Microsoft announce Surface tablets

Just a few days ago we reported that there were rumours going around, suggesting that Microsoft may produce their own tablets running Windows 8. Microsoft has now officially announced the Surface Tablet. There are two different variations on the tablet, one running Windows RT and the other Windows 8 Pro. With the different software, there is also a slight change in specifications.

Both models feature a 10.6 inch ClearType HD display with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 technology. Both also feature 2×2 MIMO antennae and microSD support and available in a 32GB version. That however is where the variations begin.

The Microsoft Surface with Windows RT weighs 676g and is 9.3mm thin and is powered by an NVIDIA Arm-based processor, while the Surface tablet running Windows 8 Pro weighs in slightly heavier at 903g and is 13.5mm thin. Processor wise, it uses the Intel Core Ivy Bridge CPU.

Full specifications for both models are listed below:

Surface

• OS: Windows RT
• Weight: 676 g
• Thickness: 9.3 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• CPU: ARM-based by NVIDIA
• Battery: 31.5 W-h battery
• Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Weight: 903 g
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
• CPU: Intel Core Ivy Bridge
• Batter: 42 W-h battery
• Connectivity: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB

As well as announcing the tablets, Microsoft also announced four accessories. There’s a 0.7mm thick built in stand which comes with both Surface models, a Type cover which is 0.5mm and features a physical keyboard with trackpad buttons. Alternatively there’s the Touch Cover which is 0.3mm thick and is a full multi touch keyboard dock, with trackpad that also acts as a magnetic cover.

The final accessory is “Pen with Palm Book” that magnetizes to the body of the Microsoft surface and offers digital ink support. The Pen with Palm Book appears to only be compatible with the Surface Pro Windows 8 tablet.

Microsoft have said the ARM model will be priced competitively with other ARM tablets and will launch at the same time as Windows 8. The Surface Pro tablet will be more expensive and in the ultrabook price range. Microsoft will release the Windows 8 Pro powered Surface tablet around 90 days later than the ARM powered model.