Microsoft Surface: All you need to know

| by Naina Khedekar

After all those in-depth speculations, here we have Microsoft show off its chic tablet, dubbed Surface.

Microsoft Surface: All you need to know

After all those in-depth speculations, Microsoft's finally unveiled its chic tablet, Surface. The software giant has made its presence felt for the past three decades, crafting ingenious software for computing, but this is the first tablet that it has ever built. Microsoft was a late entrant into the mobile world that had just two powerful entities – Apple and Android. Microsoft’s initial smartphones didn’t get much love and the company had begun to lose ground in the mobile terrain. The company bounced back with the tiled Windows Phone UI, and then made the big announcement of Windows 8, which would offer seamless experience for various platforms, like smartphones, tablets and desktops.


What is Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT?
Yesterday, as we pondered over what the big Microsoft announcement was, we wondered whether the company’s tablet would be based on Windows RT (Windows 8 operating system for ARM devices) or Windows 8. Interestingly, Microsoft dished out both – its new Surface line-up includes both - the Windows Surface RT (ARM tablet as Windows RT) and the Windows 8 Pro.

To begin with, if you are still confused over the Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro naming, then let us make it simple first. Windows RT is the name given to the Windows 8 operating system that will run on ARM-based devices. So, is that the only difference? Well, the answer is – No. Windows 8 (Windows 8 Pro) features both - a touch Metro UI and the traditional desktop seen in Windows 7. On the other hand, Windows RT will feature only the Metro UI. It is a complete touch experience without the traditional desktop. Windows Metro apps, according to MS will work across Windows 8 and Windows RT. The Surface for Windows 8 Pro will be like a full fledged computer that can run exe files.

 


Design
Microsoft displayed the Surface for Windows RT, featuring a classy and chic look. The Surface for Windows 8 Pro is said to feature the same design, but it will be a tad thicker and heavier. The casing of Surface has been created using a unique approach, called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mould metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. This finish helps the tablet exhibit a premium look and feel. Both tablets go beyond the existing screen sizes, and brings a large screen experience with displays measuring 10.6-inch. Both feature a high-res, 16:9 ClearType screen. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out. The Surface for Windows RT is 9.3mm slim and weighs 676 grams, while the Surface for Windows 8 Pro is a tad heavy at 903 grams and 13.5mm in thickness. Moreover, Microsoft has also added in the integral kickstand that adds viewing convenience. It is has been integrated using the VaporMg and is a part of the device without adding external bulk.

Features
One of the highlights of the new Microsoft tablets is the Touch Cover. This cover may remind you of the popular foldable iPad cover. However, Microsoft has more to it. This cover is about 3mm thick and if you just flip it, the back serves as a keyboard. So, now you may get a clear idea why the company added the kickstand. The keyboard also comes integrated with a multi-touch trackpad, and will be made available in vibrant colours. Using the unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than on an on-screen keyboard. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine, like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel. Now, this makes the Surface for Windows 8 Pro a perfect alternative for your netbooks.
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Tags: windows 8 tablet , microsoft surface , microsoft surface tablet , windows 8 surface tablets , microsoft surface tablet range , windows rt tablets , surface for windows rt , surface for windows 8 pro ,

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