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Microsoft Surface

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 76.118.201.81 (talk) at 07:27, 5 February 2013 (→Surface with Windows RT: Fixed a grammar issue). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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

Surface with Windows RT
DeveloperMicrosoft
TypeTablet computer
Release dateOctober 26, 2012[1]
Operating systemWindows RT
System on a chipNvidia Tegra 3 (T30)[2]
CPUQuad-core ARM Cortex-A9 1300 MHz[3]
Memory2 GB RAM
Storage32 GB (16 GB available) or 64 GB (46 GB available)[4] and microSDXC slot
Display10.6 inches (27 cm) 1366 x 768 px (148 ppi) ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
GraphicsGeforce ULP
Input5-point multi-touch screen, ambient light sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, compass, dual microphones
CameraFront: 1.2 MP, 720p HD
Rear: 1.2 MP AF, 720p HD
Connectivity2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0, USB 2.0, HD video out port
Power113.4 kJ (31.5 W·h) battery, 24W power supply
Online servicesWindows Store, Xbox Music, SkyDrive, Xbox Games, Xbox Video
Dimensions10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.77 inches (17.2 cm) (h)
0.37 inches (9.4 mm) (d)
Mass1.5 pounds (680 g)
Websitewww.surface.com
Surface with Windows 8 Pro
DeveloperMicrosoft
TypeTablet computer
Release dateFebruary 9, 2013[5]
Operating systemWindows 8 Pro
CPUDual-core 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-3317U[6]
Memory4 GB dual-channel RAM
Storage64 GB (23 GB available) or 128 GB (83 GB available)[7] and microSDXC slot
Display10.6 inches (27 cm) 1920 x 1080 px[8] (208 ppi) ClearType HD screen with 16:9 aspect ratio
GraphicsIntel HD Graphics 4000
Input10-point multi-touch screen, pen input, ambient light sensor, 3-axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope, compass, dual microphones
CameraFront: 1.2 MP, 720p HD
Rear: 1.2 MP AF, 720p HD
Connectivity2×2 MIMO Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n), USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort
Power151.2 kJ (42 W·h) battery
Online servicesWindows Store, Xbox Music, SkyDrive, Xbox Games, Xbox Video
Dimensions10.81 inches (27.5 cm) (w)
6.81 inches (17.3 cm) (h)
0.53 inches (13 mm) (d)
Mass2 pounds (910 g)
Websitewww.surface.com

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.[9]

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.[10][11] 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.[12][13][14]

Hardware

The Microsoft Surface line features VaporMg (pronounced "VaporMag"), a molded magnesium casing[15] that houses Surface's components paired with a PVD finish.[16] 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.[17] Both models have two 720p HD front- and rear-facing cameras,[17] 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.[18]

For the CPUs, the Surface with Windows RT will use ARM CPUs (residing in the Nvidia Tegra SoC).[19][20]

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.[21][22][23]

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.[24]

Availability

The Surface RT launched with the general availability release of Windows 8 on October 26, 2012.[25] The Surface Pro will be available February 9.[26] The Surface was initially available only in Microsoft Stores and online, it was later expanded into other vendors, such as Best Buy and Staples.[27]

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.[28]

On October 16, pricing was revealed for the Surface RT,[29] and pre-orders opened to ship, "for delivery by 10/26".[30] 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.[31] Microsoft has responded to the delays by offering vouchers to pre-order customers who complain about the late deliveries.[32] Microsoft will launch Surface in India in early January and its prices will be revealed at the time of launch only.[33]

In November 2012, Steve Ballmer described the distribution approach to Surface as "modest".[34]

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.[35][36] Earlier reports were saying sometime in January.[37] 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

Reception

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".[38] TechCrunch,[39] Matt Buchanan at Buzzfeed,[40] and Gizmodo recommended against purchasing the tablet. Gizmodo mentioned 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."[41] David Pogue at The New York Times praised the hardware but criticized the software.[42] 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."[43] Warner Crocker from Gotta Be Mobile described it as "frustratingly confusing."[44] Farhad Manjoo of Slate noted that the "shortcomings are puzzling" given how much time Microsoft spent developing the device.[45] 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.[46]

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.[47] Many of these units have been returned by frustrated consumers.[48]

Industry response

Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), whose products have traditionally run Microsoft operating systems, have had positive responses to the release of the Surface.[49] HP, Lenovo, Samsung and Dell[50] 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".[51][52] 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.[53]

However, others believe that OEMs were left sidelined by the perception that Microsoft's new tablet will replace their products.[54][55] Acer chairman JT Wang advised Microsoft to "please think twice".[56] Microsoft has acknowledged that Surface may "affect their commitment" of partners to the Windows platform.[57]

Steve Ballmer said that the Surface, like the Xbox, is an example of the sort of hardware products Microsoft will release in the future.[58]

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.[59][60] Other users have reported issues with audio randomly stuttering or muting while in use.[61] Wi-Fi connectivity issues have been reported, that Microsoft promised to fix.[62] But, users have reported that the fix Microsoft delivered did not fix those issues.[63]

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.[64] Microsoft said in a statement that it believes the suit is without merit, because it had advertised the discrepancy on its website.[65]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Microsoft's new iPad rival Surface for Windows RT release date". Eurogamer. July 30, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2012.
  2. ^ Roydon Cerejo. "Nvidia confirms Tegra under the hood of Microsoft Surface Win RT edition". Tech2.in.com. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  3. ^ phonearena.com - Microsoft Surface (RT) specs
  4. ^ Microsoft offers info on usable storage space on Surface - Neowin
  5. ^ "Growing the Surface Family: Surface Windows 8 Pro Availability Confirmed". Microsoft. Janurary 22, 2013. Retrieved January 22, 2013. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ Paul Thurrott (January 21, 2013). "Microsoft Surface with Windows 8 Pro Preview". WinSuperSite.com. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  7. ^ Microsoft's 64GB Surface Pro will only have 23GB usable storage | The Verge
  8. ^ "Help me choose which Windows tablet is best for me". Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  9. ^ Sullivan, Mark. "Microsoft Announces New 'Surface' Tablet PC". PCWorld. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  10. ^ Biddle, Sam (June 18, 2012). "What is the Microsoft Surface Tablet?". Gizmodo. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  11. ^ "Live from Microsoft's 'major announcement' event". The Verge. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  12. ^ Bruce, James. "What's The Difference Between Windows 8 & Windows RT? [MakeUseOf Explains]". MakeUseOf. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  13. ^ "Surface with Windows RT: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  14. ^ "Surface with Windows 8 Pro: Specifications". Microsoft. Retrieved October 18, 2012.
  15. ^ "Microsoft Live Blog Tablet Announcement". The Verge. June 12, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  16. ^ "PVD Finish". House Of Antique Hardware. Retrieved June 18, 2012.
  17. ^ a b Topolsky, Joshua (October 23, 2012). "Microsoft Surface review". The Verge. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  18. ^ "Microsoft Surface RT Review". CNET. October 23, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012.
  19. ^ "Nvidia confirms Tegra under the hood of Microsoft Surface Win RT edition". moneycontrol.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  20. ^ Brown, Rich. "Microsoft Surface RT Overview & Specs - Tablets - CNET Reviews". Reviews.cnet.com. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  21. ^ "Windows Newsroom". Microsoft.com. February 29, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  22. ^ "Get to know what is Microsoft Surface in Brief". MyPhoneFactor.in. Retrieved June 24, 2012.
  23. ^ "Microsoft Surface the next iPad". TanCoSin. October 25, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  24. ^ "Microsoft unveils Surface tablets –". Usatoday.com. November 28, 2011. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  25. ^ "Microsoft to launch Surface at midnight on October 26th". NotebookBee. Retrieved October 5, 2012.
  26. ^ Panay, Panos. "Growing the Surface Family: Surface Windows 8 Pro Availability Confirmed". Microsoft. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  27. ^ "Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows" (Press release). Microsoft. June 18, 2012. Retrieved June 20, 2012.
  28. ^ Tu, Janet I. "Ballmer trumpets Microsoft's 'epic year'". The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  29. ^ "Microsoft Surface: Pricing and Availability". Paul Thurrott at winsupersite.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  30. ^ "Microsoft Surface Preorders Open". slashgear.com. Retrieved October 16, 2012.
  31. ^ Baxter-Reynolds, Matt. "Surface pre-order failures: Too many cooks." ZD Net, 29 October 2012.
  32. ^ "Pre-ordered a Microsoft Surface? So SORRY it's late, have a voucher."
  33. ^ "Five reasons why Microsoft Surface is better than any other tablet."
  34. ^ "Surface sales 'modest' so far, Ballmer modestly admits."
  35. ^ "Microsoft Surface Pro coming to US on February 9". Geeks Hut. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  36. ^ "Microsoft Surface Pro Tablet to Launch Feb. 9 for $899". ABC News. January 22, 2013. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  37. ^ "Microsoft Surface Pro to start at $899". CNN Money. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  38. ^ Honan, Mathew (October 23, 2012). "Review: Microsoft Surface Tablet". Wired. Condé Nast Digital. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
  39. ^ Don’t Call The New Microsoft Surface RT A Tablet, This Is A PC, TechCrunch, 23 October 2012.
  40. ^ Buchanan, Matt. More, And Less, Than An iPad, Buzzfeed
  41. ^ Microsoft Surface RT Review: This Is Technological Heartbreak, Gizmodo.
  42. ^ Pogue, David. "Microsoft Unveils the Surface, Its First Tablet". NYTimes.com. The New York Times.
  43. ^ Microsoft Surface review, The Verge
  44. ^ Microsoft Surface RT Review: This Thing Confuses Me at Gotta Be Mobile
  45. ^ Manjoo, Farhad (November 5, 2012). "Why Is the Surface So Bad?". Slate. Washington Post Company. Retrieved January 27, 2013.
  46. ^ "Microsoft's ARM blunder: 7 reasons why Windows RT was DOA."
  47. ^ "Surface left on shelves as world+dog slurps up small slates."
  48. ^ "Microsoft Surface sales well below shipments, says iSuppli."
  49. ^ Kan, Michael (August 17, 2012). "Lenovo Not Worried About Microsoft's Surface Tablet, Expects to Beat It".
  50. ^ Windows 8 Launch, Microsoft Surface: Michael Dell's Spin | The VAR Guy
  51. ^ HP Targets Microsoft Surface With New Windows 8 Convertible PC
  52. ^ Lenovo exec welcomes Microsoft tablet competition - Computerworld
  53. ^ Epstein, Zach (June 20, 2012). "Microsoft's tablet efforts are fleeting, says Acer founder". Boy Genius Report.
  54. ^ Crothers, Brooke (June 27, 2012). "Microsoft to feel Surface heat from PC makers". CNET.
  55. ^ Fingas, Jon (June 21, 2012). "Acer is skeptical of Surface tablets, thinks Microsoft isn't playing nice".
  56. ^ "Acer chief takes aim at Microsoft Surface." FT, August 6, 2012.
  57. ^ Kunert, Paul. "Microsoft Surface slate: Acer, resellers predict a riot." The Register, 7 August 2012.
  58. ^ Clarke, Gavin. "Ballmer aims chair at Apple after Windows package miss." The Register, October 10, 2012.
  59. ^ "Surface tablet's Touch Cover splits at seam, users gripe". CNET. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  60. ^ "Microsoft Surface Touch Cover splits within days, some users complain". The Guardian. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  61. ^ "Microsoft Surface updates out now, make apps load faster". TechRadar. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  62. ^ Microsoft Surface users complain about Wi-Fi problems - Computerworld
  63. ^ Microsoft Claims It Fixed the Surface Wi-Fi Bug, Users Say It Didn’t - Softpedia
  64. ^ "Lawyer sues Microsoft over Surface tablet storage". Associated Press. Retrieved November 15, 2012.
  65. ^ "Surface ads misleading - lawsuit". 3 News NZ. November 15, 2012.
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