DESIGN /
DIGITAL
January 14, 2015
Microsoft | Introducing the Surface Tablet
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft's Tablet, Surface, Arrives
On October 26th, Japan saw the release of Microsoft's new operating systems, Windows 8 and Windows RT. On the same day in North America, Microsoft launched the Microsoft Surface, a tablet device for Windows 8. Its biggest rival, of course, is Apple's iPad.
Text by SUZUKI Fumihiko (OPENERS)
The Cover is a Keyboard
Windows 8 has finally been released. Its most distinctive feature is the tiled interface, a complete departure from the traditional desktop image of Windows.
This design, said to be inspired by subway information boards, is an interface strongly focused on tablet operations like touch input and full-screen application use. In line with this, a significant development is the simultaneous release of Windows RT, which supports ARM processors widely used in smartphones, tablets, and handheld game consoles, alongside Windows 8 for the traditional x86 processors that Windows has always assumed.
Microsoft Windows 8
Microsoft Surface
Microsoft is now entering the tablet market with Windows 8 and Windows RT. The Microsoft tablet, called Surface, was launched simultaneously with Windows 8/RT in North America. Initially, a model equipped with RT will be available, with Windows 8 models to follow.
The screen is 10.6 inches with a resolution of 1366x768 pixels. It communicates using high-speed Wi-Fi technology called 2x2 MIMO. Additionally, the device is equipped with stereo speakers, a full-size USB 2.0 port, a micro SDXC card slot, and an HD Video out port.
A distinctive feature of the Surface is its compatibility with a cover that doubles as a keyboard, called the "Touch Cover," available in five colors: black, white, magenta, cyan, and red.
The price for the 32GB model without the Touch Cover is $499. The model with the Touch Cover is $599. The 64GB model with the Touch Cover will be $699.
The Touch Cover is also sold separately for $119.99. The black "Type Cover," offering a typing feel closer to a traditional keyboard, is priced at $129.99.
The price for the 32GB model without the Touch Cover is $499. The model with the Touch Cover is $599. The 64GB model with the Touch Cover will be $699.
The Touch Cover is also sold separately for $119.99. The black "Type Cover," offering a typing feel closer to a traditional keyboard, is priced at $129.99.
For the upcoming Surface models equipped with Windows 8, the screen size will remain 10.6 inches, but the resolution will increase to 1920x1080 pixels, and the thickness will increase from 9.3mm for the RT version to 13.5mm. Storage capacities of 64GB and 128GB will be available.