Did you watch Microsoft’s Tablet computing announcement yesterday. Just last night(UK time)? if you did not, then here is a round-up of what happened. I will also have a full-length video of the press event below.
Microsoft announced their newest piece of hardware called Microsoft Surface. Essentially, it is a hybrid computer. You can use it as a stand-alone tablet computer. However, if you feel that you need a keyboard and a mouse, then it will come with a cover that will double up as a keyboard and a mouse. In addition to that, you also have a stand that is built into the tablet.
It will come in two flavours. The first one is called Surface for Windows RT for ARM CPUs and Surface for Windows 8 Pro(for Intel IvyBridge CPUs). So what about the specs? Well let’s take a look:
Surface for Windows RT(windows 8 for ARM) will be available in 32 and 64GB versions, but you have an SD card along with a camera, Micro HD video, 802.11n Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 and a 10.6″ ClearType HD Display.
Surface with Windows 8 Pro has a 10.6″ ClearType Full HD display, Micro SDXC support, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 802.11n Wi-Fi and it will come with a nice stylus. The tablet itself will come with Palm Block technology. Surface with Windows 8 Pro will come in 64GB and 128GB versions.
At this time, Microsoft has not announced any information with regards to pricing and availability.
I like the fact that you get both a case and a stylus with the tablet if you opt to buy the Windows 8 pro tablet. I am one of those people who will still need a keyboard and mouse from time to time(especially for writing these articles). The other thing that I have found, is that I find it interesting that Microsoft have opted not to give a stylus and go with USB 2.0 in the Windows RT flavour of the Surface tablet.
That being said, there were some things that I am concerned over. First of all, I fear that the manufacturers such as HP, Dell, Lenovo and other OEMs(original equipment manufacturers) will not like this at all. The other concern I have is that Microsoft surface may suffer the same fate as the Zune(a product similar to the iPod Touch). When it launched there was a lot of hype about how the zune could be an iPod killer. However, it failed to latch on and Microsoft no longer makes the Zune. In addition to that, I think that it was a bad move to not announce a release date or a price. That being said, Windows 8 is not available at the moment and it would make sense for this to be released around the time of the Windows 8 Launch. However, I really do hope that they get the price right on this one. If they don’t then it could spell trouble for Microsoft.
So, what do you think of Microsoft’s surface? Do you think it will fail or will it be a success(or day I say it) a good rival to the iPad? Write your opinions in the comments or drop me an email to adi@adistechsite.co.uk.