Microsoft unveils "Surface" tablet

[Soapy]

[...]Surface is actually not one, but two different devices. The first is a Windows RT tablet, meaning that it'll run on an ARM processor (made by Nvidia) and won't be able to run legacy x86 Windows applications. This is Microsoft's direct alternative to the iPad. The ARM-based Surface will be 676 grams (1.5lbs), 9.3mm thick, and have a 10.6" HD display (no specific resolution announced yet hands-on reports indicate that it's a 1366x768 panel). It'll be powered by a non-removable 31.5 Wh battery and have a microSD card slot, USB 2.0 port, microi HDMI port, and 2x2 MIMO antennae. Microsoft says the tablet will be available when Windows 8 is released, and will be priced competitively with other Windows RT tablets.

The other Surface tablet will run Windows 8 Pro, meaning it'll have an x86 processor (a demo unit had an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge chip). The difference in hardware platform raises its size to 13.5mm thick with a targeted weight of 903 grams (almost two pounds). It'll also have a USB 3.0 port and support for microSDXC cards. Both tablets have the same 10.6" Gorilla Glass 2 display at 16:9 aspect ratio, reinforcing Microsoft's belief that tablets are best used in the landscape position. The Windows 8 Pro Surface will be available 3 months after the ARM version, so probably by the end of the year. It'll also be more expensive and priced in line with Ultrabooks (~$1000).

What makes Surface potentially really different from Apple's iPad (aside from built-in ports and x86 compatibility) is that Microsoft really wants you to use it like a laptop. Surface has a large fold-out kickstand (3mm thick) that angles the tablet for use on a desk, much like Apple's Smart Cover does for the iPad. But here, the kickstand and the cover are two separate entities--the built-in kickstand holds the tablet up, and the magnetic cover actually doubles as a touch keyboard and trackpad. That's super cool. Microsoft will even have a Type Cover with physical keys (1.5mm promised key travel) for tactile typing.

Additionally, the Windows 8 Pro (x86) Surface has two digitizers on its screen--one for touch and one for pen input. At the press announcement, Microsoft made a big deal about the accuracy of Surface's pen digitizer, which "samples" pen input at 600dpi. The screen also has a proximity sensor to disable the touch sensor when the stylus is close to the screen, and Microsoft claims that the distance between the stylus and the screen is .7mm. I can't wait to test this. Given the popularity of third-party iPad styli--despite the iPad's touchscreen not designed for pen input--robust pen support on the Surface could be a big deal.

Source

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[Darthphere]

Seems very promising. It's been a while since Microsoft has done something to warrant excitement over.

 

[huskerwebhead]

Looks interesting. We'll see how it looks when some "hands on" reports start coming out. I'm still not sold on Windows 8 yet. It's certainly much better when using a touchscreen. Using it with a mouse makes me want to put my foot through the screen.

 

[Wesley Dodds]

So it's a bit like a swish version of my Duo, then?

 

[Darthphere]

No, it's nothing like that.

 

[Wesley Dodds]

...

Seems a little bit like that.

 

[Darthphere]

It's not. The keyboard is part of the cover for the tablet. Like if the the iPad's smart cover had a keyboard. It's nothing like your duo as that's simply a laptop with a touchscreen.

 

[Wesley Dodds]

Both are smaller Windows-powered machines that can be used simultaneously as tablets or netbooks.

Just swisher is all. Looks cool though, we'll see...

 

[huskerwebhead]

I'd have to figure out what the hell "swish" means before I even get involved here.

 

[Malice]

I am VERY interested in this one. I manage a windows network for a corporation, and ipads are impossible to manage. This may integrate very well into our environment and may allow us to really handle performing tasks on them remotely.

Push software
encrypt
lock down certain feature
etc...

 

[huskerwebhead]

You should try XenDesktop. We've got Android and iCrap devices. As long as they have Citrix Reciever installed we can provide any OS we want.

 

[Malice]

We use Citrix often, and its definately an option as well. But for the non-citrix (vdi) options this is a requirement.

 

[TheBat812]

I really can't wait til the Windows 8 Pro model comes out early next year. Really need a new laptop and that there's a tablet/laptop that can run legacy Windows 7 programs is a perfect opportunity to finally feel like getting a tablet-like device is worth the cost.

Btw, those Microsoft stores are such a hilarious rip off of Apple's stores, down to having wayy too many employees, but it seems to be working cuz those places are goddamn packed. Getting to use the Windows RT version definitely made me feel like the technology is definitely working pretty smoothly, and can really only get better with Windows Pro.

 

[TheAQU4M4N]

debating on getting this or the new IPad, still have the original IPad which i'm using.

 

[Darthphere]

This actually looks pretty damn good. I too will wait for the Pro model to see what it's all about but the RT looks pretty darn good IMO.

 

[Midnyte_Sun]

A Tablet with a keyboard? It would look great on a desk with a mouse, speakers, and dial up modem.

 

[Hotwire]

Was checking this out in a Microsoft store today. Very cool device. Feels like it's built tough, the keyboard trick is pretty cool, too. Love the simple kickstand on the back.

 

[chamber-music]

No need for a keyboard when they just up with the lumpy button tech on tablets

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