Microsoft Unveils New “Surface” Tablet Line Running Windows RT & Win 8

Earlier today Microsoft held a launch event for what you see above; the new range of Windows tablets FROM MICROSOFT (Not a 3rd Party OEM); Microsoft announced two tablets under the new range called “Surface” one of these tablets runs the default desktop version of Windows 8 while the second runs Windows RT which is the tablet/touchscreen liter version of windows, Windows RT is probably the closest thing to what to expect from WP8 and so far things look promising.

Just check out this awesome Promo/Teaser video:

The Surface tablets also come with a killer feature which is the cover that’s much more than a cover, one cover (both snap on magnetically like the iPads smartcover) has a fully functioning keyboard with keys that sink down when pressed on, while the second cover is basically a gigantic trackpad.

The color choices of the keyboards remind me of the Lumia ranges colors

The trackpad cover is less than 3mm thin… that’s crazy.

Both tablets have an integrated kickstand that pops up ninja style.

Specs:

Surface for Windows RT tablet

• Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
• Weight: 676 grams
• Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capactive touchpanel
• Battery: 31.5Wh
• I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
• Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
• Capacity: 32GB / 64GB
• Availability: “Around” the Windows 8 launch (fall 2012)
• Pricing: To be determined

Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet

• Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
• Weight: 903 grams
• Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
• Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capactive touchpanel
• Battery: 42Wh
• I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MIMO antennae
• Software: Windows 8 Pro
• Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
• Capacity: 64GB / 128GB
• Availability: “Three months after” the Windows 8 launch this fall
• Pricing: To be determined

On a Nokia related matter what does this mean for Nokia? Will Microsoft start to make their own phones as well; competing with their OEMs? (Microsoft has no problem pushing 3rd party manufacturers away as they recently banned HTC from making any Windows RT devices simply because “they weren’t dedicated enough”). Hopefully it won’t be long now until we see a Nokia tablet (can’t help but think of the “Coffee tab“) although design wise the surface tablets aren’t bad looking.

Here’s a handson video from Engadget

Category: Nokia, Windows Phone