Microsoft Surface
BeckyStrause
Microsoft recently unveiled their new line of tablet devices, Surface. These tablets will be running the next generation versions of Windows. Surface is available in two versions, one running Windows 8 and the other will run Windows RT (essentially a light version of Windows 8).
Here are the specs.
Surface (Windows RT) tablet key specs
- Windows RT operating system
- Nvidia ARM CPU
- 9.3mm thick
- 676 grams/23.85 ounces
- 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
- 31.5 watt hour battery
- Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro-HD video, 2×2 MIMO antennas
- Storage options: 32GB and 64GB for Windows RT
- Front- and rear-facing “HD” cameras
Surface (Windows Pro) tablet key specs
- Windows 8 operating system
- Intel third-generation Core i CPU
- 13.5mm thick
- 903 grams/31.85 ounces
- 10.6-inch ClearType “Full HD” Display
- 42 watt hour battery
- Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort video
- Storage options: 64GB and 128GB
- Front- and rear-facing “HD” cameras
There are 2 types of covers being offered, the Touch Cover and the Type Cover. Similar to Apple’s Smart Cover, the covers attach magnetically to the side of the tablet. Both covers function as protective covers while closed, and fully functional keyboards while flipped open. The Type Cover is more akin to a traditional keyboard, while the Touch Cover does not offer tactile feedback (such as button depressing) that a keyboard does.
Not everyone seems to think Microsoft is serious about joining the tablet competition. Acer founder, Stan Shih, has indicated that Microsoft is using Surface as a ploy to encourage vendors to offer Windows 8 tablets. He seems to suspect that Microsoft will not be offering any more tablet models. We’ll know in time if Shih’s analysis is correct.
