Microsoft Surface, First Windows 8 Tablet Unveiled
Finally Microsoft did what geeks had been waiting for—Redmond-based company unveiled the first Windows 8 tablet. Moreover, there are two tablets with Microsoft branding—one of them is based on an Intel processor, while the second one is ARM-based. Those handsets are called the Microsoft Surface, though we understand Microsoft doesn’t manufacture these new tablets itself.
Both devices will sport a full-size USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio angled at 22 degrees, a 10.6-inch HD display, an integrated kickstand that allows users to move the Surface from active use to passive consumption, a 3mm pressure-sensitive Touch Cover that senses keystrokes as gestures will come in different colors.
However, they are different devices and are equipped with different features. The Microsoft Surface running Windows RT boasts of a 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display, a Nvidia Tegra 3 processor, and 32/64GB built-in memory. It also weighs 676g and has 9.3mm thickness. As for connectivity, the Microsoft Surface (Windows RT) sports microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, and 2×2 MIMO antennae. At the end, the tablet supports Office Home & Student 2013 RT (the next version of Microsoft’s Office 15 apps).
The second device runs Windows 8 Pro. It comes with a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display, and 64/128GB built-in memory. It weighs 903g and measures 13.5 mm in thickness. The connectivity features are more atractive–microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae. And finally, it supports a Pen with Palm Block.
There is no word when exactly the tablets will be launched, but the company has said to wait for them sometime in Summers. The pricing remains unknown as well, though it’s supposed the Windows RT running Surface will cost $499, while the Windows 8 Pro-powered one will come at $699.
