Is it a tablet? Is it a laptop? It’s Microsoft’s take on the iPad
Forget the next iWhatever, the biggest news of 2012 will be the arrival of Windows 8 later this year. It’s a cross-platform operating system (OS) that will look almost identical across computer, phone, Xbox and tablet. It’s the big M’s biggest change in years and, judging by the look of its new Surface Tablet, might just put this heritage tech brand back in our cool books, plus give Apple’s iPad a run for its money.
Microsoft claims the Surface is a content-creation product, showcased by the inclusion of a pop-up keyboard built into the surround of the Touch Cover and Type Cover cases. These cool accessories magnetically latch onto the Surface and act as protector, kick-stand and input device simultaneously. It’s the first tablet we’ve seen that promotes the keyboard so fervently, marrying the versatility of a laptop with the touch-screen nature of a tab.
With Intel spending millions on the promotion of its Ultrabooks – super thin, super light laptops with superb battery life – it’s also an interesting time to launch. Before Google and Apple run off with the whole industry, Microsoft needs to make its stamp on the tablet market.
An entry-level Surface runs Windows RT – Microsoft’s tablet-specific OS – and houses an ARM CPU. A chunkier – by 4.2mm – and heavier – by 227g – version is loaded with Windows 8 Pro and an Intel Core processor. A 10.6-inch screen adorns each, with the more expensive model benefitting from full HD resolution.
Storage ranges from 32GB to 128GB and a microSD allows you to add more. Are you reading, Apple?
Windows 8 uses a tile system called Metro as its menu system, which all but does away with the familiar Start button and makes software touch friendly and quick to launch. Apps on the Windows Store aren’t as far reaching as those on Apple’s App Store but will only grow when Windows 8 gets its full release later this year. Price is yet to be announced but judging by the online demos we’ve seen and the gorgeous design, this could be Microsoft’s finest hour since Windows 95.
