Windows 8 on the Surface

[1]

Microsoft last week announced two new tablets running Windows 8. They go by the name of “Surface”, just like the company’s huge touch-screen table that’s been around for some time now. The Microsoft Surface tablets, as of now, will be in two varieties, one running on ARM based hardware and the other running on Intel’s hardware.
The ARM-based tablet will run Windows RT (The version of Windows 8 that runs or ARM based chips) and sport a 10.6 inch display with an HD display. This would probably imply a resolution of 1280x720 (i.e. 720p)or 1366x768. It’s 9.3mm thick and weighs 676g. Connectivity features include a microSD card slot, USB 2.0 port, Micro HD Video port and Wi-Fi. The tablet will come with 32GB and 64GB storage options. Office 15 apps will be included with the operating system.
The Intel-based tablet will likely contain a very low power i5 processor (like the Ultra-Low Voltage chips found in ultrabooks) with the same 10.6 inch display. However it’ll have a Full HD (i.e. 1080p) resolution. It’s a bit thicker and heavier than the Windows RT tablet, at 13.5mm and 903g. This machine will run Windows 8 Pro, which is the full uncut and uncompromised version of Windows 8, just like the one you’ll see in PCs. This will have a microSDXC card slot, USB 3.0 and Mini DisplayPort support and Wi-Fi. Storage will include 64GB and 128GB options. Another advantage this tablet has over the RT version is support for pen input; however you won’t get free MS Office.
The common features include front and rear cameras, and most notably, a casing and integrated stand which can be used to make the tablet stand erect. You can also use a soft detachable keyboard with an integrated trackpad that snaps on.
Microsoft has thrown in dual microphones and stereo speakers, so if you’re a fan of video conferencing, these things are an added bonus.
These tablets are designed by Microsoft and will most likely hit the market in its name, not one of its partners like Dell or Acer. This should, in effect, enable the company to lower prices by cutting the cost for the OS. Also, current speculation is that these tablets will sell for upwards of $600. Let’s hope the speculation is wrong and they’re more affordable for us all, because the effort put into the products seems solid. The devices will be available around the same time Windows 8 launches, which is later this year.

For updates, queries and feedback, follow us on facebook.com/TechChronicle.