The Microsoft Surface tablets
Microsoft Surface tablet
After many speculations, about what is going to be shown at the even, which Microsoft recently held, the result is clear- the software giant has revealed two tablets, on which it also showed off the next version of their platform. Both of the devices rely on a ClearType HD 16:9 display with a diagonal of 10.6″, though they feature different types of processors and therefor run different versions of Windows 8 – Pro and RT. The specifications of both devices are quite impressive, though the x86 based one is clearly going to be superior – it’s going to feature a full HD screen, Core i5 processor (an Ivy Bridge one, of course, meaning that it’s made by a 22nm fabrication process), 64 or 128GB of memory, a microSDXC slot, a USB 3.0 port and a 42 Wh battery, all of which has been made to fit a 13.5mm thick body, which weighs in at just over 900 grams. The other device is considerably lighter and thinner – just 676 grams and 9.3 mm, but than again its hardware is a bit more… average. The procession power is going to come from a Tegra 3 chip, while its display has a 720p resolution.
Microsoft Surface tablet
The Surface tablet also has a smaller (31.5 Wh) battery than its bigger brother, though battery life as a whole is expected to be the same, because of the better energy efficiency of ARM-based chips in comparison to the x86 ones. The device features include a USB port (sadly just a regular 2.0 one) and microSD card slot,as well as two HD cameras and 2×2 MIMO antennas (which can be found in the x86 tablet as well).
Microsoft Surface tablet
The tablets have been thought of and developed solely by Microsoft employees and among their distinguishing design features is the body, which has been made by a special Magnesium alloy,manufactured using a so-called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag) technology, which Microsoft say not only makes the devices feel special – like a luxury watch, but also allows them to be both thinner and tougher in the same time. This has also enabled the company to incorporate a special stand, which hasn’t made the device any thinner. The software company is also going to release two very interesting covers for their devices – the first one is just 3mm thick and includes a sensor-based keyboard, while the second is a bit thicker – 5mm, but also comes with movable keys and even a touchpad. Both covers are going to be available in a number of colors and will connect to the tablets by magnets.
Microsoft Surface tablets
Pricing remains unknown, though, according to Microsoft themselves, the Surface tablet, which uses an ARM-based chip, is going to be in the same price range as most of its competitors, while the x86-based gadget, which is going to be released three months later, is going to be priced like an ultrabook. B. A.