32GB Surface Leaves 16GB Storage After Windows RT, Apps
64GB variant offers 46GB of storage space.
Microsoft has confirmed that consumers who purchase the 32GB variant of Surface will only be left with 16GB of storage space.
Previously, it was reported that 12GB of storage space will be taken from the device's 32GB capacity. However, according to Microsoft documentation, the $499 32GB Surface tablet actually takes 16GB of storage space.
On a 32GB Surface model, 29GB is initially available after partitioning. Take away 5GB for Windows recovery tools, and another 8GB for Windows RT, Microsoft Office, as well as other built-in apps, it leaves 16GB of free space. As for the 64GB model, users will be left with 46GB.
Microsoft, however, does offer advice on an FAQ page regarding how to free up storage space on the tablet. The firm suggests users utilize cloud storage through SkyDrive, using a microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC memory card or a USB flash drive or hard drive.
The Windows 8-powered Surface, which saw its entire pre-order inventory selling out, launched alongside the operating system on October 26.

Plus who cares, you have a full USB port with full driver support for USB drives, Skydrive (up to 100GB+) and SDXC slot which can now take up to 128GB card. You already have options that kill most Android tablets and all iPad's.
You also cannot compare iOS or Android to Windows RT because both iOS and Android are not full blown OS's. They are basic utility OS that have been built for a specific purpose and that is why they are only 1GB in size.
Also to answer the question about deleting the Recovery tools. The answer is Yes/No you can but if you ever need to reload or factory restore Windows RT your screwed. You cannot buy Windows RT and reload it since it is only sold to OEM's and ODM's. So the option to remove the recovery tools is there but it is really not in your best interest to do so.
That's a lie, you never get 16 gb on an iphone, somethinglike 14.6 comes to mind...
16GB for a tablet/laptop OS is friggin ridiculous.
That's a lie, you never get 16 gb on an iphone, somethinglike 14.6 comes to mind...
I agree, it puzzling how MS can do well on the WP8 but not on RT....
Plus who cares, you have a full USB port with full driver support for USB drives, Skydrive (up to 100GB+) and SDXC slot which can now take up to 128GB card. You already have options that kill most Android tablets and all iPad's.
You also cannot compare iOS or Android to Windows RT because both iOS and Android are not full blown OS's. They are basic utility OS that have been built for a specific purpose and that is why they are only 1GB in size.
Also to answer the question about deleting the Recovery tools. The answer is Yes/No you can but if you ever need to reload or factory restore Windows RT your screwed. You cannot buy Windows RT and reload it since it is only sold to OEM's and ODM's. So the option to remove the recovery tools is there but it is really not in your best interest to do so.
Windows Phone 8 may share the same Kernel and base code as Windows 8, but it is a basic utility OS built for a specific purpose, A Phone. Just like iOS and Android is. Just like I said in my previous comment, you can not compare Windows RT to iOS or Android because it is a Full Blown OS that has been re-coded for ARM.