So you have your new Microsoft Surface tablets and want to know what devices will work with it? Well now you can find out via the Microsoft’s Windows Compatibility Center. On the site there is a database of devices and information on the compatibility with Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows 7.
The database seems very extensive, most of the devices I search for where there. When you search for the device you get the status for Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows 7. The status could be either Compatible, Limited Functionality or Not Compatible. I did a search for my Samsung Galaxy Note and found that it’s marked as Not Compatible but as it can be used as a USB storage device I could copy pictures and music without any issues. Other devices like the iPad require extra software and therefor is not compatible.
As well as the device database Microsoft have published an FAQ of what type of devices work with Windows RT, so for example Camcoders that use Media Transfer Protocol are compatible, if they need extra drivers then they will not work. As you can see from the list most standard devices will work but you may only get limited functionality as you can’t install OEM drivers.
What types of devices work on Windows RT?
Camcorders All camcorders that support media transfer protocol (MTP) are compatible with Windows RT.
Digital camcorders All digital cameras that support media transfer protocol (MTP) are compatible with Windows RT.
Digital picture frames Digital picture frames that support the “PlayTo” protocol and are certified for Windows RT are compatible with Windows RT. Pictures can be displayed using the Windows 8 device charm in the new Windows RT user interface, or can be transferred using storage devices supported by the Digital Picture Frame.
Webcams Only built-in webcams are compatible with Windows RT. USB based webcams are not compatible with Windows RT.
Headsets Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) headsets (speaker and microphone) are compatible with Windows RT. Buttons with device specific functionalities (e.g. call button) are not compatible with Windows RT.
Mobile phone / Smart phones MTP based mobile phones and smart phones are compatible with Windows RT.
Displays Computer displays and TV monitors are compatible with Windows RT.
Bluetooth adapters Windows RT has Bluetooth capabilities already built-in, additional adapters are not needed.
Smartcard readers All smartcard readers that comply with the USB CCID specification are compatible with Windows RT. Click here to learn more about these specifications.
Game controllers USB game controllers based on XNA are compatible with Windows RT. Click here to learn more about XNA protocols.
Keyboards Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) keyboards and keypads along with the following key control buttons are compatible with Windows RT:
Volume (up/down)
Mute
Scan (next, previous)
Play/Pause/Stop
Calculator
Additional functionalities may not work. PS/2 based keyboards are not compatible with Windows RT.
Mice Wired (e.g. USB) and wireless (e.g. Bluetooth) 3 and 5 button mice with horizontal and vertical smooth scrolling are compatible with Windows RT. Additional functionalities will not work on Windows RT.
Stylus pen Stylus pens are not compatible with Windows RT.
Other input devices Input devices like numeric keypads, trackball mice and dictation microphones are not compatible with Windows RT.
Docking station Simple port replicators will provide additional compatible USB ports on Windows RT.
Digital media receivers Windows RT certified DLNA digital media receivers are compatible on Windows RT through the “Play To” feature found in the new Windows 8 user interface (device charm).
iPod/iPad iPods and iPads use a proprietary protocol that is not compatible with Windows RT and are thus not compatible with Windows RT.
Media players MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) based media players are compatible with full functionality on Windows RT.
Mobile broadband USB connected mobile broadband modems that support the Windows RT mobile broadband class driver are compatible with Windows RT. For more info contact your provider.
Network attached storage Network attached storage (NAS) devices are compatible with Windows RT.
Wireless router All Windows RT systems will be able to connect to a network using wireless routers.
Ink-jet & laser printers Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer.
Multifunction printers (MFP) Printing will work on Windows RT machines. Other functionalities may be available, depending on the manufacturer. On most MFPs, USB scanning and fax will not work on Windows RT. Check with the manufacturer for details. MFPS network printing and scanning will work on Windows RT.
Scanners Most USB connected scanners are not compatible with Windows RT. Network connected scanners are compatible with Windows RT.
Optical drives (CD/RW – DVD/DVDRW – Blu-Ray – FD) Playback and CD/DVD writing functionalities are not compatible with Windows RT. It is, however, possible to access data files through a USB connected optical drive.
External hard drives External storage devices are compatible with Windows RT. Additional hardware functionalities such as “backup buttons” are not compatible with Windows RT.
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RT @isdixon: Which devices will work with Windows RT and Microsoft’s Surface: So you have your new Microsoft Surface t… htt …
pens must be capacitive