Microsoft announces its Windows 8 powered "Surface" tablet
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Enter the Microsoft Surface! It’s a 10.6-inch Windows 8 powered tablet that incorporates a wealth of functionality, design, and core platform experience to keep those hardened PC users satisfied in making the transition to fully commit to a tablet. Well, the Microsoft Surface is the culmination of many products and software that the company has been developing over the course of its history, and surely enough, it’s one beauty that’s sure to give its rivals a run for their money. Well, that’s as long as pricing is within a competitive level – more on that later!
Essentially broken down into two specific models, the first Surface is going to be powered by Intel’s 22nm Ivy Bridge chips to give prospective owners that untouched “full Windows” experience. Conversely, the second model of the Surface is going to rely on an ARM chipset and it’ll be running the Windows RT experience. Of course, the Windows RT version of the Surface manages to be a tantalizing piece of hardware as it features a 10.6” ClearType HD display with Gorilla Glass, weighs 676 grams, 9.3mm thin, microSD card slot, PVD finish, kickstand, and available in 32GB or 64GB capacities. Oh yeah, did we mention that it’s dubbed as the first PC with a magnesium case?
As for the beefier Intel-based Surface tablets, the differences include the fact that they’ll be running the full Windows 8 Pro experience, weighs in at 1.9lbs, thickness of 13.5mm, and they will be available in 64GB or 129GB storage capacities. Additionally, this Intel version will provide digital ink support thanks to the aid of a stylus (pen), which conveniently tucks away into the tablet’s body via magnets.
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Well folks, the fun doesn’t end there. As we’ve seen with Apple’s Smart Covers for the iPad, they offer additional functionality, but Microsoft decided to kick it up just a notch with their take on it. Basically, the optional Touch and Type cover for the Surface, which sizes up at a mere 3mm thin, is a pressure sensitive cover that doubles as a fully functioning keyboard and trackpad. And of course, the optional accessories for it include Touch Covers that are merely skins for the Touch and Type cover – so you won’t dirty up the keyboard with your greasy fingers.
Naturally, Microsoft really managed to bring the big guns to its last-minute event in Los Angeles, but surely enough, it’s something that’s compelling and enticing to behold. Honestly, the Microsoft Surface will make some people forget about these killer looking ultrabooks that are on the market. Furthermore, the Surface is being stamped with Microsoft’s name and recognizable Windows logo – though, they’re not necessarily “manufacturing” it. In terms of pricing, however, Microsoft was a teeny bit reluctant in giving us firm price points for its Surface tablets. On one hand, they’re going to be competitively priced to put them in line to other ARM-based or Intel ultrabook-like laptops, but either way, it’s still unknown at this point. Lastly, availability is still pretty much up in the air for the moment, but as we get closer to that, pricing will also be made known.
source: Microsoft, The Verge, & CNET
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42 Comments
1. jroc74 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 18:46 11
Nice touch by MS to name it Surface.... That word has a lil history behind it for MS....
6. remixfa posted on 18 Jun 2012, 19:14 6
now if it can do like surface was supposed to and get all the pix off your phone by getting close to it.. that would be a cool lil feature.
2. steven252000 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 18:48 4
It better be something "Super Special" to be any different from all the other tablets out there. If it is anything like their windows phone I think Microsoft will be disappointed once again in the bottom line.
17. -box- posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:43 1
It runs a full desktop OS, not a mobile-based one (ios, Android, webOS, etc) so that makes it unique in and of itself
30. neutralguy posted on 18 Jun 2012, 23:39 1
It runs not on a FULL desktop OS. It will run on Windows RT a version for tablets.
31. alx33 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 23:57 6
The ARM version runs Windows RT which is a version of windows 8 specifically for ARM devices and only allows them to run apps from the windows app store, as well as the Microsoft office suite. There is also an intel based version which will run the full windows 8 desktop operating system.
34. CharlieAtInfinity posted on 19 Jun 2012, 00:33 1
Thats why I cant run my desktop programs on it :(... The price will decide if this tablet going to be success or not!! add $100 for the Windows OS to the hardware price lol
41. sgtdisturbed47 posted on 19 Jun 2012, 14:53 0
There are 2 versions, one that runs Windows RT, which is ARM, and one that ones Windows 8 Pro, which is x86, which as we all know, will run programs that you'd find running on your desktop. This was intentional in order to bridge the gap between the Tablet and the Desktop PC.
38. haseebzahid posted on 19 Jun 2012, 02:26 0
since it as far more functional then other Apple ipads and Androids since i can run and thing i would do on laptop it is far better then others since others offer on newspapaer/games/music/pics this will not be case here i can do what i would on laptop like running visual studio 2010 so its like having laptop with tablet
3. JcHnd posted on 18 Jun 2012, 18:58 2
Looks good... it's time to see what it can do... and the price!
5. KingKurogiii posted on 18 Jun 2012, 19:11 1
oh that's hot! i might pick one up later after Windows 8 RT sees more growth but for now i'm very happy with my Xyboard 8.2. c:
8. KingKurogiii posted on 18 Jun 2012, 19:26 1
nvm there's a Pro Model too it seems. i'd take my Xyboard back for that if it only it would come out sooner. o.o
10. Non_Sequitur posted on 18 Jun 2012, 19:39 0
That looks awesome. I'd rather get the T-Pad Infinity though and get an Alienware desktop instead!
11. Roomaku posted on 18 Jun 2012, 19:46 0
I wonder if we will see Windows Branded ultrabooks in the future?
12. mafiaprinc3 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:01 0
pretty sleek looking tablet, finally a windows tablet. usb 2.0 & 3.0 ports,thats pretty neat. check outhttp://www.microsoft.com/surfa
ce/en/us/default.aspx
13. snowgator posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:09 1
Can hardly wait to see the hands on videos and full functionality of this. Great to be in the middle of the mobile wars, ain't it???
16. jroc74 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:36 1
Yea...sure is. I remember hearing about Surface when it as in development, I was heavy into MS back then. I still like them for desktop OS's tho.
MS doesnt get alot of credit for Surface and the technonogy they were using back then. As a matter of fact....many folks dont get credit for innovations, ideas now a days.
And I see the wiki info just got changed to PixelSense? Must be the new name for Surface.
14. pongkie posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:16 0
I like it but i wonder what is the reaction of MS's hardware partners.
32. Lucas777 posted on 19 Jun 2012, 00:05 1
probably foxconn-- they manufacturer xboxes i believe
18. rudlie posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:43 1
technical spec does not impressive yet but I like the style
20. gp284 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:50 0
Wait I can't remember does windows rt have support for any version of office? Because then I would definitely get it.
26. TheElfymaster posted on 18 Jun 2012, 22:19 0
To answer your question, It will definitely have support for MS Office 2013
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-surface-tablets-the-differences-between-rt-and-window/
21. korean411 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 20:59 0
the biggest problem that microsoft tablet had is that it is super laggy lets not be the case this time because if this fails and i wish it doesn't cause the tablet market need more competition and options, in other case if this fails then microsoft is out of the tablet market. i really hope second time is the charm.
37. Penny posted on 19 Jun 2012, 02:09 0
The only tablets Microsoft had in the past were running XP, Vista, or 7. None of those operating systems were made for touchscreens, and all of them required more resources than it takes to run Windows RT or probably even Windows 8 for that matter. I use a Windows Phone 7 device and am trying out the Windows 8 Release Preview on my computer -- both are running exceptionally well with no lag.
22. Glim12808 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 21:25 0
W8 was designed with tablets in mind so you can be sure it's not laggy. The only dark cloud hovering over it is pricing. Hope they're priced right.
23. CX3NT3_713 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 21:58 0
These are the real smart covers!! Lol not just some chessy cover..imo
25. InspectorGadget80 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 22:14 1
Looks better than a Ipad and it comes with a keyboard.
27. Bluesky02 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 22:20 0
Ivy Bridge Processor.. Ooh :O That's already shocking. This is probably the most powerful tablet. Gotta start saving, because it'll be $800. I'm sure.
28. TheElfymaster posted on 18 Jun 2012, 22:21 0
Now this is what I call a "quality product" It's like Microsoft read my mind somehow and looked over what I wanted in a tablet, and it's awesome that the smart covers will include a neat keyboard. Literally no difference to any laptop.
29. yougotkilled1 posted on 18 Jun 2012, 22:52 0
This tablet doesn't look like it'll disappoint :D If this is a big hit, we can see apple and android finally having another competitor up their sleeves.
35. nagabiru003 posted on 19 Jun 2012, 01:00 0
if this become a big hit, android will have a serious competitor, but i'm quite sure apple will try to get rid of it. apple may decide to sue m$. after all, patents for everything that's shaped rectangular with touch interface belongs to apple and they are allergic to competition.
39. phitch posted on 19 Jun 2012, 06:12 1
Minus the fact that Microsoft Surface is a reference to Microsoft Surface (now PixelSense) which is this:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wi
kipedia/commons/8/88/Surface_t take a good look at that device and tell me what it looks like. It was revealed in May 2007. Yes, May 2007.able.JPG
36. ngo2dd posted on 19 Jun 2012, 01:30 1
The pro one is not market to the android/iPad user, it is market to the Ultrabook because it is running a 22 nm i5. It also have the fun MS window on it. This for people who want to do real work, and not just browser the internet and play angry bird.
42. tubieso posted on 20 Jun 2012, 03:20 0
What to expect for Windows Phone 8 at Windows Phone Summit ?
http://submad.com/835-what-to-expect-for-windows-phone-8-at-windows-phone-summit--11.html
