs, 4GB of RAM and Intel HD Graphics 4000.
Display Screen: Surface Pro is rather smaller with a 10.6-inch display compared to ATIV Smart PC Pro that sports an 11.6-inch LED Full HD display. Both the devices have the same screen resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Well, there is a difference of an inch in screen size and so the Samsung machine is more ideal for using as an Ultrabook, but it will not be as comfy as Surface Pro for on-the-go use.
Storage: Windows 8 tablets have solid-state hard drives and they do offer a high 128GB capacity. Surface Pro comes in 64GB and 128GBs, while ATIV Smart PC Pro also has a 128GB version. That is, users who have to store lots of data can just opt for these machines apart from the ordinary tablets.
Firmware, Apps: Needless to specifically mention, both Samsung and Microsoft tablets feature Windows Pro, a full-blown version of the new operating system from Microsoft. It is the same version that you can find in personal computers. Therefore, all computer centric Windows applications and software items will work in the tablets. It makes the devices highly compatible for office and enterprise purposes. Users can perform all their computer activities on the move now; they can easily compose mails, receive mails, prepare and edit docs, spreadsheets and presentations on Surface Pro and ATIV Smart PC Pro.
Dimensions: Surface Pro features the dimensions of 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 inches, while ATIV Smart PC Pro measures in at 11.6 x 7.2 x 0.5 inches. Yes, the latter is thinner, which is also lightweight with 1.89 pounds when pitted against the 2-pound Surface Pro.
Connectivity: When it comes to connectivity options, Surface Pro has USB 3.0, microSDXC, headphone jack and DisplayPort video out. It is when the Samsung Windows 8 tablet has USB 3.0, headphone-out, micro HDMI, multi card slot and more.
Price, Availability: Microsoft is yet to declare pricing details of Surface Pro. The tablet is reportedly to go for shipping in January next year. As per rumor mills, Microsoft that sells Surface RT for a starting price of $499 may head to price the basic model of Surface Pro at something around $1000.
This is when Samsung is to start selling ATIV Smart Tab for a starting price of $1,199. Both the machines will be coming for higher prices since they are something beyond mere tablets. You will have to purchase the dock connecting keyboards for extra prices, however. Surface RT’s Touch Cover comes for a price of $100.