Microsoft adds the sexy Surface tablet to its lineup
Microsoft today unveiled the new Microsoft Surface, made exclusively by Microsoft, following drawn out rumors over the last several months. Most of the specifications and details were not confirmed with the announcement, but it was revealed that they plan on releasing two versions of the tablet.
One version is set to compete with Android tablets and the iPad, while the second, and more advanced version is set to operate like a PC.
What is known about the basic version is that it will be powered by Windows RT, a pared down version of Windows 8, and it will ave a 10.6-inch screen, weighing in at 1.5 pounds (roughly the same as the iPad’s 1.44 pounds), will be 9.33mm thin, and offer either 32GB or 64 GB. The magnesium casing will include a built-in kickstand and attachable keyboard.
The more advanced version will run the full suite of Windows 8, have the same screen size, and weigh 1.9 pounds, and will measure 13.5mm thin. This version will have USB 3.0 support, also includes a built-in kickstand, magnesium casing and will come in 64GB or 128GB variations. Additionally, this version will have a full HD resolution.
Both tablets also have fully functioning keyboards in touch and type versions, both with a trackpad, and while pricing has not been announced, it is said that the basic version will be released this fall, likely in October, and the advanced version should hit shelves 90 days later.
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The iPad killer and other questions
Infoweek points out eight unanswered questions. Price, availability, performance, durability, unvetted touch covers, Xbox compatibility, OEMs, and of course, what happens to the current Microsoft Surface (remember that giant coffee table slash tablet?). Until these questions are answered by Microsoft, the tech world will remain reserved, despite the sex appeal of the device.
CNN says the five reasons the Microsoft Surface could be better than the iPad is the keyboard, size, power, USB ports, and Xbox SmartGlass. Many technologists are already calling it an iPad killer without seeing the specs, because most small businesses run on and are familiar with Windows, but until sales begin, it remains unseen, but it is clear that Android and iPad won’t be the only tablet competitors on the field for long.
Roland Estrada
June 19, 2012 at 10:44 pm
This is an interesting and perhaps smart move from Microsoft. Marrying an operating system with your own hardware has worked very well for Apple for quite some time. It remains to be seen if this move causes confusion among consumers with the Pro version.The Pro version will need to have pretty great battery life to be truly compelling. Another pitfall would a WiFi only if you are a road warrior.
The Pro version has been Microsoft’s vision from day one ten or eleven years ago when then CEO Bill Gates promoted the idea of tablet computing. When Apple entered the tablet market in 2010, their vision was to veer away a complex and in many ways onerous desktop OS. iOS seemed to be the magic sauce that was needed along with some really slick hardware.
It would seem Microsoft has seen unfortunate splintering of Android and has acted to avoid that fate as best they can. Microsoft is a little late to the tablet party. That said I have always thought Windows Phone 7 is a slicker OS that Android. It appears RT seems to be some kind of Windows Phone variant. That would seem to be the more interesting play as a foil not against Apple but against Android.
Roland Estrada
June 20, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Microsoft needs to revamp it’s naming conventions for their Mobile OS. Currently their is Window Phone, RT and to a certain extent because the UI, Metro. Apple has one name for it’s iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad – that being iOS. There is no room for confusion in the public eye between Mac OS X and iOS. Microsoft needs one name to rule them all on their mobile platform. Are you ready – Metro OS. I think the public will embrace the simplicity of it. Will Microsoft do that – probably not. Simplicity is not in Microsoft’s DNA. Too bad really.
business information
July 3, 2012 at 5:01 am
I am a fan of iPad but I think this new tablet of Windows is also fabulous.