Surface, the Windows 8 tablet from Microsoft unveiled: Specs, images and video

Surface keyboard cover colors Microsoft

Microsoft has just unveiled their “major announcement” that has been around the web since last week, and YES! The rumors are true, say hello to “Surface”, the Windows 8 tablet from Microsoft. The new device was unveiled today at a press event in Los Angeles. And it is pretty sweet, with a magnetic smart cover that underneath features a very slim keyboard which comes in many colors, built-in kickstand, and a case made of Vapor-deposited magnesium a.k.a VaporMg with really nice curved edges.

The software giant is not re-inventing the tablet here, but they are setting a standard in quality, so other companies can build products that are similar or better — and of course they are going after the competition too.

The following is one of the first video you are going to see around web showing the new iPad killer:

“Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.” — The company said.

Surface hardware specs

This new Microsoft tablet comes in two versions: Windows RT and the Windows 8 Pro, they both have a slightly different hardware configuration, size and thickness.

ModelSurface with Windows RTSurface with Windows 8 Pro
Operating SystemWindows RTWindows 8 Pro
SoftwareSurface with Windows RT comes with Microsoft Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneNote).Runs current Windows 7 desktop applications and integrates with your existing enterprise management infrastructure.
ButtonsVolume and PowerVolume and Power
ColorDark TitaniumDark Titanium
Weight676g (1.5lbs)903g (Less than 2lbs)
Thin9.3mm13.5mm
Aspect Ration16:916:9
Resolution1366x768 pixels1920x1080 pixels
Clear10.6" ClearType HD Display10.6" ClearType Full HD Display
Pen InputCapacitive pens available for purchasePen input and pen (included with purchase)
Multi-Touch5-point multi-touch10-point multi-touch
RAM2GB4GB
CPU1.3 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 (ARM)1.7GHz 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000
WirelessWi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Battery31.5W-h42W-h
AudioTwo microphones and stereo speakersTwo microphones and stereo speakers
CamerasTwo 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facingTwo 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing
Device Angled22°26°
Power Supply24W power-supply48W power-supply (including 5W USB for accessory charging)
SensorsAmbient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compassAmbient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass
PortsUSB 2.0, Micro HD Video out port, 2x2 MINO antennae, microSDXC card slot, Headset jack, cover portUSB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, 2x2 MINO antennae, microSDXC card slot, Headset jack, cover port
ProductivityOffice Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type CoverTouch Cover, Type Cover, Pent with Palm Block
PracticalVaporMg Case & kickstandVaporMg Case & kickstand
Warranty2-years limited hardware warranty2-years limited hardware warranty
Apps (included)Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote); Windows Mail and Messaging, SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music; Video, and Games.Windows Mail and Messaging; SkyDrive; Internet Explorer 10; Bing; Xbox Music; Video, and Games.
Storage32 GB, 64 GB64 GB, 128 GB
SecurityDevice encryption and comes with Windows Defender.Provides enhanced networking and IT management. BitLocker drive encryption, use Remote Desktop, Active Directory, and Client Hyper-V. Compatible with third party applications.
ConnectivityAlways connected, even when in standby mode. Connected standby keeps apps up-to-date.Connectivity off when hibernating/sleeping to preserve battery.
ChargeEnjoy up to 8 hours of battery life.Enjoy up to 5 hours of battery life.
Price$499 for the 32GB version without Touch Cover
$599 for the 32GB version with Touch Cover
$699 for the 64GB version with Touch Cover
$899 for the 64GB version
$999 for the 128GB version

Price is set to be announced, but the company is saying that will be competitive with Ultrabooks and ARM tablets prices. And release date is also unclear, but you can expect this interesting device by the holiday season, which is when the final version of Windows 8 should be available to everyone.It is worth noting that the Windows RT device will be featuring Nvidia Tegra chipset — with ARM processor architecture–, while the Windows 8 Pro version will be powered by Intel’s 3rd generation 22nm Ivy Bridge chips.

Microsoft Surface image tour

black tablet Windows 8

Kick stand for Microsoft tablet

Side view of the new Microsoft tablet

Blue cover keyboard

Images courtesy of Microsoft | Source Microsoft News

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.