Microsoft Unveils Two Windows 8 Surface Tablets

On Monday, at a media event in Los Angeles, Microsoft announced the upcoming availability of two own-branded tablet PCs powered by the next-gen Windows 8 operating system.

Dubbed Surface, the two devices will arrive on shelves with Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT on board, respectively. With these two tablet PCs, the software company once again breaks tradition. They were conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and they are based on the 30 years of hardware manufacturing expertise that the Redmond-based company enjoys. At the aforementioned event, Microsoft also showcased a series of accessories that, the same as the two tablets, pack advances in industrial design and feature attention to detail. “Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience,” the software giant said.

Surface for Windows RT, which is expected to hit shelves when the new Windows platform itself will become commercially available, features an ARM processor inside, a 10.6” ClearType HD Display, and it is only 9.3 mm thin, while weighing 676 grams. The tablet will arrive in 32GB and 64GB versions, while featuring microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae, along with Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover. It will also sport VaporMg Case & Stand. Surface for Windows 8 Pro, on the other hand, is expected to arrive on the market about 90 days later with a third-generation Intel Core processor inside, also with a 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display, while being 13.5 mm thin and weighing 903 g.

This device will be released in 64GB and 128GB flavors, packing microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae, along with Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block, and the aforementioned VaporMg Case & Stand. “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,” Microsoft announced. Offering a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer, both Surface tablets will be sold through Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and will be available through select online Microsoft Stores.

Posted in: Preview, Software, Tablet