Microsoft Surface Tablet might change the landscape of computing

 

Microsoft had always been synonymous with the world of software, what with their Windows operating system being the hallmark achievement of the company. However, software is not the only thing that they produce, but also hardware – remember the original 2-button mouse from Microsoft that looked just like a brick? How about back in 2001, when they introduced the world to their own console, the Xbox, which proved to be quite the hit – arriving in its current generation as the Xbox 360?

 

Well, fast forward to the current day, and you know for sure that the world has changed. Computing is no longer relegated to just being tethered to your desk as a cubicle servant ala Dilbert, as there is also the widespread availability of smartphones and tablet devices. Microsoft sees the future in tablets – but do not want to ditch their desktop roots, which is why they have ended up with the Microsoft Surface tablet which will come in two flavors – one that caters to the general masses, while the other is a Pro version. 

Surface was specially designed to be able to make that seamless transition between consumption and creation, without running into a compromise. It is said to be able to offer the power of amazing software with Windows, while introducing the feel of premium hardware in a single, exciting experience. Specially conceived, designed, and engineered by Microsoft employees, the new Surface tablet is definitely a beauty to behold, where it offers a full sized USB port (which is always a good thing), and a 16:9 aspect ratio display for its 10″ display, making it the industry standard for HD resolution – at least for now. 

The edges have been angled at 22 degrees, which places it in a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, allowing the PC to fade into the background as the software goes around to get the job done. Not only that, the material of choice for the Surface’s case would be VaporMg, where it was specially developed using a unique approach known as VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag, hence the name), which is actually a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles, resulting in a finish that is somewhat akin to a luxury watch. 

In case you have missed the live coverage, here’s a video recording of the Microsoft event where Steve Ballmer and co unveiled the new Microsoft Surface tablet. A downloadable version of the keynote is available at microsoft.com.

Microsoft Surface specifications

• Operating system: Windows RT
• Weight: 676 grams
• Thickness: 9.3mm
• Display: 10.6″ ClearType HD display
• Battery: 31.5W-h
• Connectivity options: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Case: VaporMg case & stand
• Capacities: 32GB and 64GB

Microsoft Surface Pro specifications

• Operating system: Windows 8 Pro
• Weight: 903 grams
• Thickness: 13.5mm
• Display: 10.6″ ClearType HD display
• Battery: 42W-h
• Connectivity options: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Case: VaporMg case & stand
• Capacities: 64GB and 128GB 

How much wil Surface cost?

Microsoft says that the new Windows 8 tablets will ship around the same time as Windows 8 but the big question in everyone’s mind is how much will this device cost?

Steve Sinofsky made the following remark (around the 43:30 mark) on pricing:

Microsoft Surface with Windows RT will be available in both 32 GB and 64 GB model and will be priced like comparable tablets that are based on ARM.

Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Professional will come in 64 GB and 128 GB storage models and will have a retail price comparable with competitive Ultrabook class PCs.

It looks like Microsoft will showcase the Windows RT based Surface tablet as an alternative to the iPad (the “comparable tablet”) while the Surface Pro running Windows 8 could be seen as a replacement for high-end laptops (or the “comparable Ultrabooks”).

Ultrabooks and Tablets

The iPad costs $500 for the 16 GB version while the Samsung Galaxy Tab and the ASUS Transformer, both 10.1″ Android tablets, are priced at around $400 each. Surface will probably target this segment and could carry a similar price tag.

Speaking of Ultrabook PCs, Dell XPS 13 and HP Envy Spectre XT, both 13″ Ultrabooks, start at $1000 while the Samsung Series 5 Ultrabook is currently available for $800. The 13″ Toshiba Portege Ultrabook is priced at $900.

These prices could obviously change in the coming months but it looks like the Surface Pro tablets could also be in the same $900-$1000 range.