In a major shift, Microsoft has jumped into the hardware business, launching the "Surface," a tablet that competes with the iPad.
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| Front view |
The Surface is a thin tablet with a kickstand built in. It runs Windows 8.
We took live notes of the announcement. They are below.
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| Front View |
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| Back View |
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| Side view |
9.3 mm thin
Full-sized USB port
Magnesium case
Weighs 1.5 lbs
10.6-inch display
Built-in kickstand
Magnetic cover, similar to Apple's Smart Cover for iPad
Cover has a flip-out multi-touch keyboard with trackpad
The keyboard-cover accessory is just 3 mm thin
Two versions: The RT version will only run Windows 8 apps. The Pro version will run all Windows apps.
The pro version is a bit thicker and heavier. 14mm thick. Weighs slightly less than 2 lbs.
Pro version has perimeter venting to keep the device cool.
Pen (stylus) input.
The pro version is essentially a full desktop PC crammed into a tablet.
No price or release date yet.
