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Microsoft Surface Tablet Specs overview: All about the tablet computer

By Al Ngullie, Guest Writer

Microsoft Corporation has launched ‘Microsoft Surface Tablet’, the software giant’s new series of tablet computers which I believe is “in response” to the Apple iPad. 

So why would Microsoft come up with a tablet computer only now? Ask Apple and what it has been doing to eat into the hitherto-indomitable market hitherto-controlled by Windows. I mean the specs of OSs have been reinvented over and over again while MS continues to milk its aging franchise.  Well, at least until now – the Windows 8 is here.  

That aside, by first look at the Surface Tablet’s design and a sneak peek at its specifications and features, the new device definitely testifies to observations that the corporation is finally shifting to new technological paradigms particularly in the face of Apple’s onslaught at the personal appliances market.

Microsoft Surface Tablet

So what did MS come up with, to try pushing a condescending thumb into Apple’s face? Well, it depends on what your definition of ‘utility’ is. For instance, what is in the Apple iPad that you have had to hope for an “upgrade”? Exactly. The way I see it, the Surface is Tablet is a step – if a slightly ginger one, I say – forward which would certainly force Apple on the defensive at least in terms of the iPad’s usability and interface. 

Preview the Surface Specs

Let’s see some of the things MS is throwing out with the Surface Tablet to try wean you away from the iPad. The full specifications are yet to be released but here are some of them I fished out at Andy's constant prodding.

  • The tablet has two versions: The Surface RT version and the Surface Pro Version. The Surface Tablet Windows 8 Pro runs on Intel Ivy Bridge i5 processor and the Surface Tablet Windows RT runs on ARM.
  • Both the versions have built-in accelerometers in their keyboards – when the keyboards (or pads or “covers”) are folded back, they stop drawing power.
  • The biggest one yet: The Surface Tablet is powered by the new Windows 8 OS. Do you smell competition? You could almost touch it, in fact. Of course, you already knew that one. Sorry I forgot.
  • The Windows RT weighs 676g, 9.3mm thin and has 10.6’, 16:9 “ClearType HD” display while the power source is a 31.5W-h battery.
  • The Surface Pro model is heavier at 930g and thicker at 13.5mm. The display is simply being called “Full HD” for now but I think the “full HD” means 1920x1080-resolution which is a ‘standard’ range for full high-definition display. The Pro’s battery is at 42W-h.
  • The tablet boasts of a new touch-friendly interface dubbed "Metro"  - it runs on Windows 8 and is the same Metro interface used in desktop personal computers PCs. That will explain the kickstand (see below) 
  • One of the most "interesting" features of the Surface Tablet is the keyboard which in fact does double duty as cover and well, yes, touch-and-type-keyboard. Of course, all of Microsoft's popular Office suite applications are there. Oh did I mention that the ‘cover’ has both a “type” and “touch” capability in one? No it is a light as your handkerchief. And won't worry the type-touch pad 'cover' comes in many other colors other than that awful pink.
  • Here is something for the scribbling addicts: The Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet supports a ‘digital’ pen input that boasts of about 600dpi resolution.
  • Both Surface Tablet versions are equipped with twin cameras, stereo speakers and dual microphones. Of course, just in case Microsoft Corp wants us to think otherwise.
  • The Surface tablets are a bit heavier than the iPad but slightly thinner that chief competitor. It comes with a 10.6 inch screen and the two versions boasts of 32GB and 64GB memory specs.
  • This tablet boasts of a full-sized USB port which I believe would leave devoted “padders” rejoicing.
  • The Windows RT version of Surface has USB 2.0, with USB 3.0 on the Windows 8 Professional version. Reportedly, the Pro version uses a USB 3.0 “because the core logic chip-set of Intel's Ivy Bridge chips support the standard.”
  • The tablet has a kickstand which folds outward to support the device and hold it in up-slant position. MS probably figured that the feature would impress buyers with the perception that the Surface Tablet is in fact a “desktop PC.” Or something.
Microsoft Surface Tablet
The full specifications of the MS Surface Tablet are yet to be released. But, definitely, the device will eat into Apple iPad’s pie simply for the reason that the former offers an new operation system that envisages to define the functionality of the iPad with the ease and attitude of Windows. Let’s see how it goes - but I have no doubt Microsoft just landed a winner with the Surface Tablet. Or?  
  
(Al Ngullie is a Journalist and Writer from India. I'm mighty glad for my pal agreeing to guest blog for me here. Big thanks Al - Andy)
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