Microsoft Announces 'Surface' Tablet 712
MrSeb was one of several submitters to write in about Microsoft's foray into the tablet hardware market. From the article: "At its much-discussed 'big unveil' this evening, Microsoft did indeed launch a tablet — but rumors that the device would showcase a Barnes & Noble partnership were misplaced. Instead, Microsoft showed a ... device that integrates a better keyboard option than typing on the screen without adding size or weight. That's where the new keyboard — which doubles as a screen cover — kicks in. At 3mm thick, it adds virtually nothing to the device's size, but it opens up a world of inputs. There are two covers available — the Touch Cover (very thin) and the Type Cover (with proper, tactile keys). Microsoft is touting the device's magnesium body, vapor-deposited construction, full PC functionality, and additional features like being the first tablet to showcase a 2×2 MIMO wireless antenna. Windows RT (ARM) and x86 versions are both in the works, with the x86 version apparently having a higher quality screen. No word on hardware specs yet; Microsoft is claiming it 'rivals the best ultrabooks' and uses less power than the Core i5."
Microsoft has a launch site with a few pictures. There is a vague spec sheet: the x86 version is slightly thicker and has a larger battery (and comes with a pen) than the ARM tablet, but that's about all it reveals. Update: 06/19 16:06 GMT by T : Nick Kolakowski at GeekNet's SlashCloud says this may be Microsoft's best chance to compete in a cloud-centric mobile computing world.
Surface Tablet (Score:2, Funny)
Firm for blade
Whose reflection shows
The foamy wave. .
Burma Shave
Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eternal_Father,_Strong_to_Save [wikipedia.org]
Man, You're Really Beating a Dead Horse (Score:5, Funny)
Had to include a keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
3 mm thin (Score:5, Funny)
From the Microsoft release:
"At 9.3mm, Surface for Windows RT is just thin enough to still sport a full sized USB port."
So if it was any thicker, it couldn't have such a port?? I know they don't want to say it is thick, but no need to murder the English language in the process.
Re:Had to include a keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
Expecting this today (Score:2, Funny)
Apple is now suing Microsoft for violation of their "unknown released features" patent.
Re:Surface is the iPad you can work on. Video. (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Had to include a keyboard (Score:5, Funny)
But... (Score:5, Funny)
Does it run linux?
Re:No! Are you trolling? (Score:4, Funny)
Well since the Lisa was 29 years ago, I'd say that a good track record.
Re:Vapor-deposited magnesium case? (Score:4, Funny)
Anyone want to shed some light on this process? Or is that simply some sort of oxide coating over the magnesium?
It's the hardware equivalent of vaporware.
Re:We'll see (Score:4, Funny)
Re:3 mm thin (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Neat cover ... (Score:4, Funny)
Not to mention, those big metro flat-colored squares don't get any sharper at higher rez.
Re:MyCleanPC is your God and savior (Score:5, Funny)
Reformatting and using all of the usual software to try to remove the virus didn't help at all!
Wow! Must be one of those magic virus that hides itself somewhere in the computer that survives wiping the hard drive. Either that or you are the most incompetent tech ever. I wouldn't take a recommendation for scam PC clean-up software from the world's most incompetent computer tech.
Re:Watch the keynote (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Zune or Xbox? (Score:5, Funny)
Competitive? They don't even sell 1k a week in Japan.
An American console with few Japanese-style games does not sell as well as a Japanese console that has many Japanese-style titles and is part of a console franchise that has a large fan base in Japan? Somebody stop the presses!
What will Microsoft do!? If only there were other markets outside of Japan that they could perform well in!
I wonder if American animation gets less sales in Japan than anime does too!
Re:Zune or Xbox? (Score:5, Funny)
Oh right. Just like a handful of early adopters make every year the year of the Linux desktop, right?
Repeat after me: "I do not have the market influence that my ego likes to suggest I do. I am a dirty, smelly open source hippy, and people disregard my opinions as the ravings of a slightly psychotic lunatic."
There. Now that you've admitted the truth, the healing can begin. The moment a "must-have" game is released on the PS4 is the moment people start buying it, regardless of your "Militant Advice."
Re:Wait, Surface? (Score:3, Funny)
They totally should have gone with Zune Pro and Zune Pro HD for these tablets, just to build on the strong brand MS has already built with the Zune name. Or Super Zune. Or Zune II.