Microsoft Surface Tablet

Looks like Microsoft has jumped on the tablet bandwagon with Microsoft Surface. I have no idea whether the official name is Microsoft Surface or Microsoft Surface Tablet, because when I think of Microsoft Surface, I would think of the huge touchscreen “device”.

It seems that Microsoft had renamed the old surface to Microsoft PixelSense and I am assuming that Microsoft Surface and Microsoft Surface Tablet means the same thing.

There will be 2 versions of Microsoft Surface Tablet, one running on Windows RT with NVIDIA ARM Chip and one on Windows 8 Pro with Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5. Disappointed that no pricing has been announced yet. If the Windows RT tablet price is reasonable, I might get one just to play with it.

From Engadget’s Hands-on with Microsoft Surface for Windows RT, it looks like the editors have very limited time (2 mins) with the tablet and it seems to be just a working demo rather than close-to-final retail version.

Industrial Design Highlights

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.
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.
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.
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.

Surface for Windows RT tablet