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Microsoft unveils Windows 8 "Surface" tablets: More PC-like, not just another cookie-cutter design
One of the key changes in Windows 8 is, as you very well know, improved support for tablets. Microsoft has fully embraced this aspect of the operating system, unveiling its own tablet line during a "mystery" event in Los Angeles, California today. The "Surface" strives to be the perfect all-around mobile system, offering the flexibility of serving as a Windows 8-based tablet as well as an ultrabook-like computer.
The device features a 10.6-inch Gorilla Glass display and is said to be the first PC with a vapor-deposited magnesium chassis, which is described by Microsoft as being "rigid" yet "light" and "natural in the hands." The Surface will come in Intel (Windows 8 Pro) and ARM (Windows 8 RT) variants, with the former running a Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor and the latter packing an ARM-based Nvidia chip.
| Surface for Windows 8 Pro | Surface for Windows 8 RT | |
| OS | Windows 8 Pro | Windows 8 RT |
| Screen | 10.6" 1920x1080 | 10.6" 1366x768 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 22nm | ARM-based Nvida |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 64GB |
| Thickness | 13.5mm (0.53") | 9.3mm (0.36") |
| Weight | 903g (1.99lbs) | 676g (1.49lbs) |
| Battery | 42Wh | 31.5Wh |
| Connectivity | microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae | microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae |
| Other | Pen support | |
| Accessories | Touch Cover, Type Cover | Touch Cover, Type Cover |
| Est. Price | ~$800+ | ~$400-$600 |
Despite resembling the same cookie-cutter tablet we've seen recently, the Surface makes a convincing attempt to distinguish itself. Microsoft has added a seamlessly integrated kickstand that lets you rest the device on a table without an accessory. What's more, the company will offer two covers -- the "Touch Cover" and "Type Cover" -- which attach to the Surface magnetically and provide laptop-like features.
The Touch Cover measures 3mm thick and has a multitouch keyboard as well as a trackpad, while the Type Cover has a tactile keyboard and a full touchpad with clickable buttons. Having no moving parts, the former is inherently thinner, adding only 3mm to the Surface versus 5mm. With a Touch Cover, the ARM Surface measures just shy of half an inch (for reference, the new MacBook Air is 0.68 inches thick).
While adding a keyboard to a tablet isn't revolutionary, the hardware-software integration here could let you run all your desktop software (on the Windows 8 Pro version particularly) and it'll let you use USB devices as well as a larger screen via DisplayPort when necessary. In other words, the Surface could very well be your everyday "desktop" computer in addition to being an ultrabook and a tablet.
The Intel Surface goes a step further by adding pen support (there are two digitizers to tell if you're using the stylus or your finger). Much like the covers, the stylus attaches to the Surface magnetically (for storage). Pricing hasn't been shared yet, with Microsoft saying only that the Windows 8 Pro Surface will be competitive with ultrabooks (~$800+) and the Windows 8 RT Surface with ARM tablets (~$400-$600).
Microsoft has posted the full (~48 minute) video of the Surface tablet announcement here.
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User Comments: 40
Got something to say? Post a comment-
One is a net-book with crappy battery life and the other one ultrabook, with sub par battery life.
The keyboard is no better than slamming your fingers from your desk. I'll get a ASUS transformer any day over this...
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So far the android and Ipad tablets proved to be nothing more than toys with really low functionality. Depending on software, the Surface ARM version could turn out to be the first tablet that is actually usable for something more than video playing and internet browsing. Also adding a digitizer pen could open interesting possibilities.
As far as the i5 Surface, let's not forget that some alternatives already exist (Samsung series 9 slate and others). I guess that the battery life of the i5 Surface will be a heavy factor in deciding it's success. I hope some specs regarding this issue will surface soon.
For the Surface design however, Microsoft deserves a big round of applause. Besides the magnesium chassis, built-in stand, Touch Cover and overall clean design, the different connection ports on the ARM tablet is certainly a most welcome addition that many tablet manufacturers are grossly overlooking. (the addition of the MIMO antennae port is absolutely AMAZING)
The being said, I sincerely wish that Surface will rise to all expectations and who knows, maybe it will be the first tablet that I will buy.
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psycros said:
Ding ding ding, we have a winner. Nobody wanted a membrane k/b in 1983 and nobody wants it now - you might as well just use an on-screen QWERTY. The sad thing is, Microsoft has the right idea this time, because this is exactly where all tablets are headed (as I've been saying for two years). Unfortunately, metrosexual ****** are in charge of design in Redmond these days and this product will go exactly nowhere. Of course that goes for Windows 8 in general regardless of what its installed on.
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psycros said:
..and nice fail on the threading as usual, Techspot. Seriously your comment system reeks. Please get a new one - as long as its not Disqus!
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Liking the pro version. This means you could download steam and play it just as you would on a desktop, while the specs aren't going to be amazing it is definitely a big selling point for me.
I have lots of lower spec games I regularly play (or would play more if portable) which are kind of wasted on my desktop since if I'm on my desktop I'm more likely to play something like BF, Skyrim and so on.
Having my steam library available on a tablet running ivy bridge would mean I'd play them a lot more and on the go and it won't be as bulky carrying around a laptop or ultrabook... Think Microsoft are onto something here. Not to mention anything that supports W8 could be used without hassle which gives it a lot of 'app' support out of the box before even considering tablet specific stuff...
Thought it would be a while before I was interested in getting a tablet but there we go, spoke to soon :P
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I am excited about this. I am soooo bored with my Ipad and Android tablets. I am really looking forward to one unified solution for my desktop, laptop, tablet and phone. If MS can pull this off I am sold.
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Opus said:
Finally something innovative from M$. This one is supposed to be all in one solution that will sell well.
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This actually looks promising. While I'm not upgrading from Window 7 for my desktop computer, this looks better than my Asus Transformer. Plus with Windows designed for touch screen, I'd take that over Android or iOS any day. I'm interested.
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The 32GB/64GB storage capacities will steer many customers away.
The RT should come with no less then 64GB minimum with an option for 128GB, the Pro should have no less then 128GB minimum and come with an option for 256GB.
I realize its only a 10" screen as well but 1366x768 on the RT....still? 900p is too much?
This is Q2 of 2012 right?
And Intel wonder why their products like this have trouble selling/making waves.
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The 32GB/64GB storage capacities will steer many customers away.
The RT should come with no less then 64GB minimum with an option for 128GB, the Pro should have no less then 128GB minimum and come with an option for 256GB.
I realize its only a 10" screen as well but 1366x768 on the RT....still? 900p is too much?
This is Q2 of 2012 right?
And Intel wonder why their products like this have trouble selling/making waves.
Let me guess, you want a 256GB version with 1600000X1200000 resolution, 1 year battery life but you want it for $300 too right. Come on.
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After reading a few sites on this tablet, Techspot is the first site to give full specs and pricing. Quite impressed. Only problem I see is MS would not let anyone play and test their tablet. And the downside is that the tablet will come out cold and could have some bad reviews and they would be too late to make changes in their tablet. Not a bright move on Microsoft.
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If Stevie Jobs were alive, he'd be very worried now... =)
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Intresting design..
Looks like tablets are going to evolve in to strange new breed... I shall call them laptops..
I can see it now - people taking them on cross-country flights and getting actual work done. Set the thing on your lap and work away the time. Brilliant. You should patent the whole concept!
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If Steve Jobs were alive now, he'd have done it with chickens.
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TJGeezer said:
"Looks like tablets are going to evolve in to strange new breed... I shall call them laptops.."
how about laptabs?
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