Microsoft reveals Surface tablet
Mike | Tue, June 19, 2012 Microsoft introduced their entry into the tablet market today. A market ostensibly owned by Apple.
The Surface tablet is definitely a tablet but also has one foot in the laptop and netbook space. With the included kickstand and the keyboard covers, that makes the Surface one to consider when shopping for either of those products.
The tablet is 10.6" and comes in two flavors. An Intel version which is 13.5mm thick and weighs 1.9lbs. And an ARM version that is 9.3mm thick and weighs 1.5lbs.
The Intel version of the Surface is capable of running Windows 8 Pro which means it will have support for a full desktop, not just the Metro interface, as seen in all the pictures. The ARM version however will only run the Metro apps.
Microsoft have clearly borrowed heavily from Apple's smart cover for their keyboards. I can't say I blame them because the result looks great. The keyboards even have a touch page for navigation.
Nearly every shot I've seen of this device is with the keyboard attached and the kickstand out. It is clear Microsoft wants people to use it this way but then what audience are they going for? If priced correctly I can see this doing well with older users who don't have much use for a full desktop and would like the portability of a tablet. Sure they could just get a laptop but that is why these need to be priced competitively.
And of course we got no word on pricing or release date. Which is about the worst thing Microsoft could do. So from now until the rumored launch in October speculation on pricing will be all over the place and after that nothing could really live up. And for a new product that is an important piece.
Microsoft did not really show off any content for the Surface like apps. But this is Windows so the possibilities are almost endless, be it for good or bad.
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