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Microsoft Surface

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For the interactive surface computing platform formerly known as Microsoft Surface, see Microsoft PixelSense.

Surface with Windows RT
File:Microsoft Surface with Touch Cover.png
DeveloperMicrosoft
TypeTablet computer
Release dateOctober 26, 2012[1]
Operating systemWindows RT
System on a chipNvidia Tegra 3 (T30)[2]
CPUQuad-core ARM Cortex-A9
Memory2 GB RAM
Storage32 or 64 GB and microSDXC slot
Display1366 x 768 px 10.6 inches (27 cm) ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
GraphicsGeforce ULP
Input5-point multi-touch screen, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, dual microphones
Camera720p front and rear-facing
Connectivity2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), USB 2.0, HD video out port
Power31.5 W-h
Dimensions10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.77 inches (17.2 cm) (h)
0.37 inches (9.4 mm) (d)
Weight1.5 pounds (680 g)
Websitewww.surface.com

Surface with Windows 8 Pro
DeveloperMicrosoft
TypeTablet computer
Release dateJanuary 2013
Operating systemWindows 8 Pro
CPUDual-core Intel Core i5
Memory4 GB dual-channel RAM
Storage64 or 128 GB and microSDXC slot
Display1920x1080 px[3] 10.6 inches (27 cm) in ClearType Full HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 4000
Input10-point multi-touch screen, pen input, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, dual microphones
Camera720p front and rear-facing
Connectivity2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort
Power42 W-h
Dimensions10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.81 inches (17.3 cm) (h)
0.53 inches (13 mm) (d)
Weight2 pounds (910 g)
Websitewww.surface.com

Microsoft Surface is an upcoming series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft. It was announced by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at a Los Angeles event on June 18, 2012, at Milk Studios.[4]

The Surface will be available in two versions[5], one with Windows RT and another with Windows 8 Pro. The Windows RT model will use an ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 model will use an Intel CPU.[6][7] Both models will be able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 model allows the installation of traditional desktop programs[8][9][10]

Hardware

The Microsoft Surface line features VaporMg (pronounced "VaporMag"), the molded magnesium casing[11] that houses Surface's components paired with a PVD finish.[12] VaporMg allows magnesium to be melted down and molded to the details needed for Surface and allows Surface to weigh 1.5 pounds (680 g)[5]. Also included in both Surface models is a USB port, a microSDXC slot, and a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the 'Touch Cover' and 'Type Cover'. Both models have two cameras, front-facing and rear-facing.[11] The rear-facing camera will be angled at 22 degrees to allow proper framing of another person while the "kickstand" is in use. The "kickstand" is a .77 millimetres (0.030 in) thick built-in stand that spans the width of the device and allows Surface to be propped up at an angle in landscape orientation for a hands-free viewing experience. Surface Pro has perimeter venting which allows air to flow out the sides, and helps avoid airflow being impeded by hands holding the device.

For the CPUs, the Surface with Windows RT will use ARM CPUs (residing in the Nvidia Tegra SoC).[13][14]

The Surface device demonstrated at Microsoft Surface Events had a new connection port with five pins. This was acknowledged as a magnetic charging connector during Microsoft’s presentation event by Steven Sinofsky.

Display

Surface and Surface Pro have screens of 10.6 inches (27 cm) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Both tablets use Microsoft's ClearType HD display technology and support an ultra-wide viewing angle and auto-adjusting screen intensity. In announcement talk, Michael Angiulo said that when Surface Pro is held at 17 inches (43 cm), the eyes will not be able to distinguish between individual pixels.[15][16]

Touch Cover and Type Cover

Microsoft offers two keyboard covers for Surface - the Touch Cover and Type Cover - that connect to the Surface via a magnetic strip. Both serve as protective covers when folded against the device, and function as keyboards when opened. The Touch Cover is 3.25 millimetres (0.128 in) thick and has a pressure-sensitive keyboard. The Type Cover is thicker at 6 millimetres (0.24 in) and includes a tactile keyboard with physical keys. The keyboards have a gyroscope and accelerometer sensor to determine, based on position, whether or not to accept input. Both also include a multitouch touchpad.[17]

Availability

The Surface RT will be available with general availability of Windows 8, which will launch on October 26, 2012.[18] The Surface Pro will be available three months after that.[19][20] The Surface will initially be available in Microsoft Stores and online.[20]

At the June 2012 unveiling event, Steven Sinofsky, President of the Windows and Windows Live Division, stated that pricing for the Surface RT "will be comparable to other ARM devices" and pricing for the Surface Pro "will be comparable to current ultrabooks." In a recent interview with the Seattle Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer responded to the question about Surface pricing stating that the "sweet spot" for the bulk of the PC market was $300 to $800, but did not detail any more specifics. [21]

On October 16, pricing was revealed for the Surface[22], and pre-orders opened to ship, "for delivery by 10/26"[23]. Prices were announced as follows:

  • Surface with Windows RT, 32 GB (no keyboard cover): $499/£399
  • Surface with Windows RT, 32 GB with Black Touch Cover: $599/£479
  • Surface with Windows RT, 64 GB with Black Touch Cover: $699/£559
  • Surface Touch Cover (white, red, black, cyan, or pink): $119/£99.99
  • Surface Type Cover: $129

Industry response

Several personal computer Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have felt anywhere from neutral to positive about the release of the Surface device.[24] HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Dell[25] applauded Microsoft's decision to create its own Tablet PC and said that relationships with Microsoft haven't changed. John Solomon, senior vice president of HP, said that "Microsoft was basically making a leadership statement and showing what's possible in the tablet space".[26][27] Acer founder Stan Shih said that he believed Microsoft only introduced its own hardware in order to establish the market and would then withdraw in favor of its OEMs.[28]

However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products.[29][30] MicroStrategy CEO Michael Saylor described the product announcement and launch as "mistakes" that would alienate Microsoft's partners and customers,[31] and Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice".[32] And Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.[33]

Steve Ballmer said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.[34]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Microsoft's new iPad rival Surface for Windows RT release date". Eurogamer. July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  2. ^ http://tech2.in.com/news/tablets/nvidia-confirms-tegra-under-the-hood-of-microsoft-surface-win-rt-edition/317552
  3. ^ "Help me choose which Windows tablet is best for me". Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  4. ^ Sullivan, Mark. "Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet PC". PCWorld. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  5. ^ a b Anil Sardiwal (July 19, 2012). "Microsoft Surface : The Windows 8 Tablet". WideFide. Retrieved October 18, 2012. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ Biddle, Sam (June 18, 2012). "What is the Microsoft Surface Tablet?". Gizmodo. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  7. ^ "Live from Microsoft's 'major announcement' event". The Verge. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  8. ^ Bruce, James. "What's The Difference Between Windows 8 & Windows RT? [MakeUseOf Explains]". MakeUseOf. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  9. ^ "Surface with Windows RT: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  10. ^ "Surface with Windows 8 Pro: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  11. ^ a b "Microsoft Live Blog Tablet Announcement". The Verge. June 12, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  12. ^ "PVD Finish". House Of Antique Hardware. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  13. ^ "Nvidia confirms Tegra under the hood of Microsoft Surface Win RT edition". moneycontrol.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  14. ^ Brown, Rich. "Microsoft Surface RT Overview & Specs - Tablets - CNET Reviews". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  15. ^ "Windows Newsroom". Microsoft.com. February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  16. ^ "Get to know what is Microsoft Surface in Brief". MyPhoneFactor.in. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  17. ^ "Microsoft unveils Surface tablets –". Usatoday.com. November 28, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  18. ^ "Microsoft to launch Surface at midnight on October 26th". NotebookBee. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  19. ^ Vance, Ashlee (July 9, 2012). "Why Microsoft's Surface Tablet Shames the PC Industry". Bloomberg Businessweek.
  20. ^ a b "Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows" (Press release). Microsoft. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  21. ^ Tu, Janet I. "Ballmer trumpets Microsoft's 'epic year'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  22. ^ "Microsoft Surface: Pricing and Availability". Paul Thurrott at winsupersite.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  23. ^ "Microsoft Surface Preorders Open". slashgear.com. Retrieved October 16,2012. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  24. ^ Kan, Michael (August 17, 2012). "Lenovo Not Worried About Microsoft's Surface Tablet, Expects to Beat It".
  25. ^ Windows 8 Launch, Microsoft Surface: Michael Dell's Spin | The VAR Guy
  26. ^ HP Targets Microsoft Surface With New Windows 8 Convertible PC
  27. ^ Lenovo exec welcomes Microsoft tablet competition - Computerworld
  28. ^ Epstein, Zach (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft's tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder". BGR Media.
  29. ^ Crothers, Brooke (June 27, 2012). "Microsoft to feel Surface heat from PC makers". CNET.
  30. ^ Fingas, Jon (June 21, 2012). "Acer is skeptical of Surface tablets, thinks Microsoft isn't playing nice".
  31. ^ Evans, Steve (July 10, 2012). "Microsoft Surface most "disastrous" launch in a decade: MicroStrategy CEO". Computer Business Review.
  32. ^ "Acer chief takes aim at Microsoft Surface." FT, August 6, 2012.
  33. ^ Kunert, Paul. "Microsoft Surface slate: Acer, resellers predict a riot." The Register, 7 August 2012.
  34. ^ Clarke, Gavin. "Ballmer aims chair at Apple after Windows package miss." The Register, October 10, 2012.
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