Microsoft took the wraps off its Surface Windows 8 tablet yesterday during a last-minute special event in Los Angeles. The introduction of the company’s new device marks their entrance into the iPad-dominated tablet market.
Prior to this, it was reported that the company invited the press people in an event which took place last Monday in LA. In relation to this, there were speculations that they would introduce an ARM-based Windows RT tablet.
Meet the Surface Windows 8 Tablet
Last June 18, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled their new Surface tablet that runs on their new operating system, Windows 8. He compared it to Xbox 360, saying that it has strong software and hardware synthesis that push each other to new limits. Microsoft’s new device is a 10.6-inch multi-touch tablet that features magnesium enclosure called “VaporMg,” built-in stand, dual MIMO arrays, and Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 display.
Surface will come in two models: The Surface for Windows 8 Pro and Surface for Windows RT. The first one, which weighs 1.9 lbs and is 13.5 mm thick, runs on Ivy Bridge i5 processor. It also features 1920 x 1080-pixels ClearType full HD display, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, and microSDXC card reader.
The Surface for Windows RT, on the other hand, weighs 1.5 lbs and is 9.8 mm thick. It boasts 1280 x 720-pixels screen, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, and microSD slot. In addition, it has a “perimeter venting” to handle the heat coming from the Intel chip.
Accessories for both tablet models include “Touch Cover,” a full multi-touch cover keyboard with arrow buttons. Depending on its color, it will change the hue of Surface’s screen when attached. It also turns the device on and off, and brings physical switch type keys and clickable trackpad.
The Surface also supports palm-blocking Digital Ink technology, and it enables users to markup PDFs and other supported documents using a digitizer. However, this feature looks limited for the Surface for Windows 8 Pro only.
Pricing and Availability
Microsoft didn’t disclose the price for both Surface models. However, it was reported that the Surface for Windows RT will be launched together with the Windows 8 operating system. It will come in 32 GB and 64 GB units, and its pricing will be inline with the competing ARM tablets.
On the other hand, Surface for Windows 8 Pro will come three months after in 64 GB and 128 GB units. Its price will be comparable to Ultrabook PCs.
Prior to this, it was reported that the company invited the press people in an event which took place last Monday in LA. In relation to this, there were speculations that they would introduce an ARM-based Windows RT tablet.
Meet the Surface Windows 8 Tablet
Last June 18, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled their new Surface tablet that runs on their new operating system, Windows 8. He compared it to Xbox 360, saying that it has strong software and hardware synthesis that push each other to new limits. Microsoft’s new device is a 10.6-inch multi-touch tablet that features magnesium enclosure called “VaporMg,” built-in stand, dual MIMO arrays, and Corning’s Gorilla Glass 2 display.
Surface will come in two models: The Surface for Windows 8 Pro and Surface for Windows RT. The first one, which weighs 1.9 lbs and is 13.5 mm thick, runs on Ivy Bridge i5 processor. It also features 1920 x 1080-pixels ClearType full HD display, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, and microSDXC card reader.
The Surface for Windows RT, on the other hand, weighs 1.5 lbs and is 9.8 mm thick. It boasts 1280 x 720-pixels screen, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, and microSD slot. In addition, it has a “perimeter venting” to handle the heat coming from the Intel chip.
Accessories for both tablet models include “Touch Cover,” a full multi-touch cover keyboard with arrow buttons. Depending on its color, it will change the hue of Surface’s screen when attached. It also turns the device on and off, and brings physical switch type keys and clickable trackpad.
The Surface also supports palm-blocking Digital Ink technology, and it enables users to markup PDFs and other supported documents using a digitizer. However, this feature looks limited for the Surface for Windows 8 Pro only.
Pricing and Availability
Microsoft didn’t disclose the price for both Surface models. However, it was reported that the Surface for Windows RT will be launched together with the Windows 8 operating system. It will come in 32 GB and 64 GB units, and its pricing will be inline with the competing ARM tablets.
On the other hand, Surface for Windows 8 Pro will come three months after in 64 GB and 128 GB units. Its price will be comparable to Ultrabook PCs.
You can follow us on Twitter, add us to your circle on Google+ or like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple and the web