Microsoft announces its Windows 8 powered "Surface" tablet

posted by John V. / Jun 18, 2012, 7:46 PM

Microsoft announces its Windows 8 powered

Soooo….Microsoft’s event in Los Angeles ended up happening a little bit later than its initial scheduled time of 6:30 PM EST, but nonetheless, it’s better late than never – right? Indeed, the Redmond based company had the industry wondering over the last few days as to what exactly they were going to announce. Previously, it was rumored to be some sort of Windows-based device by Barnes & Noble, but that idea was quickly shot down. Instead, they decided to announce something significantly more grand in the tablet space.

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.

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

Posts: 6023; Member since: Dec 30, 2010

Nice touch by MS to name it Surface.... That word has a lil history behind it for MS....

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 6:46 PM 11

6. remixfa

Posts: 14605; Member since: Dec 19, 2008

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:14 PM 6

7. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

hey, if they can do it once... o:

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:19 PM 2

33. dickwyn

Posts: 621; Member since: May 07, 2012

really like the keyboard

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 12:26 AM 1

2. steven252000

Posts: 64; Member since: Feb 10, 2010

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 6:48 PM 4

9. Roomaku

Posts: 278; Member since: Feb 06, 2012

Unfortunately you're probably right :(

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:35 PM 2

17. -box-

Posts: 3991; Member since: Jan 04, 2012

It runs a full desktop OS, not a mobile-based one (ios, Android, webOS, etc) so that makes it unique in and of itself

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:43 PM 1

30. neutralguy

Posts: 1152; Member since: Apr 30, 2012

It runs not on a FULL desktop OS. It will run on Windows RT a version for tablets.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 11:39 PM 1

31. alx33

Posts: 32; Member since: Oct 07, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 11:57 PM 6

34. CharlieAtInfinity

Posts: 253; Member since: Apr 10, 2012

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

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 12:33 AM 1

41. sgtdisturbed47

Posts: 969; Member since: Feb 02, 2012

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.

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 2:53 PM 0

38. haseebzahid

Posts: 1853; Member since: Feb 22, 2012

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

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 2:26 AM 0

3. JcHnd

Posts: 283; Member since: Apr 30, 2012

Looks good... it's time to see what it can do... and the price!

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 6:58 PM 2

4. Santi_Santi unregistered

need to see the price of this one...

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:11 PM 1

5. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

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:

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:11 PM 1

8. KingKurogiii

Posts: 5713; Member since: Oct 23, 2011

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

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:26 PM 1

10. Non_Sequitur

Posts: 1111; Member since: Mar 16, 2012

That looks awesome. I'd rather get the T-Pad Infinity though and get an Alienware desktop instead!

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:39 PM 0

11. Roomaku

Posts: 278; Member since: Feb 06, 2012

I wonder if we will see Windows Branded ultrabooks in the future?

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 7:46 PM 0

12. mafiaprinc3

Posts: 585; Member since: May 07, 2012

pretty sleek looking tablet, finally a windows tablet. usb 2.0 & 3.0 ports,thats pretty neat. check outhttp://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:01 PM 0

13. snowgator

Posts: 3621; Member since: Jan 19, 2011

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???

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:09 PM 1

16. jroc74

Posts: 6023; Member since: Dec 30, 2010

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:36 PM 1

14. pongkie

Posts: 663; Member since: Aug 20, 2011

I like it but i wonder what is the reaction of MS's hardware partners.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:16 PM 0

15. akita256

Posts: 98; Member since: Jan 26, 2012

Who is actually going to manufacture it?

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:26 PM 1

19. mafiaprinc3

Posts: 585; Member since: May 07, 2012

microsoft

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:46 PM 0

32. Lucas777

Posts: 2137; Member since: Jan 06, 2011

probably foxconn-- they manufacturer xboxes i believe

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 12:05 AM 1

18. rudlie

Posts: 205; Member since: Mar 13, 2012

technical spec does not impressive yet but I like the style

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:43 PM 1

20. gp284

Posts: 120; Member since: Feb 25, 2012

Wait I can't remember does windows rt have support for any version of office? Because then I would definitely get it.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:50 PM 0

26. TheElfymaster

Posts: 5; Member since: May 26, 2012

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/

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:19 PM 0

21. korean411

Posts: 92; Member since: May 04, 2009

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 8:59 PM 0

37. Penny

Posts: 1860; Member since: Feb 04, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 2:09 AM 0

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