Michal Ždanský Microsoft unexpectedly called a mysterious press event for Monday, where it was supposed to present something big. There was talk of acquisitions, new services for Xbox, but finally the company presented its own tablet in Los Angeles, or rather two tablets, in response to the growing market of Post PC devices, in an area where the iPad still reigns.
Microsoft Surface
The tablet is called Surface, so it shares the same name with the interactive touch table introduced by Bill Gates. It has two versions, the first of which uses the ARM architecture and runs Windows 8 RT, an operating system designed for tablets and ARM processors. The second model runs full-fledged Windows 8 Pro - thanks to the Intel chipset. Both tablets have the same design, their surface consists of magnesium processed by PVD technology. On the outside, it is interesting that the back of the tablet folds out to create a stand, without the need to use a case.
The ARM version with the Nvidia Tegra 3 chipset is 9,3 mm thick (0,1 mm thinner than the new iPad), weighs 676 g (the New iPad is 650 g) and has a 10,6″ ClearType HD display protected by Gorilla Glass, with with a resolution of 1366 x 768 and an aspect ratio of 16:10. There are no buttons in the front, they are located on the sides. You'll find a power switch, a volume rocker, and several connectors – USB 2.0, Micro HD video out, and MicroSD.
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Unfortunately, the tablet has no mobile connectivity, it only has to make do with Wi-Fi, which is at least strengthened by a pair of antennas. This is a concept called MIMO, thanks to which the device should have much better reception. Microsoft is stubbornly silent about the durability of the device, we only know from the specifications that it has a battery with a capacity of 35 Watt/hour. The ARM version will be sold in 32GB and 64GB versions.
The version with an Intel processor is (according to Microsoft) intended for professionals who want to use a full-fledged system on a tablet with applications written for the x86/x64 architecture. This was demonstrated by running the desktop version of Adobe Lightroom. The tablet is slightly heavier (903 g) and thicker (13,5 mm). It received a more interesting set of ports - USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort and a slot for micro SDXC cards. At the heart of the tablet beats a 22nm Intel Ivy Bridge processor. The diagonal is the same as the ARM version, i.e. 10,6″, but the resolution is higher, Microsoft states Full HD. A small gem is that this version of the tablet has vents on the sides for ventilation. The Intel-powered Surface will be sold in 64GB and 128GB versions.
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Microsoft has been tight-lipped about pricing so far, revealing only that they will be competitive with existing tablets (i.e. the iPad) in the case of the ARM version and ultrabooks in the case of the Intel version. Surface will ship with the Office suite designed for Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT.
Accessories: Keyboard in case and stylus
Microsoft also introduced accessories designed for the Surface. The most interesting is the pair of covers Touch Cover and Type Cover. The first of them, the Touch Cover is 3 mm thin, attaches to the tablet magnetically just like the Smart Cover. In addition to protecting the Surface display, it includes a full keyboard on the other side. The individual keys have noticeable cutouts and are tactile, with pressure sensitivity, so they are not classic push-buttons. In addition to the keyboard, there is also a touchpad with a pair of buttons on the surface.
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For users who prefer the classic type of keyboard, Microsoft has also prepared the Type Cover, which is 2 mm thicker, but offers the keyboard we know from laptops. Both types will likely be available for purchase separately – just like the iPad and Smart Cover are, in five different colors. A keyboard built into the cover is certainly nothing new, we could already see something similar from third-party iPad cover manufacturers. The model from Microsoft does not need Bluetooth, it communicates with the tablet via a magnetic connection.
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The second type of Surface accessory is a special stylus with digital ink technology. It has a resolution of 600 dpi and is apparently intended only for the Intel version of the tablet. It has two digitizers, one for sensing touch, the other for the stylus. The pen also has a built-in proximity sensor, thanks to which the tablet recognizes that you are writing with a stylus and will ignore finger or palm touches. It can also be magnetically attached to the side of the Surface.
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Quo vadis, Microsoft?
Although the introduction of the tablet was a surprise, it is a relatively logical step for Microsoft. Microsoft has missed two very important markets – music players and smart phones, where it is trying to catch up with the captive competition, so far with little success. Surface comes two years after the first iPad, but on the other hand, it will still be difficult to make a mark in a market saturated with iPads and the cheap Kindle Fire.
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So far, Microsoft is missing the most important thing - and that is third-party applications. Although it showed Netflix designed for touch screens at the presentation, it will take some time to build a similar database of applications that the iPad enjoys. The potential of the Surface will also depend partly on this. The situation could be very similar to the Windows Phone platform, which developers show much less interest in than iOS or Android. It's nice that you can run most desktop applications on the Intel version, but you'll need a touchpad to control them, you can't do much with your finger, and the stylus is a trip to the past.
In any case, we are looking forward to the new Surface reaching our editorial office, where we can compare it with the new iPad.
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From the sides, according to the video, it doesn't look pretty. :D
They copy wherever they can :D what else can we expect from MSFT, the presentation pictures remind me of Apple + T-Mobile :D it's crazy... I can already see someone using a Surface Tab on the tram with bottles and other stuff sticking out of the ports :D it will be a sight like a sea urchin. Now it could just happen that people will be excited about it, which I hope won't happen, but I definitely agree that it's a logical step and I would quite like to try their shop ;). So, just a final question for MSFT - When can I expect an MS Store with a big glass glowing windows logo.
One more addition, at least I could once allow myself to praise MS a little and say that it is about 1000x better than any tablet with Android and even nicer, and in addition, they have taken the right path (for now) and make their own devices. The question is whether I will then sell the classic MSFŤácky license to W8RT for other tablet makers or whether they will keep it for themselves or for one other manufacturer.
I think it's Nokia access, but I'm not sure about the others.
If USB was introduced by Apple in the iPad, then everyone here would be cheering, now you are just cursing a quite useful thing that Apple replaces with 150 reductions to their wide connector.
I wouldn't summarize, not everyone would appreciate this in the iPad, I certainly don't and I still maintain that USB does not belong in the iPad and I would fight for the existing dock and its future immutability!
The ad is nice, it has to be left ;-)
the ad was really successful, I confess I didn't read the article, I just watched the video, but don't the drops of metal and the scenes from the "terminator" indicate the use of Liquid-Metal?
Nonsense, Apple has exclusivity for that ;) so they would certainly infringe a lot of patents. in addition, the article talks about a magnesium cover, if I'm not mistaken.
in the article, perhaps, but in Microsoft's presentation, the gentleman talks about Liquid - Metal, I may have missed the context or Microsoft really overtook Apple in the introduction of this technology
Where is the presentation? I'll let it go. BTW. Steve Ballmer can't even be trusted with his nose between his eyes, so maybe :D
Liquidmetal is a trademark, something like Coca-cola. MS Surface uses a material called VaporMG, something like Pepsi.
The same is simply not the same. Uncle Google found:
VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
Like Pepsi :D so worse :D
I would first look at the presentation and then at the wiki
I quote "surface is the first PC with a full magnesium case through unique process the liquid metal is form in to ultra rigid and ultra light frame..."
plus, look at the advertising video, there's metal powder everywhere, metal "puddle"
Jason, I agree with you. I just think that the production process here will be different than for the "Liquidmetal" brand, so it will be something a little different. By the way, I don't know if you have any experience with soldering. When you heat tin, it looks exactly like a metal drop/puddle.
I sent it twice already, you have the link somewhere for approval in the system, 2 comments from me, so delete one
I already found it, it's a precise comedy :D
So I've already listened to the part where they talk about the body, it's said to be the first computer whose casing is made entirely of magnesium. It is made by a process where the desired shape is formed from liquid "molten" metal (liquid metal) with the help of magnets.
And that's what I wanted to say "from liquid "molten" metal (liquid metal)" not from the material called Liquidmetal. And that's where the difference lies.
in the article, perhaps, but in Microsoft's presentation, the gentleman talks about Liquid - Metal, I may have missed the context or Microsoft really overtook Apple in the introduction of this technology
So that it is not another HP Slate :-) The prices will certainly not be low, which will not add much to sales either.
Otherwise, I praise the keyboard in the cover.
well, once upon a time people bought apple products because it had a stamp of uniqueness... just not just anyone had it. today, apple is a mass product, and the exceptions are people who have something else to write about
maybe this could be ideal for these people? you decide on a centimeter-wide plate, which works like a normal x86 desktop, and it will give you better performance than anything else :D
as for the USB, the device has 2 ways of working...either manually or in desktop mode (keyboard, stylus (the fact that it is an outdated device is stupid, the stylus has its advantages) and you need a USB if you want to connect a mouse, a flash drive , printer, HDD, or maybe a steering wheel.) just a full-fledged usb 3 that increases the possibilities of this device— if I ever felt like a coot on a tablet, then when I downloaded photos from an iPad with the help of a reduction to SD cards, memory sticks for photos are, in my opinion, the basis for this type of device)
otherwise I don't like it very much, I would prefer an ultrabook with the same technology, only a fixed keyboard that can rotate 180 degrees, but of course someone else will come up with that in a couple of months... I feel like Lenovo
Think what you will, but I certainly wouldn't condemn the stylus. On the contrary. I would take him now. It's not bad to type with that keyboard, but the occasional notes in writing are priceless. Already for reasons of clarity, speed and the possibility of supplementing drawings. Once upon a time, Apple declared that the stylus was a thing of the past and everyone was nodding their heads off. But my opinion is that the stylus has a future, but not in its current form and quality. Maybe the time will come when apple will improve it and declare that we can't really live without a stylus. And we'll all be nodding our heads in insanity. And I. However, it must be emphasized that this will not happen before the improvement occurs.
Howgh, I made a deal! :)
In the title you state that Microsoft presented a competitor to the iPad, but I can't find it anywhere in the article :P
:D luxury comment :D
I think that MS has hit a blind spot on the market with this. People miss the physical keyboard. I leave Android devices aside, after my experience with the Lenovo Thinkpad Tablet, I would completely cancel Android for tablets.
I think the performance will be quite high and if MS directs it in the right direction and especially in the business sphere, I think a lot of companies will switch to it. Metro is really great for both phones and tablets. I have to admit as an Apple fan that the design of the applications just gets me and is intuitive.
LoL is probably fucking me :D I watched the conference and Steve barely opened his mouth so it was one lie after another :D that Microsoft is the leader of innovation and that they have completely changed the whole industry and I don't know what kind of bluffs :D i.e. the man is a terrible jerk and it's also well paid for it.
:D it's really a bunch of amateurs at MSFT :D the guy representing Surface (some boss of the Surface team) suddenly gets stuck in his speech, tunes something on the Surface Tab and says oops, then runs to the table, takes another Surface Tab and continues : D that's a terrible piece of shit. If Apple had such a Keynote, it would have gone bankrupt a long time ago.
Then I would recommend watching this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KsKKQNZG3rE
That's how it got to me, I was rolling with laughter but really great and the audience was laughing, while at MSFT it's just embarrassing and no one from the audience made a sound during almost the entire presentation of Surface :D. Moreover, SJ always managed to handle these situations with humor, as the video shows.
so I won't even read it, just look at the 1st photo in the article... (rubbers attack)....
It's total nonsense... In my opinion, the battery won't last long... It's nice that it has USB, but I have no idea what it will be good for... Apple created the ipad and the macbook air relied on cloud applications... So the data is on the servers... What I need is I'll download it, I don't know what I should put in the usb on the iPad... Only a reduction to sd or usb for photos... I'll copy them anyway and I'll have them on the photo stream right away so I can delete them again... The stylus is a nice thing... If I understand it well, it can be switched like this that it won't respond to hands but only to the stylus... For people who like to draw or fix photos, it could be very interesting... a good post is about connecting the steering wheel to USB... I can already see how the dude comes to starbucks, takes the steering wheel out of his backpack and plays NFS …
If it was just a tablet, I wouldn't give it much of a chance, but the keyboard in the cover is exactly why a lot of people will buy it! I wonder how long the folding stand will last. Personally, I hate it when someone rattles around somewhere and doesn't live there the way they should..
I just want to say my opinion on the style of the presentation according to the photos... he just divided the presentation into important things... Apple is simply luxury and perfection :-)))
It looks pretty good. I'm curious about the first review.