Microsoft is indeed building computers now, and unveiled their first line of tablet computers in L.A. on June 18th, by presenting two tablets – One running on Windows RT, and another one running Windows 8 Pro. Microsoft Surface together with Windows 8 were both released on October 26.
[Update October 29: Microsoft Surface RT started taking pre-orders at $499
for the tablet only, on October 16. That 32GB model sold out in a few hours. The second cheapest Surface RT model starts at $599, or $619
in Canada. But the backorder waiting list is only 3 weeks for the cheapest version.]
for the tablet only, on October 16. That 32GB model sold out in a few hours. The second cheapest Surface RT model starts at $599, or $619 in Canada. But the backorder waiting list is only 3 weeks for the cheapest version.]
Microsoft Surface
Two Tablet Models called ‘Surface’
The Surface Windows RT is already called “the one most similar to the iPad” by the press. It is 9.3mm thick, weighs 676 gram, and is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 ARM processor.
The Surface Windows 8 Pro is both thicker and heavier, at 13.5mm thick and weighing 903 gram, powered by Intel’s Ivy Bridge Core i5 chip.
Both Surface models have full sized USB ports, a Micro SD slot, USB 3.0, built-in kickstand, front and rear cameras, stereo speakers, and dual microphones.
The Surface Windows RT is already called “the one most similar to the iPad” by the press. It is 9.3mm thick, weighs 676 gram, and is powered by a NVIDIA Tegra 3 ARM processor.
The Surface Windows 8 Pro is both thicker and heavier, at 13.5mm thick and weighing 903 gram, powered by Intel’s Ivy Bridge Core i5 chip.
Both Surface models have full sized USB ports, a Micro SD slot, USB 3.0, built-in kickstand, front and rear cameras, stereo speakers, and dual microphones.
The display of Surface is 10.6 inches, with a 16:9 HD widescreen display built upon Microsoft’s ClearType HD Display technology, promising wide viewing angles, and auto-adjusting screen intensity for better visual performance and usability even outdoors.
Both tablets feature a 3mm thin magnetic click-on cover called Touch Cover, that functions as a multitouch keyboard/trackpad. Touch Cover has a built-in accelerometer that measures the force of your typing, which is meant to separate between your typing and accidental key touches or hand rest.
This sort of magnetic attachment click-on is catching on, as a few other Windows 8 tablets will feature similar magnetic easy-click keyboards, dockings, cradles, and the likes in the months to come, though Microsoft’s feature is unique. For those who want a more sturdy keyboard, there’s also the option of Type Cover which is still thin and slick, but not wafer-thin like the Touch Cover.
This sort of magnetic attachment click-on is catching on, as a few other Windows 8 tablets will feature similar magnetic easy-click keyboards, dockings, cradles, and the likes in the months to come, though Microsoft’s feature is unique. For those who want a more sturdy keyboard, there’s also the option of Type Cover which is still thin and slick, but not wafer-thin like the Touch Cover.
Surface Tablets
The Microsoft Touch Cover for Surface tablets will come in at least five different colors: White, Dark Grey, Orange, Magenta, and Cyan.
It really feels like a step in Apple’s direction in terms of style and functionality.
Game developers have shown a lot of enthusiasm for Microsoft’s tablet already. So much in fact, that it hadMark Rein, VP of Epic Games emphatically write on his Twitter account: “Microsoft NAILS IT! Way to go Microsoft! Surface looks AWESOME! Can’t wait to get some Unreal Engine games on those babies!”
It really feels like a step in Apple’s direction in terms of style and functionality.
Game developers have shown a lot of enthusiasm for Microsoft’s tablet already. So much in fact, that it hadMark Rein, VP of Epic Games emphatically write on his Twitter account: “Microsoft NAILS IT! Way to go Microsoft! Surface looks AWESOME! Can’t wait to get some Unreal Engine games on those babies!”
Microsoft Surface Specs and Features
Some of the Surface Color Options
Surface in Cyan
Steven Sinofsky, President of Windows OS
Mike Angiulo, Microsoft Corporate Vice President of Windows Planning
Panos Panay, General Manager of Microsoft Surface
Microsoft Surface in White
Microsoft Surface Rear
Microsoft Surface Playing a Video
Microsoft Surface Kickstand
Microsoft Surface Demo in L.A.
Microsoft Surface Demo in L.A. on Monday
Microsoft Surface Magnetic Attachment
VaporMg Casing
