Microsoft announced Surface, a tablet running its upcoming Windows 8 operating system with Intel and ARM chip variants, at an event in Los Angeles. Here’s a lowdown of what Microsoft announced at the event:
Microsoft Surface (Intel):
The 10.6-inch Microsoft Surface, based on Intel’s 22nm Ivy Bridge chipset will run Windows 8 Pro operating system, the full-fledged Windows operating system. The Intel version of the Microsoft Surface is 13.5mm thick and weighs 903g. It comes with a built-in kickstand and a vapor-deposited (PVD) magnesium casing. Apart from that, it supports USB 3.0 and comes in two variants — with 64GB and 128GB memory. It also sports dual-array microphones,and a tilted camera. Its 10.6-inch touchscreen, Gorilla Glass display is a ClearType HD display of unknown resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio. This version comes with a digital ink app and pen for drawing and annotating. As the Intel version runs on Windows 8 Pro, it will be able to run all Windows 7 applications. It will be powered by a 42 W-h battery.
Microsoft Surface (ARM):
The Windows RT version or the ARM version of the Microsoft Surface tablet runs on an Nvidia Tegra chipset. It’s unclear as to which Tegra chipset Microsoft will be using. The Windows RT model will only run the Metro version of Windows 8, that is, it won’t be able to run Windows 7 applications. It is 9.3mm thick and weighs 676g. It also comes with a built-in kickstand, a vapor-deposited (PVD) magnesium case, and comes in two variants — with 32GB and 64GB memory. Its 10.6-inch touchscreen display is a ClearType HD display of unknown resolution with 16:9 aspect ratio which is best suited for HD videos. It will be powered with 31.5 W-h battery.
Keyboard/Cover:
Microsoft will offer Surface users who prefer full keyboards two options — a Touch Keyboard and a Type Keyboard. Both the keyboards also offer multi-touch trackpads, double up as a smart cover and can be attached to the Surface with a magnetic connector. It uses pressure-sensitive technology which senses keystrokes as gestures, according to the company. The touch and keyboard/cover is 3mm thick. Microsoft also offers Type keyboard/cover for users who prefer hard clicks. The type keyboard is 5mm thick. Both the keyboards/covers comes in variety of colors including red, white, black, blue, and pink. It’s not clear whether they will be bundled with the tablet or users will have to buy them separately.
Availability:
The Windows RT version of Microsoft Surface will be available in the market when Windows 8 is officially released. The Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later, according to the company. The pricing of both the models was not disclosed by the company, however, the Intel version is expected to be priced on the lines of Ultrabooks.
