Microsoft’s Surface Tablets

Surface Tab 300x219

If you haven’t heard by now, Microsoft has entered into the hardware tablet arena. They will kick off their entrance with a new product line called Microsoft Surface.  Consumers will have the option of choosing between the Windows RT or Windows 8 Pro devices. Each comes equipped with a 10.6” ClearType HD Display, front and rear facing cameras, a built-in stand, and magnetically connecting cover with built-in keyboard and track pad. The connecting cover is available in two types: Type Cover or Touch Cover. The Type Cover has a traditional keyboard your familiar with, along with physical mouse buttons. In contrast, the Touch Cover has a pressure sensitive keyboard with felt keys and mouse buttons.  I have included the additional features and options below as listed via the Microsoft website:

Surface Specs1

No official word on pricing or release date as of yet, however the RT device pricing will supposedly be comparable to ARM based tablets, while the Pro 8 version will be closer in comparison to Ultrabooks. The expectation is that we may see these devices in consumers hands by the end of the year, coinciding with the release of Windows 8.

I’m not sold yet, but I think Microsoft has made a solid statement here with these devices. It could be the first tablet we’ve seen that is legitimately capable of replacing your Windows-based PC and function as a multifaceted device.

Does Microsoft have a winner here? Let me know below.

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  • agolia

    I’ve used both the developer and consumer preview of Windows 8 on a PC and after the initial shock of how different it is, I found it to be very usable. Microsoft is blazing a trail here by attempting to unify all devices (PC, tablet and phone) under a single platform. Give MS credit for being innovative, but I’ll reserve final judgement for when I actually put my hands on some of these devices. As for all the Apple fan boys trashing Microsoft’s products before they’re even released simply because they are not “i” devices, I would recommend getting a mind of your own and try judging technology on its merit instead of whose name is on it.