17 
So this is surprising, and kind of dumb. Microsoft just put a final figure on the storage numbers for Windows RT: 16GB on the 32GB model, and 18GB on the 64GB model. That’s even bigger than the already hefty 12GB estimates that had been around before.
That large of an imprint for an operating system on a tablet that’s only packing 32GB is a pretty rough pill to swallow. Buying anything with digital storage is always going to be slightly misleading because of the firmware footprint, but even with iOS getting pretty large itself, it’s still nowhere near 16GB. Let’s hope Microsoft does some fat-trimming in upcoming updates. [Microsoft via Engadget via Verge]
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So…what incentive is there to get a 64GB model, and why does WinRT use up more space on this model compared to the 32GB model?
My only guess can be MS decided to force some files on those with 64GB of storage that optimise the experience perhaps.
Ah, typo in this article. The link says 46GB for those who bought the 64GB model. Still a bit of a joke however.
18GB of space is taken up by Windows RT. 64GB – 18GB = 48GB
You guys either dont know computer terminology, or dont know how to add up!
32GB is in decimal (stupid marketing terminology since 16gb HDDs came out, before everything was as sold!… bytes are binary, not decimal, this is only to sell you less by pumping up high artificial numbers…)
32 non-sense GB in decimal is actually ~29 real GB
5 real GB for recovery (factory default image i assume in compressed form?) and 8 real GB for uncompressed system+apps)
so it totals real 13 GB for both not stupid 16 and 18 numbers dont know where you are getting them?
29 and 59 are real GB in binary which is actually is used by everything in the computer… 32 and 64 are the marketing garbage used for idiots… i dont know even why they allow this non-sense! It is purposely used to confuse people to sell less!
You think your 1TB drive is really 1TB? I tell you: 931.51 GB which is nearly 100GB (92.5) less than marketed, that is ~10% less…
That missing space is not used by windows, or result of formatting as told, it s due to stupid marketing, i dont know why it is even allowed! You wouldnt like buy 1 KG apple only to find out it is actually 0.9 KG apple, would you? What would you tell them? Because they say it is not actually kilo, but new made up kili gram… thats why it is 0.9 Kilo… and they will tell you they already stated 1 kili = 0.9 kilo…
Thats the reason, why 13 GB fixed space shows up as if it is 16-18 GB due to missing real 3GB and 8GB spaces…
As long as governments lets these clowns use same abbreviation and terminology for something different, you will accept the less for more money…
“Thats the reason, why 13 GB fixed space shows up as if it is 16-18 GB due to missing real 3GB and 8GB spaces…” 3 and 5 GB spaces… correction… no edit…
GiB≠GB but many manufacturers dont place the real term and abbreviation purposely…
32 GiB >> actually 29 GB >> space used 5+8=13 >> space left 29-13=16
64 GiB >> actually 59 GB >> space used 5+8=13 >> space left 59-13=46
Just for clarification: use of GB by many manufacturers is actually fraudulent because GiB and GB are not same things and they should use distinctive and less confusing terms if they want to round things up… You dont confuse 1 LB to 1 KG or 1 foot to 1 metre
Using wrong terminology only benefits manufacturers… It is not for your benefit to be less confused… totally opposite in fact…
They just hide behind SI system to round things down… But truth is they have to state GiB not GB average Joe have no clue about it, and so they get away with it, but i dont understand why governments allow this? Footnote of conversion doesnt make it just as they are still using wrong abbreviation hence the confusion!
Ah, good old Windows Bloatware….nothing ever changes LOL
Yes, a full copy of Office. Damn that Bloatware!
This would be a much bigger issue if you couldn’t use your own USB sticks to store data on. Luckily, you can !
Can’t store apps on USB devices, they have to be on the device.
this may be a deal breaker for me.. what’s the point of half the sodding memory.. the OS should be on its own partition and then there should be 16/32/64gb just stupid..
I get that Windows have very good compatibility, but 16 GB is still too much, especially for a tablet. Are they just installing the normal desktop version of Windows 8 on it instead of a trimmed down tablet version?
I don’t see this is a massive problem for anybody buying one of these in the long run. However, there’s going to be some angry people when they buy one and *then* realise that they don’t really have 16GB…
they shouldnt be allowed to advertise this as 32 64 etc if the operating system takes up a load of the space! there should be operating system storage then advertised user storage, if you never have the use of 32gb then they shoudnt advertise 32gb.
It will probably come preinstalled with every language pack and drivers that Microsoft could cram in. A reinstall usually solves issues like that. Same as Mac Laptops, its always best to format a new machine so you can only install the software / languages / print drivers you need.