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[[Original Equipment Manufacturer]]s (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have had positive responses to the release of the Surface.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lenovo Not Worried About Microsoft's Surface Tablet, Expects to Beat It|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/260983/lenovo_not_worried_about_microsofts_surface_tablet_expects_to_beat_it.html|date=August 17, 2012 |last=Kan |first=Michael}}</ref> [[HP]], [[Lenovo]], [[Samsung]] and [[Dell]]<ref>[http://www.thevarguy.com/2012/08/21/windows-8-launch-microsoft-surface-michael-dells-spin/ Windows 8 Launch, Microsoft Surface: Michael Dell's Spin | The VAR Guy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.crn.com/news/mobility/240006536/hp-targets-microsoft-surface-with-new-windows-8-convertible-pc.htm HP Targets Microsoft Surface With New Windows 8 Convertible PC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9230774/Lenovo_exec_welcomes_Microsoft_tablet_competition Lenovo exec welcomes Microsoft tablet competition - Computerworld<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Acer Inc.|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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Epstein |first=Zach |url=http://www.bgr.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-surface-tablet-ploy-acer-stan-shih/ |title=Microsoft’s tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder. |publisher=[[Boy Genius Report]] |date=June 20, 2012}}</ref>
[[Original Equipment Manufacturer]]s (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have had positive responses to the release of the Surface.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lenovo Not Worried About Microsoft's Surface Tablet, Expects to Beat It|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/260983/lenovo_not_worried_about_microsofts_surface_tablet_expects_to_beat_it.html|date=August 17, 2012 |last=Kan |first=Michael}}</ref> [[HP]], [[Lenovo]], [[Samsung]] and [[Dell]]<ref>[http://www.thevarguy.com/2012/08/21/windows-8-launch-microsoft-surface-michael-dells-spin/ Windows 8 Launch, Microsoft Surface: Michael Dell's Spin | The VAR Guy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.crn.com/news/mobility/240006536/hp-targets-microsoft-surface-with-new-windows-8-convertible-pc.htm HP Targets Microsoft Surface With New Windows 8 Convertible PC<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9230774/Lenovo_exec_welcomes_Microsoft_tablet_competition Lenovo exec welcomes Microsoft tablet competition - Computerworld<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> [[Acer Inc.|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.<ref>{{cite web |last=Epstein |first=Zach |url=http://www.bgr.com/2012/06/20/microsoft-surface-tablet-ploy-acer-stan-shih/ |title=Microsoft’s tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder. |publisher=[[Boy Genius Report]] |date=June 20, 2012}}</ref>


However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57462398-92/microsoft-to-feel-surface-heat-from-pc-makers/ |title=Microsoft to feel Surface heat from PC makers |publisher=CNET |date=June 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/acer-is-skeptical-of-surface-tablets/ |title=Acer is skeptical of Surface tablets, thinks Microsoft isn't playing nice |date=June 21, 2012 |last=Fingas |first=Jon}}</ref> [[MicroStrategy]] CEO [[Michael J. Saylor|Michael Saylor]] described the product announcement and launch as "mistakes" that would alienate Microsoft's partners and customers,<ref>{{cite news |work=Computer Business Review |title=Microsoft Surface most "disastrous" launch in a decade: MicroStrategy CEO |date=July 10, 2012 |last=Evans |first=Steve}}</ref> and Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice".<ref>[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/9e522560-dca1-11e1-a304-00144feab49a.html#axzz22qOayJwv "Acer chief takes aim at Microsoft Surface."] ''FT'', August 6, 2012.</ref> Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.<ref>Kunert, Paul. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/07/microsoft_surface_own_goal/ "Microsoft Surface slate: Acer, resellers predict a riot."] ''The Register'', 7 August 2012.</ref>
However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products.<ref>{{cite web |last=Crothers |first=Brooke |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-57462398-92/microsoft-to-feel-surface-heat-from-pc-makers/ |title=Microsoft to feel Surface heat from PC makers |publisher=CNET |date=June 27, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/21/acer-is-skeptical-of-surface-tablets/ |title=Acer is skeptical of Surface tablets, thinks Microsoft isn't playing nice |date=June 21, 2012 |last=Fingas |first=Jon}}</ref> Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice".<ref>[http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/9e522560-dca1-11e1-a304-00144feab49a.html#axzz22qOayJwv "Acer chief takes aim at Microsoft Surface."] ''FT'', August 6, 2012.</ref> Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.<ref>Kunert, Paul. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/08/07/microsoft_surface_own_goal/ "Microsoft Surface slate: Acer, resellers predict a riot."] ''The Register'', 7 August 2012.</ref>


[[Steve Ballmer]] said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.<ref>Clarke, Gavin. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/10/10/ballmer_devices_package/ "Ballmer aims chair at Apple after Windows package miss."] ''The Register'', October 10, 2012.</ref>
[[Steve Ballmer]] said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.<ref>Clarke, Gavin. [http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/10/10/ballmer_devices_package/ "Ballmer aims chair at Apple after Windows package miss."] ''The Register'', October 10, 2012.</ref>

Revision as of 06:00, 22 November 2012

For the interactive surface computing platform formerly known as Microsoft Surface, see Microsoft PixelSense.

Surface
File:Microsoft Surface RT out of the box.jpg
Microsoft Surface RT (November 2012)
DeveloperMicrosoft
TypeTablet computer
Release dateSurface
October 26, 2012[1]
Surface Pro
January 2013[2]
Operating systemSurface
Windows RT
Surface Pro
Windows 8 Pro
System on a chipSurface
Nvidia Tegra 3 (T30)[3]
CPUSurface
Quad-core ARM Cortex-A9 1300 MHz[4]
Surface Pro
Dual-core Intel Core i5
MemorySurface
2 GB RAM
Surface Pro
4 GB dual-channel RAM
StorageSurface
32 GB (16 GB available) or 64 GB (46 GB available)[5] with microSDXC slot
Surface Pro
64 or 128 GB with microSDXC slot
DisplaySurface
1366 x 768 px 10.6 inches (27 cm) (148ppi) ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
Surface Pro
1920 x 1080 px[6] 10.6 inches (27 cm) in ClearType Full HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
GraphicsSurface
Geforce ULP
Surface Pro
Intel HD Graphics 4000
InputSurface
5-point multi-touch screen, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, dual microphones
Surface Pro
10-point multi-touch screen, pen input, ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, microphone
CameraSurface & Surface Pro
720p front and rear-facing
ConnectivitySurface
2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, HD video out port
Surface Pro
2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort
PowerSurface
113.4 kJ
Surface Pro
151.2 kJ
DimensionsSurface
10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.77 inches (17.2 cm) (h)
0.37 inches (9.4 mm) (d)
Surface Pro
10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.81 inches (17.3 cm) (h)
0.53 inches (13 mm) (d)
MassSurface
1.5 pounds (680 g)
Surface Pro
2 pounds (910 g)
Websitewww.surface.com

Microsoft Surface is a series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft. It was announced by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at a Los Angeles event on June 18, 2012, at Milk Studios.[7]

The Surface comes in two versions, one with Windows RT and another with Windows 8 Pro. The Windows RT model uses an ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 Pro model will use an Intel CPU.[8][9] 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[10][11][12]

Hardware

The Microsoft Surface line features VaporMg (pronounced "VaporMag"), a molded magnesium casing[13] that houses Surface's components paired with a PVD finish.[14] Also included in both Surface models is a USB port, a micro HDMI slot, a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the Touch Cover and Type Cover and a microSDXC port hidden under the "kickstand".[15] Both models have two 720p HD front- and rear-facing cameras,[15] 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. At the bottom of the front of the Surface is a Windows home screen button which returns you to the home screen or the last app you had open if you're already on the home screen.[16]

For the CPUs, the Surface with Windows RT will use ARM CPUs (residing in the Nvidia Tegra SoC).[17][18]

Display

Surface and Surface Pro have screens of 10.6 inches (27 cm) with a 16:9 aspect 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.[19][20][21]

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.[22]

Availability

The Surface RT launched with the general availability release of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012.[23] The Surface Pro will be available three months after that.[24][25] The Surface will initially be available in Microsoft Stores and online.[25]

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.[26]

On October 16, pricing was revealed for the Surface RT,[27] and pre-orders opened to ship, "for delivery by 10/26".[28] Prices 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.[29] Microsoft has responded to the delays by offering vouchers to pre-order customers who complain about the late deliveries.[30] Microsoft will launch Surface in India in early January and its prices will be revealed at the time of launch only.[31]

As of November 2012, Surface shipments have been modest, yet suffering from spotty distribution.[32]

Reception

Reception to the Surface RT by critics was mixed. While the hardware received generally positive reviews, the software and overall experience were often viewed negatively. 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"[33]. TechCrunch,[34] Buzzfeed,[35] and Gizmodo recommended against purchasing the tablet, with Gizmodo mentioning issues such as the high price tag and describing 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."[36] David Pogue from The New York Times also praised the hardware but criticized the software.[37] 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."[38] Warner Crocker from Gotta Be Mobile described it as "frustratingly confusing."[39] Farhad Manjoo of Slate noted that the "shortcomings are puzzling" given how much time Microsoft spent developing the device.[40]

Industry response

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have had positive responses to the release of the Surface.[41] HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Dell[42] 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".[43][44] 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.[45]

However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products.[46][47] Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice".[48] Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.[49]

Steve Ballmer said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.[50]

Reported problems

Users on Microsoft's support forum frequently 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.[51] [52] Other users have reported issues with audio randomly stuttering or muting while in use.[53] On November 14, 2012, Microsoft was also 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.[54] Microsoft said in a statement that it believes the suit is without merit, because it had advertised the discrepancy on its website.[55]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Microsoft's new iPad rival Surface for Windows RT release date". Eurogamer. July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  2. ^ "Confirmed: Microsoft Surface Pro available in January 2013–OEMs less pissed". mobilitydigest. July 9, 2012. Retrieved October 30, 2012.
  3. ^ http://tech2.in.com/news/tablets/nvidia-confirms-tegra-under-the-hood-of-microsoft-surface-win-rt-edition/317552
  4. ^ phonearena.com - Microsoft Surface (RT) specs
  5. ^ Microsoft offers info on usable storage space on Surface - Neowin
  6. ^ "Help me choose which Windows tablet is best for me". Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  7. ^ Sullivan, Mark. "Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet PC". PCWorld. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  8. ^ Biddle, Sam (June 18, 2012). "What is the Microsoft Surface Tablet?". Gizmodo. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  9. ^ "Live from Microsoft's 'major announcement' event". The Verge. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  10. ^ Bruce, James. "What's The Difference Between Windows 8 & Windows RT? [MakeUseOf Explains]". MakeUseOf. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  11. ^ "Surface with Windows RT: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  12. ^ "Surface with Windows 8 Pro: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  13. ^ "Microsoft Live Blog Tablet Announcement". The Verge. June 12, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  14. ^ "PVD Finish". House Of Antique Hardware. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  15. ^ a b Topolsky, Joshua (October 23, 2012). "Microsoft Surface review". The Verge. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  16. ^ "Microsoft Surface RT Review". CNET. October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  17. ^ "Nvidia confirms Tegra under the hood of Microsoft Surface Win RT edition". moneycontrol.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  18. ^ Brown, Rich. "Microsoft Surface RT Overview & Specs - Tablets - CNET Reviews". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  19. ^ "Windows Newsroom". Microsoft.com. February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  20. ^ "Get to know what is Microsoft Surface in Brief". MyPhoneFactor.in. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  21. ^ http://www.tancosin.com/Gadgets/microsoft-surface-the-next-ipad/
  22. ^ "Microsoft unveils Surface tablets –". Usatoday.com. November 28, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  23. ^ "Microsoft to launch Surface at midnight on October 26th". NotebookBee. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  24. ^ Vance, Ashlee (July 9, 2012). "Why Microsoft's Surface Tablet Shames the PC Industry". Bloomberg Businessweek.
  25. ^ a b "Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows" (Press release). Microsoft. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  26. ^ Tu, Janet I. "Ballmer trumpets Microsoft's 'epic year'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  27. ^ "Microsoft Surface: Pricing and Availability". Paul Thurrott at winsupersite.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  28. ^ "Microsoft Surface Preorders Open". slashgear.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  29. ^ Baxter-Reynolds, Matt. "Surface pre-order failures: Too many cooks." ZD Net, 29 October 2012.
  30. ^ "Pre-ordered a Microsoft Surface? So SORRY it's late, have a voucher."
  31. ^ "Five reasons why Microsoft Surface is better than any other tablet."
  32. ^ "Surface sales 'modest' so far, Ballmer modestly admits."
  33. ^ Review: Microsoft Surface Tablet
  34. ^ Don’t Call The New Microsoft Surface RT A Tablet, This Is A PC | TechCrunch
  35. ^ More, And Less, Than An iPad
  36. ^ Microsoft Surface RT Review: This Is Technological Heartbreak
  37. ^ Microsoft Unveils the Surface, Its First Tablet - Review - NYTimes.com
  38. ^ Microsoft Surface review | The Verge
  39. ^ Microsoft Surface RT Review: This Thing Confuses Me
  40. ^ Why Is the Surface So Bad?
  41. ^ Kan, Michael (August 17, 2012). "Lenovo Not Worried About Microsoft's Surface Tablet, Expects to Beat It".
  42. ^ Windows 8 Launch, Microsoft Surface: Michael Dell's Spin | The VAR Guy
  43. ^ HP Targets Microsoft Surface With New Windows 8 Convertible PC
  44. ^ Lenovo exec welcomes Microsoft tablet competition - Computerworld
  45. ^ Epstein, Zach (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft's tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder". Boy Genius Report.
  46. ^ Crothers, Brooke (June 27, 2012). "Microsoft to feel Surface heat from PC makers". CNET.
  47. ^ Fingas, Jon (June 21, 2012). "Acer is skeptical of Surface tablets, thinks Microsoft isn't playing nice".
  48. ^ "Acer chief takes aim at Microsoft Surface." FT, August 6, 2012.
  49. ^ Kunert, Paul. "Microsoft Surface slate: Acer, resellers predict a riot." The Register, 7 August 2012.
  50. ^ Clarke, Gavin. "Ballmer aims chair at Apple after Windows package miss." The Register, October 10, 2012.
  51. ^ "Surface tablet's Touch Cover splits at seam, users gripe". CNET. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  52. ^ "Microsoft Surface Touch Cover splits within days, some users complain". The Guardian. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  53. ^ "Microsoft Surface updates out now, make apps load faster". TechRadar. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  54. ^ "Lawyer sues Microsoft over Surface tablet storage". Associated Press. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  55. ^ "Surface ads misleading - lawsuit". 3 News NZ. 15 November, 2012. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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