The estimated reading time for this post is 4 minutes
Last week, Microsoft announced its entry into the tablet market, the Surface. During the press conference, Microsoft gave few specs and left much to the imagination. Details such as the launch date and pricing were left a mystery. But what we do know makes the Surface a compelling device.
About the Surface
The Surface is part tablet, part ultrabook and very different from the tablets on the market today. This entry into the mobile computing market by Microsoft may give the iPad some serious competition.
The Surface will be available in two models, the Surface RT, which will run the tablet version of Windows 8, called Windows RT, and the Pro Version, which will run Windows 8, the same as the desktop version. Windows RT will be available in 32 GB and 64 GB while the Pro will be available in 64 GB and 128 GB.
Microsoft has included hardware features that will attract those who are looking for a tablet as a laptop replacement. The Surface will have a fully functioning keyboard embedded in its 3 mm thin cover, a kickstand that folds flush, a full-sized USB port, a slot for a micro SD card, and front and rear facing cameras. You will be able to charge your phone from your Surface using the USB port.
The screen is 10.6″, which is larger than the iPad’s screen, and is wider, though not as high as the iPad screen. The Surface is more rectangular, less square than the iPad which gives the keyboard cover a comfortable shape for typing.
My Hands-On Experience
This past weekend, I ventured into the wild and encountered Microsoft’s new Surface. I was able to have a hands-on experience with the tablet that gave me a glimpse of the potential of this new product.
I was fortunate to spot a Surface in a hotel lobby being used by a Microsoft employee I’ll call Mr. Source. At first glance, I thought the tablet was an iPad, but then I saw that he was typing on what looked to be a blue iPad Smart Cover, which piqued my curiosity. When I saw the Windows Logo on the back of the stand, I knew that this must be the Surface.
I approached Mr. Source and asked him about the tablet. I identified myself as a tech journalist and he kindly gave me a quick demo of his Surface RT. He showed me how he could swipe through screens of tiles (app icons) and open them swiftly. A window was open with the Google search home page and he opened a smaller window running Excel stacked on top of the Google window, so he could see both windows at once, similar to a computer screen.
He showed me how the stand folds flush with the back of the tablet. The stand is built-in and sturdy so the Surface can be propped up at a comfortable viewing angle. He also showed me the cover which doubles as a keyboard and can be removed or connected easily. The cover clicks onto the tablet with a solid snap, showing that it won’t separate accidentally.
Saying, “I shouldn’t be doing this,” he handed me the tablet so I could hold it and feel the weight and build of the device. The tablet is solid and substantial. Its corners are squared, not curved and fluid like the iPad’s.
From the feel of the Surface, its build quality and its software, I got the impression that the Surface will be a significant tool for business, content creation and getting work done. While the iPad seems more artful, the Surface seems to be more of a workhorse.
Although Mr. Source wouldn’t allow me to type on the keyboard cover, I had observed him typing on it quickly before I approached. He said he could type on it as fast as a regular keyboard.
He let me touch the keyboard cover so I could feel that the keys were raised. The cover seemed to be made of the same felt-like material as an iPad Smart cover. For people who want the convenience of a tablet but who need a more tactile typing experience than glass provides, the Surface cover may be the solution.
Mr. Source said the price of the Surface RT would be comparable to other tablets, while the price of the Pro version would be comparable to ultrabooks.
He also said that Microsoft knows the date of release but isn’t saying what that is yet. He did say that the date of release for the Surface RT will be the same as the release date of the Windows 8 operating system, with the release of the Surface Pro expected to be about three months later.
Much remains unknown about the Surface. Microsoft has been long on mystery and short on details. This article by Mac Observer shows how little is known about the device: Spec Comparison: Apple’s New iPad vs. Surface by Microsoft
Here is Microsoft’s video introducing the Surface, which doesn’t offer much additional information, but does demonstrate various features of the device:
http://youtu.be/dpzu3HM2CIo
Two years ago, I was using my brand new iPad in a hotel lobby when an Microsoft employee approached me and asked about the iPad. I showed it to him and answered his questions about it. Tech seems to have come full circle since then.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a tablet to be a laptop replacement, you may want to wait until the launch of the Surface. Between the smart cover keyboard, the integration with Windows desktop, and the other functional features, the Surface may be just what you’re looking for.
Have you heard about the Surface? Have you been looking for a tablet to replace your laptop? Let us know in the Comments section below!
Sounds like the perfect solution Carolyn!
You won’t believe it when I tell you that just yesterday my father-in-law(who wanted to buy) and husband went looking around and finally purchased such a device that was small as a tablet, though worked like a laptop too(they brought a mini laptop). Because of the age factor, he wanted something light, yet not a tablet because of the small font and usage factors.
I wish they had seen this post yesterday and waited a while, because Surface surely seems like the perfect answer for them. But yes, it might take some time reaching our end after it comes out in the market.
Love the features that you managed to get to know from Mr.Surface though – something worth waiting for . 🙂
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Hi Harleena, Sorry about that. I was going to publish this on Wednesday but I wanted to let people know about the Facebook email change. You’re right, though, it might take a while for the Surface to arrive in India.
I hope your father-in-law is happy with his netbook, Harleena!
Ah..no-no nothing to be sorry about Carolyn – it wouldn’t have as a tis have reached our end – just as you mentioned and moreover my father-in-law needed it right away for some seminar he had to attend.
He’s surely liking it and getting the hang of it yet. Not too used to handling a Laptop after using a Desktop, that too of such a small size. 🙂 But we are around him and guiding him through things. 🙂
Thanks so much 🙂
Hi Harleena, Yes, using a netbook takes a little bit of getting used to, but I’m sure he will catch on quickly, especially with your help! 🙂
Hi Carolyn,
I think it’s a step in the right direction towards thinner displays that detach and act as tablet computers and eBook readers; but I suspect it has a way to go yet. I saw one on TV in China and that looks better. Same as a laptop but a thin detachable screen.
I did a blog this morning. I have started to put copyright notices on images and I forgot and tried to put it on after the blog was published. Everything went wrong and I lost the image. Couldn’t delete the post. I eventually deleted the images, posts, copies in trash and started again. Success!
As usual the weather is improving in England because it’s Friday and the roads will be busy, we has a storm yesterday! I might go to Merrion’s Wood on Sunday, many roads will be busy because the Olympic flame will lead a procession. I hope to get good pictures there. A Zillion Ideas is slowly improving… Diets was the subject today!
Hi Mike, Yes, I think the Surface will be very useful. It can function as a laptop or a tablet, very handy!
There are plugins that will put watermarks on your images if you want. Sorry about the trouble with your images. I’ve never had that happen before.
Have fun in Merrion’s Woods, Mike!
Guess what we will be replacing our laptops with in the Fall? Yessiree Bob; you guessed it. How cool will that be?
That’s pretty neat you got to see it in action.
Hi Bill, I could definitely see that happening, Bill. Mr. Source was typing so fast that I initially thought it was a laptop, then an iPad and finally I realized it was the Surface. I think the Pro version will be an especially compelling laptop replacement as it will run the same operating system as laptops.
Yes, Mr. Source is my new best friend! 🙂
Whau. That is pretty cool that you have already touched a Windows Surface device Carolyn. Not many people outside Microsoft have done that yet. I am really looking forward to see if this is the big break on the Tablet market that Microsoft want so bad.
Hi Thomas, Yes, I was absolutely thrilled to be able to check out the Surface in person. They are very rare birds as they haven’t been released yet, so it was great to be able to discover one in the wild.
I really look forward to the launch of the Surface. I think it will certainly give the iPad a run for its money!
Sounds like the employee did his job and didn’t divulge anything beyond what MS is ready to release. Kudos to him, though I wish something leaked 🙂
Hi Kevin, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Mr. Source was very professional and enthusiastic about the Surface. He clearly was a big fan of the device and was kind to take time to show it to me. I am very grateful to him for the demo.
No leaks, but we should know soon enough the release date and the pricing.
Thanks for the hands on post Carolyn. Been curious how it will fair compare to other tablets in the market for a while.
What do you think of this compared to Nexus 7 which looks quite amazing too.
Hi Aaron, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! Great question. The Google Nexus 7 is a 7″ tablet, starting at $199. The Nexus 7 will be more of a competitor to the Kindle Fire than to the Surface. The Nexus is designed more for content consumption than creation. The Surface, with its built-in keyboard and its 10.6″ screen, is more in a league with the iPad than the Kindle Fire.
Hi Carolyn – Lucky you to have met your ‘Mr. Source’, I believe you were in the right place at the right time. More than that, I appreciate you sharing these details with all of us. As you know, I have been writing a series on the “Which Tablet to Buy” and all this information is worth a mention.
Hi Praveen, Yes, I am very lucky to have run into Mr. Source. I am also lucky that he was kind enough to take the time to demo the device for me.
I have enjoyed your tablet series and I think you will probably need to have another installment before the end of 2012! 🙂
I have heard about this and am kind of looking forward to its launch. I don’t know why. Maybe the final “all in one” promise might just click it for me. But then there is always something new in the market which claims to be all in one!
But this looks classy and something that might be interesting to explore further!
Hi Hajra, Yes, I do believe that this Surface is meant more to get the job done than to be fun. Whether the actual device lives up to its promises remains to be seen, but I really liked the prototype I saw in the wild! 🙂
I have been looking forward for Microsoft’s entry into the market. We currently own a I-Pad and a kindle fire but I often want something just a little bit better and more like my laptop. The disadvantage of the laptop being that it can still be cumbersome. I am hoping this will fill that missing niche.
I am also looking forward to actually testing/trying out/using Microsoft’s next operating system. I currently use Windows 7 and enjoy it so much more than Vista but I have been hearing great things about Windows 8. I hope it truly lives up to its name and its not all just hype!
Hi Dadblunders, Yes, I know others who feel the same way you do. Many seem to be looking for a tablet that is more of a laptop replacement than the iPad. I think both the hardware and the software features make the Surface more likely to function in this way than the iPad or the Kindle Fire.
Time will tell with the Windows 8 operating system, but I am eagerly anticipating it. After reviewing the Windows Phone 7.5, I like how Microsoft organizes the information. I hope that carries over to Windows 8!
Carolyn,
I have read about Surface, and even though I haven’t seen it, from the pics and the videos it looks very interesting. But to me, I probably won’t switch from Apple. I use the iPad every single day, and the more I use it the more impressive it becomes. I probably should buy a new keyboard to it (I am using the wireless keyboard from Apple, it works great but it’s not something I’d like to carry with me when I travel).
I’d love to read more about Surface and see how the sales will be compared to Apple.
Hi Jens, I imagine, as a Mac user you are much more likely to stick with the iPad even after the Surface is launched. While you may like the integration of the keyboard into the cover and the kickstand on the back, the integration with your home computer would be lacking.
I hope you find a keyboard for your iPad that you like!
Ok, you have me convinced to wait. I have been toying with the idea of a new laptop, since our current one is quite dated. Not anymore! Going to hold out to see where this one goes. Sounds like it would be a great tool for our whole family.
Hi Carol, While I think the Surface will be more of a laptop replacement than the iPad, I’m not sure it will be a total laptop replacement. It depends on if you can get by with a 10.6″ screen. When you’re on the go, that would be fine, but as a laptop replacement for the whole family, the Surface may have too small of a screen for you. Take a look when it comes out and then decide.
A few days back , I was watching a program on gadgets displayed in Taiwan. There were so many gadgets displayed that it was incredible and I wanted to be there . I saw similar tab in that program
http://www.asus.com/Eee/Eee_Pad/Eee_Pad_Transformer_TF101/. It is interesting to know who has done better.
Microsoft is going to have an advantage at this because it has a huge market for windows and the tablet-laptop combination may give it a good edge over other competitors.
Hi Ashvini, That does look very similar to the Surface, the the Eee runs Android instead of Windows. The Eee also doesn’t have a full USB port. But the dimensions look very similar so that may be another competitor to the Surface.
I agree, the integration between the Surface and desktop Windows may be a very good reason for many to get this tablet.
Really awesome technology. The space provided in the gadget is really awesome and contain enough to store large databases.
Hi Asher, Yes, the Surface looks pretty awesome. I like the Pro 128 GB version, which give much more storage space than any other tablet on the market.
Thank you for sharing this information with us, i have always wanted a tablet, but i didn’t know what to do so hopefully this will help me make up my mind. Great article.
Hi Michelle, Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed the article! Yes, the choice of a tablet is becoming more difficult, but that’s a good thing! The Surface seems better positioned as a work tablet, while the iPad and Kindle Fire are more geared towards content consumption. Consider how you’ll be using the tablet as you make your decision and you should be fine.
Wow… this surface is a great device. I think this will make you feel like using a keyboard. I love this product.
Hi Erwin. I can’t blame you, the Surface is an impressive device. You’re right, once people start using the Surface keyboard, they may not think that typing on glass is nearly as desirable.
I really like to have surface because of its keyboard, but I am waiting for its final launch & price. If it costs less than iPad then it will be hard competition for Apple.
I think Microsoft has finally came up with a winning product. I love the slim Surface, as well as its keyboard, which will certainly make my typing easier. iPad on the other hand perhaps is more suitable for games and entertainment.
Hi Jasmine, You’re exactly right. The Surface has so many features that makes it a useful tool for those who want to get work done while the iPad seems to be more of an entertainment device. Each has an important role so it will be great to have the Surface as an option for those who want a tablet for work.
Do we have a pricing yet for Surface? If this sleek device is priced right, it will be a tough competitor for iPad… or at least Samsung Galaxy Tab.
Hi Jasmine, Great question. No pricing has been announced yet, but Microsoft announced yesterday that Windows 8 will be launched in late October. According to my source for this article, a/k/a Mr. Source, the date for the launch of the Surface RT will be the same as the date of the launch of Windows 8.
yes this is wonder. And i guess it will be coming with the release of window8. So new two product from microsoft Lets see whether they succeed or not.
Hi Nitya, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, time will tell whether Microsoft can compete with Apple in the tablet market. I hope they can because competition helps drive innovation and lower prices.
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us!