Microsoft, a long dormant competitor in the tablet space has just made a huge leap with its new tablet called Surface. It consists of 2 versions, one with an ARM processor and one with an Intel x86 counterpart.
If you ask me, they look absolutely amazing and they both will run Windows 8 (RT and Pro version respectively). Personally, I would love to get my hands on one. Speaking of launch, the launch price and details are sketchy but we do know that launch for the RT version will be at Windows 8 launch and will cost as much as a regular tablet. The Pro version will launch 3 months after that and will cost roughly the price of an ultrabook. What I love the most is the kickstand. Its such a beautiful and elegant design and yet no one came up with this so far. The level of engineering that seems to have gone into these is just phenomenal. Specs can be found below:
Surface for Windows RT tablet
- Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
- Weight: 676 grams
- Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
- Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capacitive touchpanel
- Battery: 31.5Wh
- I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
- Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
- Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
- Capacity: 32GB / 64GB
- Availability:Â “Around” the Windows 8 launch (fall 2012)
- Pricing:Â To be determined
 Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet
- Processor:Â Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
- Weight: 903 grams
- Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
- Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capacitive touchpanel
- Battery: 42Wh
- I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MIMO antennae
- Software: Windows 8 Pro
- Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
- Capacity: 64GB / 128GB
- Availability:Â ”Three months after” the Windows 8 launch this fall
- Pricing:Â To be determined
The keynote video can be found here
Initial impressions seem to be very positive and i for one am really looking forward to this
