Microsoft Surface
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For the interactive surface computing platform formerly known as Microsoft Surface, see Microsoft PixelSense.
Microsoft Surface is a series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft. It was announced on June 18, 2012, by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.
The Surface comes in two versions: one with Windows RT and another withWindows 8 Pro. The Windows RT model uses an ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 Pro model will use an Intel CPU. Both models are able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 Pro model allows the installation of traditional third-party desktop programs.
Hardware
The Microsoft Surface line features VaporMg (pronounced "VaporMag"), a molded magnesium casing that houses Surface's components paired with aPVD finish. Also included in both Surface models is a USB port, a microHDMI slot, a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the Touch Coverand Type Cover and a microSDXC port hidden under the kickstand. Both models have two 720p HD front- and rear-facing cameras, and a 0.77 millimetres (0.030 in)-thick kickstand which allows the device to be stood up at an angle for hands-free viewing. A physical Windows key is centered directly below the screen.
[edit]Display
Surface and Surface Pro have screens of 10.6 inches (27 cm) with a 16:9aspect ratio. Both tablets use Microsoft's ClearType HD display technology and support an ultra-wide viewing angle and auto-adjusting screen intensity. In announcement talk, Michael Angiulo said that when Surface Pro is held at 17 inches (43 cm), the eyes will not be able to distinguish between individual pixels.
[edit]Touch Cover and Type Cover
Microsoft offers two keyboard covers for Surface - the Touch Cover and Type Cover - that connect to the Surface via a magnetic strip. Both serve as protective covers when folded against the device, and function as keyboards when opened. The Touch Cover is 3.25 millimetres (0.128 in) thick and has a pressure-sensitive keyboard. The Type Cover is thicker at 6 millimetres (0.24 in) and includes a tactile keyboard with physical keys. The keyboards have a gyroscope and accelerometer sensor to determine, based on position, whether or not to accept input. Both also include a multitouch touchpad.
[edit]Availability
The Surface RT launched with the general availability release of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012. The Surface Pro will be available February 9. The Surface was initially available only in Microsoft Stores and online, it was later expanded into other vendors, such as Best Buy and Staples.
At the June 2012 unveiling event, Steven Sinofsky, President of the Windows and Windows Live Division, stated that pricing for the Surface RT "will be comparable to other ARM devices" and pricing for the Surface Pro "will be comparable to current ultrabooks." In a recent interview with the Seattle Times, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer responded to the question about Surface pricing stating that the "sweet spot" for the bulk of the PC market was $300 to $800, but did not detail any more specifics.
On October 16, pricing was revealed for the Surface RT, and pre-orders opened to ship, "for delivery by 10/26". P
 | |
| Developer | Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Type | Tablet computer |
| Variants | |
| Website | surface.com |
| Release date | October 26, 2012[1] |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows RT |
| Power | 113.4 kJ (31.5 W·h) battery, 24W power supply |
| System-on-chip used | Nvidia Tegra 3 (T30)[2] |
| CPU | 1300 MHz quad-core ARM Cortex-A9[3] |
| Storage capacity | 32 GB (16 GB available) or 64 GB (46 GB available)[4] and microSDXC slot |
| Memory | 2 GB 32-bit single-channel 750 MHz DDR3L-1500 (6 GB/sec)[5] |
| Display | 10.6 inches (27 cm) 1366 x 768 px (148 ppi)ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Graphics | Geforce ULP |
| Input | 5-point multi-touch screen, ambient lightsensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axisgyroscope, compass, dual microphones |
| Camera | Front: 1.2 MP, 720p HD Rear: 1.2 MP AF, 720p HD |
| Connectivity | 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0,USB 2.0, HD video out port |
| Online services | Windows Store, Xbox Music, SkyDrive, Xbox Games, Xbox Video |
| Dimensions | 10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w) 6.77 inches (17.2 cm) (h) 0.37 inches (9.4 mm) (d) |
| Weight | 1.5 pounds (680 g) |
| Release date | February 9, 2013[6] |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 8 Pro |
| Power | 151.2 kJ (42 W·h) battery |
| CPU | Dual-core 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-3317U[7] |
| Storage capacity | 64 GB (23 GB available) or 128 GB (83 GB available)[8] and microSDXC slot |
| Memory | 4 GB dual-channel DDR3-1600 (25.6 GB/sec) |
| Display | 10.6 inches (27 cm) 1920 x 1080 px[9] (208ppi) ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics 4000 |
| Input | 10-point multi-touch screen, pen input, ambient light sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axisgyroscope, compass, dual microphones |
| Camera | Front: 1.2 MP, 720p HD Rear: 1.2 MP AF, 720p HD |
| Connectivity | 2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort |
| Online services | Windows Store, Xbox Music, SkyDrive, Xbox Games, Xbox Video |
| Dimensions | 10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w) 6.81 inches (17.3 cm) (h) 0.53 inches (13 mm) (d) |
| Weight | 2 pounds (910 g) |
rices were announced as follows:
- Surface with Windows RT, 32 GB (no keyboard cover): $499/£399
- Surface with Windows RT, 32 GB with Black Touch Cover: $599/£479
- Surface with Windows RT, 64 GB with Black Touch Cover: $699/£559
- Surface Touch Cover (white, red, black, cyan, or pink): $119/£99.99
- Surface Type Cover: $129/£109.99
Microsoft outsourced the pre-order process to several different partners, leading to customer confusion about the status of their deliveries. Microsoft has responded to the delays by offering vouchers to pre-order customers who complain about the late deliveries. Microsoft will launch Surface in India in early January and its prices will be revealed at the time of launch only.
In November 2012, Steve Ballmer described the distribution approach to Surface as "modest".
On November 29, pricing was revealed for the Surface Pro, with the tablet going on sale February 9, 2013, in the United States and Canada. Earlier reports were saying sometime in January. Prices were announced as follows:
- Surface Pro with Windows 8 Pro, 64 GB (no keyboard cover): $899
- Surface Pro with Windows 8 Pro, 128 GB (no keyboard cover): $999
[edit]Reception
[edit]Surface with Windows RT
Reception to the Surface RT by critics has been mixed to positive. The hardware received mostly positive reviews, while the software and overall experience were mixed. Wired reviewer Mathew Honan stated that while "This is one of the most exciting pieces of hardware I’ve ever used. It is extremely well-designed; meticulous even," the tablets are "likely to confuse many of Microsoft’s longtime customers". TechCrunch, Matt Buchanan at Buzzfeed, and Gizmodo recommended against purchasing the tablet. Gizmodomentioned issues such as the high price tag and described it as similar but inferior to the iPad, but also praised the hardware saying, "You'll appreciate it every time you pick it up and turn it on. It's a simple, joyful experience." David Pogue at The New York Timespraised the hardware but criticized the software. The Verge described the technology as fulfilling the role of a laptop or tablet "half as well as other devices on the market," adding "the whole thing is honestly perplexing." Warner Crocker from Gotta Be Mobile described it as "frustratingly confusing." Farhad Manjoo of Slate noted that the "shortcomings are puzzling" given how much time Microsoft spent developing the device. Neil McAllister has noted the lack of a compelling case to switch from the iPad to a Windows RT device at the same price point, because Apple already has a strong network effect from their app developers and few Windows developers have ported their offerings over to the ARM processor.
In spite of Microsoft halving the number of Surface units built, only half of the units put into the sales channel have actually been purchased. Many of these units have been returned by frustrated consumers.
[edit]Industry response
Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have had positive responses to the release of the Surface. HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Dell applauded Microsoft's decision to create its own Tablet PC and said that relationships with Microsoft have not changed. John Solomon, senior vice president of HP, said that "Microsoft was basically making a leadership statement and showing what's possible in the tablet space". Acer founder Stan Shih said that he believed Microsoft only introduced its own hardware in order to establish the market and would then withdraw in favor of its OEMs.
However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products. Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice". Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.
Steve Ballmer said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.
[edit]Reported problems
Users on Microsoft's support forum reported that some Touch Covers were splitting at the seam where it connects to the tablet, exposing its wiring. A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the company was aware of the issue, and would offer free replacements for those who have been affected by the defect. Other users have reported issues with audio randomly stuttering or muting while in use. Wi-Fi connectivity issues have been reported, that Microsoft promised to fix. But, users have reported that the fix Microsoft delivered did not fix those issues.
[edit]Lawsuits
On November 14, 2012, Microsoft was sued by a Los Angeles lawyer for false advertising and unfair business practices due to the fact that about half of the total disk space on his 32 GB Surface was being used for the operating system, applications, and recovery data. Microsoft said in a statement that it believes the suit is without merit, because it had advertised the discrepancy on its website.
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