Microsoft recently introduced their new line of tablets, Surface, in an attempt to fight their way through tough competition from Google and Apple in the tablet market. Surface has two versions, a tablet version that will run on Windows RT and a Pro version that will run on Windows 8.
Surface tablets come with an integrated kickstand that helps prop them up for easy viewing and a keyboard that doubles up as the cover. Microsoft has not mentioned the expected launch date or the price of the products. Several other important details regarding the battery life and such were left unaddressed. What is known is that the Windows RT tablet will be 9.3mm thick and weigh 1.5 pounds, as well as offer 32GB or 64GB of storage space. The Surface Pro running on Windows 8, 13.5mm thick and weighing 1.9 pounds, will offer 64GB or 128GB of storage space. This makes the tablet version lighter than the Pro. However, both the devices are heavier than the iPad which weighs 1.4 pounds. While the Windows RT tablet is thicker than the iPad by 0.37 inches, the Pro is thicker by 0.53 inches.
Regarding the screen size, both the devices have a display screen measuring 10.6 inches. In this respect, the screen size is bigger than the iPad, whose display measures 9.7 inches. Surface is expected to have an aspect ratio of 16:9 with HD display, but it cannot be compared to the retina display that the iPad offers.
Unlike the smooth aluminum contours of the iPad, the Surface tablets have an angular approach. They also have a ‘VaporMg’ finishing on the case which supposedly makes it easier to hold the device. The cover of the device will double up as a 3mm thick keyboard that has a magnetic edge, closely built like the iPad’s Smart Cover. The keyboard comes in a thick and thin version, depending upon the choice of the user.
With Microsoft manufacturing their own hardware, they have placed themselves in direct competition with their own partners who help them manufacture Windows PCs. But with PC manufacturers gaining little success over tablet makers, Microsoft has nothing to be worried about. Like Apple, by managing the hardware and software of their product themselves, they are hoping to be in better control of the product’s performance, making sure that they give Apple tough competition in the tablet market.
June 22, 2012 at 4:47 pm
“The keyboard comes in a thick and thin version, depending upon the choice of the user.”
The reason for the thickness difference is the keyboard design. The thicker one has keys that travel a short distance to have a normal keyboard feel for touch typists. It isn’t just a consumer choice of they want a thick or thin cover.