Microsoft reveals its own Windows 8 tablet: Microsoft Surface for Windows RT

Microsoft has revealed a new tablet device - the new 'Microsoft Surface'.

 

 

MS CEO Steve Ballmer took to the stage of a hastily called press conference today to reveal the device - which comes in two SKUs; 'Surface for Windows RT' and a more powerful 'Surface for Windows Pro'.

It has an NVIDIA chip inside, and Surface for Windows 8 Pro, which runs off Ultrabook-grade Ivy Bridge processors. Though the two differ slightly in dimensions, with the Pro model measuring in slightly thicker, both have a slim kickstand, about as thick as a credit card, that folds out of the backside like the tail of a photo frame. Both are made of magnesium and, perhaps most importantly, work with either of two magnetic covers that double as keyboards (one with multitouch input, and one with physical, three-dimensional keys).

No word on pricing -- just that Surface for Windows RT will cost about what you'll end up paying for other Windows RT tablets, and that the Pro version will fetch similar prices as Ultrabooks.

Its tablet has access to "all Windows apps", and can access games via the Windows Store.

MS briefly showed off the Netflix App for Windows 8 running on the device. MS claimed the device has the best Wi-Fi of any tablet today, making streaming content like HD video on it much faster and easier.

It went on to confirm it'll have a "full Windows desktop" and Office.

Switching over to the beefier 'Surface for Windows Pro' model, MS revealed it runs Windows 8 and is powered by a "third generation" Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5, which apparently uses less power than today's Core i5s. It'll be slightly thicker, at 13.5mm, will weigh 1.9lb, and contains USB 3.0 support.

This throws images as a different, higher-resolution 1080p display it calls the 'ClearType Display', which also has power-saving properties, apparently.

MS showed the higher-end device working with an included pen, and being plugged into a larger screen to be used like a regular PC, with a tactile keyboard attachment.

MS held off revealing exact release and pricing details, but did confirm that the Surface for Windows RT will be available in 32GB and 64GB options and 'priced to competitive rates with ARM tablets'.

The Intel-powered 'Surface for Windows Pro' SKU will have higher storage capacities at 64GB or 128GB, and will also be 'priced to compete'.

It made no mention of Xbox SmartGlass, which we find a bit baffling, to be honest.

Here's a trailer:

Surface for Windows RT tablet

Processor: NVIDIA-made ARM chip

Weight: 676 grams

Thickness: 9.3 millimeters

Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capactive touchapenl

Battery: 31.5Wh

I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae

Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT

Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand

Capacity: 32GB / 64GB

Availability: "Around" the Windows 8 launch (fall 2012)

Pricing: To be determined

Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet

Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)

Weight: 903 grams

Thickness: 13.5 millimeters

Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capactive touchapenl

Battery: 42Wh

I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2x2 MIMO antennae

Software: Windows 8 Pro

Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block

Capacity: 64GB / 128GB

Availability: "Three months after" the Windows 8 launch this fall

Pricing: To be determined

Windows 8: Read our previous article which gives a In Depth Look at Microsoft's New Operating System

Images

 

Sources: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/354246/new-microsoft-surface-tablet-revealed/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS#

http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/hands-on-with-microsoft-surface-for-windows-rt/