EDMONTON – Microsoft’s just announced Windows 8 Surface tablet stirred up the tech community and consumers alike. It was supposed to. Surface is different than the iPad as its mission, according to Microsoft, is to combine tablets and laptops in one device.
It is designed to run the upcoming Windows 8, an icon-based operating system replacing the current Windows 7.
The Surface is also a public shot across the bow of Windows computer makers, so expect many variations of the Surface to show up before launch date late fall. Companies like Samsung have already released Windows 8 devices. This means a wider variety of size, almost all incorporating a physical QWERTY keyboard, better screen display and more power.
Microsoft making its own tablet is not new. The company made the first prototype for a Windows tablet PC to spur on computer makers back in 2001. Six months later, more than half a dozen Windows tablet PCs from different companies were available on launch day.
But this time Microsoft will be selling its own tablet in the Surface model, a delicate balancing act with its computer maker partners but a strong message to Apple and consumers that they are coming back with one device that can behave like a tablet and a computer in one device.
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How is Surface different from the iPad?
It’s slightly larger with a 10.6-inch high-resolution screen, thinner at 9.3 mm featuring a cover that flips to a full QWERTY keyboard. It also includes a sensitive screen pen and a built-in kickstand. It will run on a special RT WINDOWS 8 (pricier models will run a full version of Windows 8) like the iOS iPad, Android and BlackBerry tablets run, but with Windows 8 DNA.
The biggest difference is how well-polished the Apple iOS devices are between each other, the huge apps for iOS and the most comprehensive media purchasing and sharing in iTunes. Microsoft has its Live Marketplace started out from its Xbox gaming service, but does not specifically attract general consumers like Apple does. We don’t know what Microsoft’s plans are for integrating its online services with consumers.
What is similar?
The current Surface runs an ARM processor, similar to chips running on most smartphones and tablets, including iOS iPads. Its touchscreen is similar to the iPad and it has all the wireless radios onboard. We don’t know if it will be able to access cellular data. It will be available in 32/64 GB versions but will be followed by a more powerful Intel chip and 64/128 GB memory model. Microsoft said pricing will be similar to current competitors; the iPad starts at $519. The cheapest Mac laptop, the MacBook Air, starts at $1,229. Microsoft said it will price a fully Intel-powered Windows 8 Surface similar to that of the current sub $1,000 UtraBook laptops.
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