With all of the hullabaloo surrounding the release of Windows 8, it's easy to forget about the Microsoft Surface tablet, which also launched today. Unveiled in June, the Surface tablet is described as a tablet that's a "unique expression of entertainment and creativity."
It runs off a new operating system — Windows RT — which "works and plays the way you want."
What exactly does that mean? With features like an integrated keyboard, USB support, and built-in Microsoft Office the Surface delivers that office experience on-the-go, while still offering entertainment like music and games through apps from the Windows Store.
The Surface also offers industry standard specs like a 10.6 inch high-definition touchscreen along with front and rear facing cameras, which all fit into a 9.3 millimeter, 1.5-pound frame. In that frame is a built-in kickstand that allows the user to go from an interactive experience to more of a passive; this will prove especially useful when watching movies. Also included is a stylus pen that uses digital ink allowing users to digitally write on the tablet itself.
Although there are plans for two models eventually, today's release is only the Windows with Surface RT model. This is comparable to most tablets on the market like the iPad. Three months from now, Microsoft will release the Surface for Windows 8, which will run an Intel Ivy Bridge i5 core processor. This version will enable the Windows 8 device to run more like a standalone computer, capable of running its own high performance software like full Microsoft Office apps.
Windows with Surface RT is available now at the Microsoft Store. Prices start at $499 for the 32GB tablet only.
