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.
| Model | Surface with Windows RT | Surface with Windows 8 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows RT | Windows 8 Pro |
| Software | Surface 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. |
| Buttons | Volume and Power | Volume and Power |
| Color | Dark Titanium | Dark Titanium |
| Weight | 676g (1.5lbs) | 903g (Less than 2lbs) |
| Thin | 9.3mm | 13.5mm |
| Aspect Ration | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Resolution | 1366x768 pixels | 1920x1080 pixels |
| Clear | 10.6" ClearType HD Display | 10.6" ClearType Full HD Display |
| Pen Input | Capacitive pens available for purchase | Pen input and pen (included with purchase) |
| Multi-Touch | 5-point multi-touch | 10-point multi-touch |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| CPU | 1.3 GHz NVIDIA Tegra 3 (ARM) | 1.7GHz 3rd Gen Intel Core i5-3317U Processor with Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) | Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) |
| Battery | 31.5W-h | 42W-h |
| Audio | Two microphones and stereo speakers | Two microphones and stereo speakers |
| Cameras | Two 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing | Two 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing |
| Device Angled | 22° | 26° |
| Power Supply | 24W power-supply | 48W power-supply (including 5W USB for accessory charging) |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass | Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass |
| Ports | USB 2.0, Micro HD Video out port, 2x2 MINO antennae, microSDXC card slot, Headset jack, cover port | USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, 2x2 MINO antennae, microSDXC card slot, Headset jack, cover port |
| Productivity | Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type Cover | Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pent with Palm Block |
| Practical | VaporMg Case & kickstand | VaporMg Case & kickstand |
| Warranty | 2-years limited hardware warranty | 2-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. |
| Storage | 32 GB, 64 GB | 64 GB, 128 GB |
| Security | Device 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. |
| Connectivity | Always connected, even when in standby mode. Connected standby keeps apps up-to-date. | Connectivity off when hibernating/sleeping to preserve battery. |
| Charge | Enjoy 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
Images courtesy of Microsoft | Source Microsoft News
Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He's also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, 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+ & Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn.