Microsoft Surface

I don't know why I didnt blog about this earlier but Microsoft has unveiled two game changing Windows 8 tablets that have set the bar high for other OEM's. I think they really have set the bar high for more high profile OEM's that still need to showcase there Windows 8 tablets such as Dell, HP and Lenovo.

The reason they unveiled 2 is due to one being based on ARM which is typically found in phones and one being based on Intel which is typically found in a laptop. Microsoft have also brought out a special variant of Windows 8 called Windows RT. This doesnt have the Desktop mode and it can only run metro. It also means that it can only have special RT compatible devices as well. Windows 8 is the full version of Windows with Metro so you could dock it at home and use it has a full blown PC and undock it and use it as a tablet with Metro.

The tablets themselves look really distinctive, they've got a nice brushed back and it has a kickstand that looks pretty sturdy. Not only that, they both feature gorilla glass 2 which should make it pretty durable. Its also quite nice that they've brought out two different types of keyboard cases, one with touch buttons so its slimmer and one with traditional buttons.

However the tablets differ quite a lot internally.
Windows 8 Pro tablet offers;
- 64/128gb SSD, MicroSDXC, USB 3.0 
- MiniDisplay Port
- 10.6" Full HD (1080p) display
- i5 Ivy Bridge Processor
- weight: 903 grams
- Thickness 13.5mm
- Battery; roughly 5 to 8 hours purely by speculation

Windows RT offers;
- Nvidia Tegra 3 plus processor(rumoured, only Nvidia based processor stated)
- 10.6"  HD (720p) display
- MicroSD, USB 2.0, Micro HDMI
-weight 676 grams
- thickness 9.3mm
- 32/64gb storage

Personally I really like the look of the Windows 8 pro device due to the high res screen an it seems like a nice ultrabook competitor. It will be able to run all the apps you would be able to normally so I could install Visual Studios on there as well as other desktop apps. I think the only way Microsoft can really mess things up is the price. All they've said is that it will be competitive with ultrabook pricing when it comes to the Windows 8 Pro model and competitive with ARM based tablets with the Windows RT tablet. I'm guessing its going to be around £450-500 for the RT and £800-900 for the Windows 8 pro. It seems quite reasonable but still its a major investment. I really hope they can be all that more competitive by making it even cheaper but we'll have to see.