Microsoft Surface: A Well-kept Secret Emerges

[Michael Knutson]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/18/3095683/microsoft-surface-tablet-versus-ipad-android' target='_blank'>http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/18/3...us-ipad-android</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"We saw plenty of crazy transforming tablets at Computex Taipei a couple of weeks back, even some that ran Windows 8, but nothing that could have prepared us for what Microsoft itself is building. The company unveiled a pair of 10.6-inch tablets dubbed "Surface" today, and they sound pretty sweet, with built-in stands, covers with embedded keyboards, and cases molded out of vapor-deposited magnesium ("VaporMg") with neatly beveled edges for a (hopefully) comfortable grip."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/lpt/auto/1340076476.usr17748.jpg" style="border: 0;" /></p><p>Who says that technology companies can't keep secrets? Microsoft's announcement of their new Surface tablets and accessories seemed to take the blogosphere by surprise.</p><p>Microsoft demoed only the magnesium-encased Surface for Windows RT version, with an NVidia Tegra (ARM) processor, 32/64GB SSD, weighing in at about 1.5-pounds, 9.3mm thick, with a 10.6-inch screen and a 16:9 aspect ration - labeled as "HD." The back contains a workable kickstand, and several 3mm cover keyboards were shown, that magnetically attach to the tablet. The battery will be 31.5Wh. This version will run Windows with desktop and MS Office, but will NOT run legacy applications. This is the "consumer" version of Surface.</p><p>The second tablet, Surface for Windows 8 Pro, will sport an Intel Ivy Bridge processor, and be somewhat larger, 13.5mm thick and about 2-pounds. With a higher resolution display, labeled "Full HD," a larger 42Wh battery, larger SSD offerings, and higher-speed ports (USB3 vs USB2), this tablet will run legacy Windows applications, MS Office, and of course new Windows 8 Metro apps. This is the "professional" or "prosumer" version of Surface.</p><p>With these announcements, the Windows 8 tablet race has quickly ratcheted-up, and other vendors are quickly releasing specs on their competitive products, many already touting themselves as being better than the new MS tablets. Now we wait for further news on price and availability. Anyone ready to buy a Surface?</p>

[Macguy59]

Just finished watching the keynote. My first thought is (actually every time I see Ballmer on stage) they desperately need a new front man to give the keynote. Second thought is I hope execution is better than the presentation. Admittedly I'm used to Apple's well rehearsed and slick keynotes but this one was terribly boring. Most of the people on stage would have froze if the teleprompter failed. Pretty obvious that some of the presenters had not spent much (if any) time rehearsing. Which is a shame because I like the look of the tablets and the concept of the touch cover. Speaking of that cover . . . it was amazing how much time was devoted to it and not once were we shown it actually being used to type anything. I also came away with the impression that these tablets are going too be expensive even in the cheapest configuration. Ballmer needs to get out of the way and let the company grow IMO.

[Michael Knutson]

I would tend to agree about Steve Ballmer. A smart guy, just doesn't to inspire - a manager rather than a leader. Microsoft seems to be stagnating a bit under his stewardship, similar (IMHO) to Cisco and John Chambers. Potentially a game-changing device, but personally I would've done the 'business-focused' Surface first, as Apple will be tough to compete against in the consumer space, although the RT version 'should' run MS Office ... Let's see if MS gets Surface to market before MSO arrives on iOS (even though it's still only a rumor).

That keyboard certainly does promise a lot, and if I'm running Excel on "something," I sure don't want to have to rely on a touch keyboard (ugh). Maybe I'll bug the guys at the local Microsoft Store (almost next door to the Apple Store at a local mall) for some details.

Speaking of the MS store, they do have some really nice Windows 7 tablets, but really expensive.