"It
was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push
hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned," Microsoft CEO
Steve Ballmer said at the event. "Much like Windows 1 needed the mouse, we
wanted to give Windows 8 its own hardware."
Just
as Windows 8 is a reimagining of the Windows operating system, Microsoft
describes Surface as a reimagining of the tablet. The
first of its kind, Surface is designed to work as both tablet and PC and comes
in a version running Windows RT as well as a version running Windows 8 Pro.
Super-thin,
the tablet is just 9.3mm thin for the Windows RT version and 13.5mm for the Pro
version. Both have two full sizes USB ports — something you won’t find on the
vast majority of the tablet competition. You'll also find a Micro SD port on
the side of the RT version and a microSDXC port of the Pro version for adding
data to the device or reading files (like pictures from your digital camera) on
the fly.
Surface
has a 10.6-inch 16:9 widescreen HD display screen. Designed to be mobile yet
sturdy, the screen is made of Gorilla Glass -– an ultra-strong glass – to
prevent scratches and breaks if it takes a tumble.
A
built-in kickstand on the rear of the tablet holds it up while you're typing or
viewing videos.
A Touch
Cover for the device protects the screen, and much like Apple’s Smart Cover
does with the iPad, it connects to Surface via magnets on the device’s side.
Unlike Apple’s cover, however, the inside of the 3mm cover doubles as a fully
functional keyboard with a built-in track pad when opened up. A stylus also
comes with the Pro version, and attaches to the side of the tablet for easy
storage.
Both
versions of the tablet have 2x2 MIMO antennae. The RT version has a Micro HD
Video port while the Pro version has a Mini Display Port Video.
Surface
running Windows RT will be available in 32 GB and 64GB sizes, while Surface
running Windows 8 Pro will be available in 64 GB and 128 GB sizes. While no
pricing was announced, Microsoft says the tablets will be "priced to
competitive rates with ARM tablets."
Microsoft announced
the mysterious Surface event just last week, simply telling press,
"This will be a major Microsoft announcement — you will not want to miss
it."
Did
Microsoft's big event live up to the hype? Should Apple and Android be afraid
of the Surface tablet? Share your opinion in the comments.
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