After a last-minute invites to press & after successfully creating a lot of mystery about the event – Microsoft finally entered the tablet war by announcing Microsoft Surface tablet (with own branding of-course) on June 18. The tablet is also marketed as an ultra-book for those, who like to use a physical keyboard.
Microsoft Surface tablet will have different models compatible with Windows 8 RT & Windows 8 PRO. Now, having these variations and a keyboard – the company surely want to project this Surface, as a PC and a tablet as well.
So before we learn more about Microsoft Surface Tablet, let’s have a look at what Microsoft Surface was originally planned for.
Original Microsoft Surface with PixelSense Technology.
The company’s original Surface was a huge table-top 40” display with approx weight of 38 kg. The SUR40 display is designed by Samsung Electronics with a PixelSense technology.
PixelSense display is a super advanced technology allowing LCD screens to see without any front cameras and a touch-screen that can sense inputs from any material & not limited to the fingers or styluses.
This innovative concept still exist & costs about $8000 or more. To avoid confusion with newly released Microsoft Surface tablet – the company has renamed & gave it a new home called – PixelSense.com
Original Microsoft Surface or PixelSense Video
New Microsoft Surface Features & Specifications
| MS Surface with Windows 8 RT | MS Surface with Windows 8 PRO | |
| Processor | ARM -based NVIDIA Tegra | ARM -based NVIDIA Tegra |
| Display | 10.6 inches HD | 10.6 inches Full-HD |
| Screen | Capacitive Touch-screen | Capacitive Touch-screen |
| Weight | 676 g | 903 g |
| Thickness | 9.3 | 13.5 |
| Battery | 6300 mAh | 8400 mAh |
| Connectivity | MicroSD slot, USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, 2×2 MIMO Antenna | microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini HDMI, 2×2 MIMO Antenna |
| Comes with | 3mm Touch Cover with pressure-sensitive keyboard, VaporMg Case & Stand | 3mm Touch Cover with pressure-sensitive keyboard, VaporMg Case & Stand |
| Additional Accessory | Type Cover w/ Keyboard with mechanical keys | Type Cover w/ Keyboard with mechanical keys |
| Model Configurations | 32 GB, 64 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
Microsoft Surface Price
Though, the company announced nothing about the pricing, below is a guess based on current average prices in the market for both.
Microsoft Surface for Windows RT: This will fall under typical TABLET category & since this has 32GB & 64 GB models – the price should be in range of $499 to $649 . This is the only way Microsoft can place it against Apple’s iPad.
Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 PRO: This will fall under an ULTRABOOK category and some of the popular Ultrabooks are Lenovo ideapad U300s, ASUS ZENBOOK UX31E , Acer Aspire S3 and Samsung 900X3A . Considering the average price for all of these – we should safely assume the price for MS Surface should be in range of $900 to $1100
Official Microsoft Surface Video
Note
There is no official word on availability of Surface yet but, those are expected for announcement at the time of Windows 8 launch in November 2012. You can see details on its official website Surface.com
For me, I was never impressed so much about a recent Microsoft product (yes, not even Windows 8 yet) until this new Microsoft Surface. It looks stunning and seems productive but how much can it compete with Apple iPad or forthcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 – will be a real test for the software giant.
For now – Kudos to Microsoft team for this upbeat thinking.
Microsoft Surface: Full Presentation Video
Do share your views and comments. 🙂
