Introducing Microsoft Surface Tablet

Just last week Microsoft held a last minute event to announce that they're manufacturing their own tablet powered with the upcoming Windows 8. The line is called Surface, taking over the name from the touch screen table they've been developing previously. Details on the versions that will be available is after break.

Microsoft Surface Tablet

To me it's awesome that Microsoft is coming out with its own tablet since they would know their own OS best to maximize its potential. This also gives further competition to the other hardware manufacturers. I hope it doesn't do the opposite though, pushing away those manufacturers. There'll be 2 versions coming out, Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro. As it'll be powered by Windows 8, you can expect PC like capabilities not present in today's tablets.

Surface from the side. Thin enough?

2 cool features I'd like to highlight here that stands out to me when it was announced, the built in stand and the keyboard cover. The built in stand is only at 3mm thickness. Curious how the hinges work as 3mm would seem like too little of strength to hold a tablet. From the reviews, seems it's quite a sturdy piece of hardware. The keyboard cover adds a twist to the normal tablet covers, turning it into a full fledged ultrabook of sort besides being used to protect the screen. There's 2 type, 1 is the touch version which is almost flat so it won't necessarily feel like your usual keyboard where you can easily guess which button you're pressing. The type version has more of that keyboard feel since there's a slight depth to each button.

VaporMg case

Here's the specs for Surface for Windows RT:

• Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
• Weight: 676 grams
• Thickness: 9.3 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capcitive touchpanel
• Battery: 31.5Wh
• I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
• Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
• Capacity: 32GB/64GB

'Type' keyboard cover

Here's the specs for Surface for Windows 8 Pro:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
• Weight: 903 grams
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capcitive touchpanel
• Battery: 42Wh
• I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Software: Windows 8 Pro
• Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
• Capacity: 64GB/128GB

So what do you guys think? Worth getting it? I'd want to have a hands-on first to decide but from the first looks I'm already impressed. Hope it turns out great!

Source: Engadget