Microsoft Surface tablet unveiled, iPad has a serious new rival
Microsoft has taken a dip into the tablet hardware market by unveiling two tablets. The Microsoft Surface RT tablet and Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet bring the features of Windows 8 to a first party Microsoft tablet in a pair of thin devices that if priced competitively could pose the iPad’s biggest threat yet.
First to be unveiled was the Microsoft Surface RT. The first of the new tablets on show is made from magnesium, weighs 676 grams, and is 9.3 mm thick, with edges beveled at 22 degrees for a better fit in the hand. The Microsoft Surface RT has a 10.6-inch HD 1366 x 768 pixel resolution Gorilla Glass display, to watch movies, browse the web, play games from the Windows Store, and more.
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As rumoured, the new tablet will be powered by an ARM processor. The Surface RT uses an Nvidia Tegra-based ARM chip. You will be able to connect other devices to the Surface RT thanks to a USB 2.0 port. There’s also a microSD card to share photos and files without having to purchase an adapter as you would with the iPad.
The Microsoft Surface RT will be available this autumn, available in 32GB and 64GB versions.
Microsoft also unveiled its Surface for Windows 8 Pro Tablet – a slightly larger, more powerful alternative, with an Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge processor and a Windows 8 experience optimised for the tablet.
Surface for Windows 8 Pro weighs 903 grams, is 13.5 mm thick, and has a 10.6-inch full HD 1080p capacitive touchscreen display. Like the Windows Surface RT, it also offers USB connectivity via a ISB 3.0 port, and a memory card reader.
Surface for Windows 8 Pro will be available to buy a few months after the Windows 8 launch this autumn in 64GB and 128GB variants.
Both tablets feature a built-in kickstand to prop them up when watching videos. Microsoft also unveiled its Type Cover – a cover that doubles up as a fold-out keyboard with tactile keys, and a trackpad – essentially transforming either tablet into a laptop. Digital pen capability will also let owners make notes on the display using digital ink to annotate the screen, and edit documents and pages in Windows Reader.
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Both tablets will be compatible with Windows Store apps, and services such as Netflix. Unfortunately, Microsoft may have missed a trick by not unveiling the price of either, but with talk of Microsoft wanting to put a dent in the iPad’s market share, there’s every hope that at least one of the models will be cheaper than an entry-level iPad.
The Microsoft Surface RT and Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 tablet are expected to go on sale around October, so it looks like we’ve got a few months to ponder that next tablet purchase.
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User comments (8)
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Steve19 June 2012
I don't know what to think about this. Seems like a confused strategy - and will consumers understand the differences between the two (Metro vs old windows with Metro layer) and what you can and can't do with the two devices? Also - this is one way form release, with no price or battery life. Even weight is subject to change during manufacture. I am calling "Zune" on this one for now ...
Report as inappropriateJohn19 June 2012
Can't wait - never went for the ipad thing Microsoft is the way to go there is probably a lot more you can do with this - like touch screen controllers for CNC etc my order will be in as soon as they are available
Report as inappropriateSteve19 June 2012
There might be some use for this in business, but won't appeal to mass market consumers imho. Jim Dalrymple at the Loop: "Microsoft and its partners tried the tablet-as-a-PC-replacement thing for a decade and it didn’t work. Consumers didn’t like it because tablet computing is different than desktop computing. Apple knows that it’s different and so do consumers — it’s time Sam and Microsoft faced that too."
Report as inappropriateLuke19 June 2012
I'm going to write the title correctly Microsoft Surface tablet unveiled, iPad still dosen't have serious new rival Windows will never release anything better than apple. This has always been the case and always will be. iPad stated it all and will always be 1 step ahead. Sorry windows but the metro look is going to finish you off. I liked windows 7 but I've tried the windows 8 Preview and on a normal PC it is dreadful to use. I'm going to buy my new mac that has a reliable and an easy to use OS now. Microsoft has never released a reliable operating system for PC and they arn't with win 8 and this tablet looks cheap and tacky and has no class like the iPad does.
Report as inappropriateOllieTozer20 June 2012
How much will this cost because i will buy it
Report as inappropriateCh4ddy20 June 2012
I really hope this gives apple a run for its money
Report as inappropriatejack08 December 2012
where can you buy it from (like a high street store?)
Report as inappropriateMitch 30 December 2012
Hi, I was wondering which tablet you would recomend as I have not bin able to gets hands on with the asus VIVO tab RT or the Microsoft surface RT yet so would you be able recommend which I should also a g rating would come in handy. P.S. which feels best quality and most sturdy in the hand. Thanks Mitch. 😃
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