Microsoft announces Surface – iPad beware?

It’s been a long race in the tablet market, and it looks like Microsoft is finally ready to launch its finished product, and it looks really cool. And no, I’m not being sarcastic. Microsoft actually designed a device that looks nice and has a pretty cool UI (Metro in Windows 8) The device is about the same size as an iPad, but looks like a super-sized Zune HD, without the ugly metal bezel at the bottom. It’s wrapped in a magnesium frame, and offers a 10.6″ display.

The Surface comes in two options, a pro and consumer option. The pro option of the Surface offers a full Intel system architecture, while the consumer sports an ARM system. The Intel version sports considerable bulk compared to the ARM version. The ARM version ways in at just over 1.5 pounds, while Intel’s version is well over 2 pounds and is 4mm thicker. However, Microsoft touts the Intel version as a complete computer, while it sees the consumer version as a personal tablet, similar to the iPad.

The device offers some pretty spectacular IO, ranging from a full size USB 2.0 port (3.0 in pro version), all the way to the mini display port. The lowest end model comes with 32GB of flash storage that can be upgraded to 128GB. This puts it in perfect range for the iPad.

They also unveiled some awesome accessories, like a keyboard built into a smart cover like device. Combined with the kickstand on the back of the physical device (yes, it has a kickstand) the keyboard is attached by magnets and looks full sized. It comes in anything from black to hot-pink. The name sounds somewhat familiar, the “Touch Cover”.

Looks like Microsoft has already built a full-fledged eco-system for this tablet by providing cases and software. Due to Microsoft going to a full-OS, they also don’t really have to worry about the app ecosystem, seeing as there is already hundreds of apps for Windows, the only problem might be the ARM processor. Here’s their promo video that features a awesome dub step beat:

 

It’s clear that Microsoft has done more than just scratch the “surface” (I know, I know, terrible pun) and looks like they could have a big success on their hands. Steve Ballmer & Co. have not yet announced pricing and availability, hopefully it won’t be too long before it is released because this device looks stunning.

Via: The Verge, Microsoft

 

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TechTwitt 5 pts

Surface can give healthy competition to iPad, Check 5 things about Surface you should know about http://techtwitt.com/5-facts-about-microsoft-surface-you-should-know/

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amsmagic 7 pts

I am fully intertwined in the Apple Eco System, owning an 2011 iMac, iPad 2 and iPhone 4S. I love how they all work together, especially in the new mountain software.

 

I have to say though, I was immensely impressed with this "surface", although I gotta say, it's still should be called a tablet. It seems like it has real potentional to take on the iPad, but until I see the pricing setup, I will keep that comment subject to change.

 

If they can release their "Professional" version with an intel core i5 for under 800$, I will definitely be looking into it. I heard the spokes person say that Photoshop would run on it, which thus mean Adobe After Effects would as well. That's worth looking into for me for on the go work. Currently I'm using the Splashtop Application on my iMac and iPad 2 to transform my iPad into my iMac when I'm on the go, but it definitely has a lag that makes it unworkable.

 

If this is anywhere above $1200, it should be classified under their slate category, not as a surface or tablet. I have seen their slates and used them, and too be this doesn't look too different. I would love to own a slate to slug around with me, but at a $1700 price tag for just a decent one, they are definitely not worth it.

 

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This isnt an iPad competitor. It is competing with ultrabooks and the now almost dead category of netbooks. When the pricing comes out, this will become more clear.

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KyleFrost 25 pts

My only problem with it is Windows in general. They should have rewritten in instead of just adding on to the "fluff" that is in the OS. I'm not talking bloatware application wise, I'm talking code wise. They do too much adding and not enough eliminating. There are files in there the OS will never use because they were written for XP. And some that the user will never see. Windows needs a rewrite. When it gets a rewrite and more stability, I will consider using it again over the more elegant, useful, and powerful OS X. In the meantime, maybe a developer will boot Chromium OS on this. So that those with a distaste for Windows can get their fill too. I will give it this, the design is nice.

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Conversation from Twitter

jsyed55
jsyed55 @jsyed55 20 Jun

@TiP_Cam Suppose the device is out there now and being sold by MS and also that the OS is the final build. Will you get one for yourself?

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jsyed55
jsyed55 @jsyed55 19 Jun

@TiP_Cam Both the tablets are very attractive and physically very appealing.

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jsyed55
jsyed55 @jsyed55 19 Jun

@TiP_Cam As people are starting to compare Surface to the iPad, I would say it shouldnt be done, as Surface is just here to have a share.

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