Microsoft Surface – What you need to know
Two weeks ago, Microsoft surprised the computing community by announcing a branded family of portable computers with it’s latest version of Windows. Titled “Surface,” these tablets were shown in two variants.
One of them ran on Intel’s Ivy Bridge Core i5 Processor with Windows 8 and the other on nVidia’s Tegra 3 with Windows RT.
Firstly, Windows RT is not a full Windows experience. It is still under development and has been specifically designed for ARM-based architectures like Tablets and Smartphones.
Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 Pro – Tech Specs
The Surface for Windows 8 Pro includes a built-in kickstand and features, for the first time ever, a PC with a vapor-deposited (PVD) magnesium casing. The case includes an integrated keyboard – Another star feature of the surface.
Hardware
Thickness: 0.49 Inches
Weight: 1.99 Pounds
Color: Black
Display
Screen Size: 10.6 Inches Diagonal Length
Type: Full HD
Software
Operating System: Windows 8
Processor
CPU: Intel
Family: Ivy Bridge
Model: Core i5
Storage
Internal: 64GB, 128GB
External Storage: Supported
External Storage Support: MicroSD
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Yes
Wi-Fi Support: 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b
Ports
Video Out: Yes
Headphone: 3.5mm Jack
Data Connections: USB 3.0, Mini Display Port
Battery
Capacity: 42 Wh
Microsoft Surface for Windows RT – Tech Specs
The Surface for Windows RT features the same Vapor-Deposited Magnesium case with an integrated keyboard and a built-in kickstand. The screen on the other hand, is a regular HD display. The RT Version Surface is also thinner and lighter. Look below for full specs.
Hardware
Thickness: 0.36 Inches
Weight: 1.5 Pounds
Color: Black
Display
Screen Size: 10.6 Inches Diagonal Length
Type: HD
Software
Operating System: Windows RT
Processor
CPU: NVIDIA
Family: TEGRA
NVIDA TEGRA 3 Chipset
Storage
Internal: 32GB, 64GB
External Storage Support: MicroSD
Connectivity
Wi-Fi: Yes
Wi-Fi Support: 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b
Ports
Video Out: Yes
Headphone: Not confirmed yet.
Data Connections: USB 3.0
Battery
Capacity: 31.5 Wh
With Microsoft unifying it’s Operating System and Products on offer, content is getting more interactive every day. With Apple currently dominating the tablet market, Microsoft needs to work on building a great app space through which developers could offer content more freely and flexibly.
The unified ecosystem allows more creativity in the way content is delivered to customers. Although, the Surface for Windows RT might not play titles like Diablo III or Crysis, we might get there some day. However, there is a lot of potential on the Surface for Windows 8 Pro. Not only is it portable, it also features some of the most impressive hardware on a tablet-type architecture.
There is a lot of potential considering the integrated keyboard and USB support on the Windows 8 Pro Surface model. Currently, Apple holds over 300 million devices connected to it’s App Market. Microsoft has now put forth hardware that can play some pretty neat AAA titles. What remains to be seen is how Microsoft goes about building it’s App Ecosystem to capture the ever growing market.
