Microsoft Announces Surface Tablet PCs

At an event in Hollywood, California, Microsoft announced tablet PCs called Surface.  The Microsoft Surface has a USB port, 16:9 aspect ratio (industry standard for HD), and it has edges that are angled at 22 degrees. The casing of the Surface uses an approach called VaporMg. VaporMg uses a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles to create a finish that is similar to a luxury watch. The VaporMg approach also enables the tablet to work with a built-in kickstand so that you can place the tablet on a tabletop and watch it without having to hold it up.

The tablet has a 3 mm Touch Cover with pressure-sensitive technology. Touch Cover is able to sense keystrokes as gestures, which enables you to touch type faster than with an on-screen keyboard. The Touch Cover clicks into the Surface with a built-in magnetic connector.

Two Types Of Surface

The Surface will be available in two different types, one that has the ARM processor featuring Windows RT and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro.

Both of these will be sold at Microsoft Store locations and through online Microsoft stores.

Below are the specs for the two Surface tablets:

Surface for Windows RT

• OS: Windows RT
• Light(1): 676 g
• Thin(2): 9.3 mm
• Clear: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
• Energized: 31.5 W-h
• Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Light(1): 903 g
• Thin(2): 13.5 mm
• Clear: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
• Energized: 42 W-h
• Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB