Microsoft is getting into the hardware tablet business with a new product line called Microsoft Surface. Of course, Microsoft has had the Surface name around for a while with the large touch-interface table device, now they are applying it to a tablet . The case has a built-in stand and magnetically connecting cover with built-in keypad and trackpad. It has HDMI as well as front- and rear-facing cameras. The tablet comes in two varieties, Surface Windows RT and Surface Windows Pro (which runs Windows 8 Pro).
Surface Windows RT
It’s 9.3 millimeters thick, has a 10.6″ ClearType display, a magnesium case, and it’s just under 1.5 pounds (676 grams). It sports USB 2.0, microSD, and Micro HD Video. It will be available in 32GB and 64 GB capacities.
Surface Windows Pro
The Pro version is about 2 pounds (903 grams), with a 10.6″ ClearType display, a magnesium case that’s a bit thicker at 13.5mm. Data will get in and out via microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, and 2×2 MIMO antennae. Storage on this one is 64GB and 128GB.
No hard release dates or prices, although it seems it will be released around the same time as Windows 8. Prices were suggested to be comparable to other ARM tablets for the RT version, and the Pro will be comparable with Ultrabook pricing.
Microsoft looks like they’ve built some interesting features into Surface, not the least of which is the thin cover that doubles as a keyboard. But it has to be noted that their hardware partners who are launching Windows tablets cannot be too thrilled with having to compete with Microsoft on this.
Did your tablet buying decision just get more complicated? Or are you impressed and ready to buy? Let us know in the comments.
I’m quite excited for this! I’ve been playing with Win 8 since February and I’ve got to say that i’m glad I held out on buying an iPad.
One thing that I find interesting is that the RT will come with a version of Office while the Pro will not. If it wasn’t for this, I would definitely get the Pro- depending on price, of course.