AfterDawn: News

Microsoft's unveils 'Surface' Windows tablet with multitouch keyboard

Microsoft has used their impromptu 'mystery' event to unveil the rumored 'Surface' Windows RT tablet.

So far, from the specs revealed we can see that the device is a 16:9 display, 10.6-inch screen, the edges are beveled at 22 degrees, and is just 9.3mm thick. The display has Gorilla Glass 2 and you can connect to "the strongest Wi-Fi connection ever."



The case is built of magnesium, and the "liquid metal is formed into an ultra rigid and light frame" while weighing just 1.5 lbs.

Additionally, the device has access to all Windows apps for music, movies and more, and all games from the Windows Store. Full Microsoft Office is installed, as well.

Surface will be a line of products including a Windows RT version and a Windows 8 Pro model. The RT model is powered by a Tegra 3 processor and the Pro is powered by an Intel i5.

The Surface has two digitizers, one for touch, one for digital ink, and 600 DPI, allowing for full editing using a stylus.

There was no word on price except to say it will be "competitive" with other ARM-based tablets. This means $500 or more.

More notably, is the case, which doubles as a kickstand and a full multi-touch keyboard. Check the pictures for the awesome look of the new case:










Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 18 Jun 2012 19:15

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• 19 comments

• bobiroc

  Well since Microsoft is making both the hardware and software in this case there should be no issues with them including some of their own branded software with the device like browsers, media players, mail clients, etc...
  
  Also I would like to know more about what is powering the device processing wise and projected price range.
  

  AMD Phenom II 965 @ 3.67Ghz, 8GB DDR3, ATI Radeon 5770HD, 240GB OCZ Vertex 3, 2TB Additional HDD, Windows 7 Ultimate.
  
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  18.6.2012 19:55 #1

• dukedotcom (unverified)

  On the surface it looks good, but what's inside?

  18.6.2012 19:58 #2

• flyingpen

  I'm 100% getting one. I don't know which version yet, but I've been waiting for a tablet EXACTLY like this!
  

  Carpe Noctem

  18.6.2012 22:01 #3

• Mysttic

  I read rumor that it has a 3.1GHz 6-core CPU and a 1GB DDR-5 Vid. Anyone out there that can confirm either or?

  18.6.2012 22:04 #4

• plutonash

  Originally posted by bobiroc: Well since Microsoft is making both the hardware and software in this case there should be no issues with them including some of their own branded software with the device like browsers, media players, mail clients, etc...
  
  Also I would like to know more about what is powering the device processing wise and projected price range. I'm surprised AD is lacking with that. The ARM version is an nvidia Tegra chip, while the pro version is powered by the intel ivy bridge i5 processor.
  

  "Cable thief is a victimless crime."

  18.6.2012 22:35 #5

• CJ007

  I have an IPad 1stG, if this is priced within the new IPad price range, I'm definitely getting this replacement.

  18.6.2012 22:55 #6

• Bozobub

  If this has USB ports (and I believe it does), it's quite attractive. Too bad about Win8...

  19.6.2012 11:23 #7

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by Bozobub: If this has USB ports (and I believe it does), it's quite attractive. Too bad about Win8... Full sized USB port and MicroSD card slot. I actually think Win8 is very nice in tablet form. On a desktop without a touch screen or multi-touch capable input device maybe not so much.
  

  AMD Phenom II 965 @ 3.67Ghz, 8GB DDR3, ATI Radeon 5770HD, 240GB OCZ Vertex 3, 2TB Additional HDD, Windows 7 Ultimate.
  
  http://www.facebook.com/BlueLightningTechnicalServices

  19.6.2012 11:28 #8

• LordRuss

  Interesting, a laptop replacement for a lack of better description. Other than the stupidity resolution of the MacBook Pro Retina display, I'm to believe that this bugger has more shit & git than that has. Nor does it have the new proprietary Apple Uber cable (can't remember what that's called right at the moment), but then nobodies sporting that tech in droves at the moment either.
  
  Other than the possibility for the need for USB 3 or SATA this puppy 'could/might' handle some functions that an IT guy might want that's on the fly that used to be over burdened with the larger laptop.
  
  And that's a big might, seeing as 8 has yet to be fielded - this item has RT, not Win 8 respectively & nothing has yet to be fielded as far as accoutrements for work environments that an IT guy would want that would make this a 'laptop replacement'.
  
  "IF" we were to look at this device in this fashion. Because I certainly wouldn't buy it for surfing the net & doing a couple of spread sheet at the house on.
  

  http://onlyinrussellsworld.blogspot.com

  19.6.2012 14:19 #9

• Bozobub

  Er... The "Pro" version uses an i5 CPU, and runs any Windows software (that'll run in Win8, that is).

  19.6.2012 14:45 #10

• ThePastor

  Yeah, I'd be interested in the pro version which I believe has full Win8 (not winRT)
  The price point is the key here.
  
  Also, No USB 3.0? Why not?
  Ahh, the pro version has USB 3.0
  
  I am very interested in seeing this, but my guess is that it will be overpriced.
  

  Oh, Im sorry... Did the middle of my sentence interrupt the beginning of yours?

  19.6.2012 15:55 #11

• brockie

  much more interested in this than an ipad.

  19.6.2012 22:04 #12

• Bozobub

  If it has the graphics muscle to play modern games decently with most effects turned on, the "Pro" version will be a true iPad-killer, in my opinion.

  19.6.2012 23:12 #13

• jrp696

  This is gonna be killer. Full OS on a tablet. Apple will put OSX on their ipads if this takes off.
  

  19.6.2012 23:23 #14

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by Bozobub: If it has the graphics muscle to play modern games decently with most effects turned on, the "Pro" version will be a true iPad-killer, in my opinion. Most likely will have Intel HD4000 graphics onboard the i5 version with the full OS. A dedicated card from AMD or NVidia would most likely be too hot. Maybe they could build an AMD APU version as those run fairly cool and the integrated graphics is much better than Intel's offerings in most cases.
  

  AMD Phenom II 965 @ 3.67Ghz, 8GB DDR3, ATI Radeon 5770HD, 240GB OCZ Vertex 3, 2TB Additional HDD, Windows 7 Ultimate.
  
  http://www.facebook.com/BlueLightningTechnicalServices

  19.6.2012 23:31 #15

• badmanvan

  No matter what it looks like its still a Microsoft Product and as such buyers will be forced to update/patch for years to come....nothing new there hey....
  

  badman

  21.6.2012 08:19 #16

• bobiroc

  Originally posted by badmanvan: No matter what it looks like its still a Microsoft Product and as such buyers will be forced to update/patch for years to come....nothing new there hey.... Oh so you never update or patch your MacOS, iOS, Linux, or Android Systems? Wow you must be really insecure.
  
  Gotta love ignorance
  

  AMD Phenom II 965 @ 3.67Ghz, 8GB DDR3, ATI Radeon 5770HD, 240GB OCZ Vertex 3, 2TB Additional HDD, Windows 7 Ultimate.
  
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  21.6.2012 08:22 #17

• 4iiiis

  Originally posted by badmanvan: No matter what it looks like its still a Microsoft Product and as such buyers will be forced to update/patch for years to come....nothing new there hey.... Shake the tree and a Apple Fan-boy falls out every time.

  28.6.2012 12:49 #18

• voyager

  Originally posted by Bozobub: If this has USB ports (and I believe it does), it's quite attractive. Too bad about Win8... So yeah....USB port is very important to me.

  28.6.2012 15:20 #19