June 19, 2012 at 8:39 am

Microsoft Unveils New ‘Surface’ Tablets

by twistedsifter

microsoft surface tablet surrounded by colorful keyboards

 

 

On June 18, 2012 at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows 8 (and RT). Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature some fascinating advances in industrial design.

They even made a slick (i.e., un-Microsoft) promo video (directly below) complete with a dubstep sountrack, fast cuts and dramatic closeups. Below you will find a gallery of press shots along with a spec overview and additional details on key design features. Still to be announced is pricing.

Microsoft seems to be betting big on this product and with this launch they have placed themselves into the highly lucrative tablet market. They have also placed themselves in direct competition with both Apple and many of their manufacturing partners. It will be interesting to see how it all plays out. As a consumer, I just hope the new competition makes everyone step up their innovation and subsequent product offerings. Exciting times!

 

 

 

 

Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.

 

 

microsoft surface tablet with built in kickstand

 

 

VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.

 

 

new microsoft surface tablet from side profile

 

 

closeup of microsoft surface tablet casing

 

 

Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

 

 

new microsoft surface tablet kickstand viewed from behind

 

 

microsoft surface tablet kickstand viewed from side profile

 

 

Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors.
 
Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel. There is also a trackpad on the Touch Cover as well.

 

 

microsoft surface tablet touch cover keyboard close up

 

 

various touch cover keyboard colors for microsoft surface tablet

 

 

Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later.

 

 

microsoft surface tablet with keyboard cover case

 

 

Surface for Windows 8 Pro – Specs

 

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

 

 

straight head on shot of microsoft surface tablet with keyboard case

 

 

Surface for Windows RT – Specs

 

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

 

 

new microsoft tablet surface 5 Microsoft Unveils New Surface Tablets

 

 

Surface has not just one, but two cameras. Use the front LifeCam to chat with the people that you care about. The rear-facing LifeCam is angled to 22 degrees so you can flip out the Kickstand and record meetings and events hands-free. Stereo speakers and dual microphones tuned for Skype help you sound like you are right next door.
 
The auto-adjusting screen intensity delivers great visual clarity, indoors and out. The addition of the Micro SD card slot means you can bring your entire movie and music collection with you on vacation.

 

 

new microsoft tablet surface 8 Microsoft Unveils New Surface Tablets

 

 

Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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