Microsoft announces its Windows 8 powered "Surface" tablet

posted by John V.

Jun 18, 2012, 7:46 PM

Microsoft announces its Windows 8 powered "Surface" tablet

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

42. tubieso

Posts: 6; Member since: Jun 17, 2012

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

posted on Jun 20, 2012, 3:20 AM 0

40. saiki4116

Posts: 413; Member since: Mar 31, 2011

looks bulky...

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 2:02 PM 0

36. ngo2dd

Posts: 896; Member since: Jul 08, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 1:30 AM 1

29. yougotkilled1

Posts: 167; Member since: Apr 27, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:52 PM 0

35. nagabiru003

Posts: 11; Member since: Jun 04, 2012

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.

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 1:00 AM 0

39. phitch

Posts: 214; Member since: Mar 06, 2012

Minus the fact that Microsoft Surface is a reference to Microsoft Surface (now PixelSense) which is this:http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Surface_table.JPG take a good look at that device and tell me what it looks like. It was revealed in May 2007. Yes, May 2007.

posted on Jun 19, 2012, 6:12 AM 1

28. TheElfymaster

Posts: 5; Member since: May 26, 2012

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:21 PM 0

27. Bluesky02

Posts: 1439; Member since: Dec 05, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:20 PM 0

25. InspectorGadget80 unregistered

Looks better than a Ipad and it comes with a keyboard.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:14 PM 1

24. f1r3z0r

Posts: 92; Member since: Nov 09, 2011

any flash player?

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 10:04 PM 0

23. CX3NT3_713

Posts: 2365; Member since: Apr 18, 2011

These are the real smart covers!! Lol not just some chessy cover..imo

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 9:58 PM 0

22. Glim12808

Posts: 394; Member since: Oct 26, 2011

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.

posted on Jun 18, 2012, 9:25 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: 1877; 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

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

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

15. akita256

Posts: 100; 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

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

13. snowgator

Posts: 3629; 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

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