Microsoft has created versions of some programs that will run on the plain Jane version of Surface, but they will have limitations. Eg, Excel won't be able to run macros. That's not important to most people, but it's very important to me.

What I don't know is what other features will be crippled on the base unit. Will in-cell pick lists work? What about range names? How about the Table feature that came with Excel 2007 and later? Can I set up a data query that this version will refresh? I don't know yet.Those are all really useful things that I would miss in any crippled version of a spreadsheet.

The bottom line is regular Surface will only run apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store. Surface Pro will allow you to install any Windows based program that also runs on Windows 8 desktop version. Huge difference in my mind, and what I've been looking for ever since I got a tablet. I can't wait to see reviews of this beast when it comes out.