Microsoft Tablet PC Surface

Finally Microsoft make its first foray into tablet PC. Seeing tablet pc market grow explosively within this few year, it is the time for Microsoft steps in to compete with Apple iPads. Yesterday at LOS ANGELES, Microsoft unveils its first foray tablet PC, named as Surface.

To compete with iPads, Microsoft designed Surface tablet with PC concept of “works and plays”. CEO Steve Mallmer describe this ultra-thin covers-cum-keyboards in a range of colors tablet PC as a tablet that “works and plays” as he presents it at press event in Los Angeles yesterday. Microsoft also pitched this tablet PC to market as combined table and poster-sized touch screen computers that also suitable to be used in restaurants, shops, bars, and other more basic usage venues.

There are 2 version of Surface will be released to the market. One version is running on Windows RT software tailored made for ARM mobile chipsets that will be more lightweight, with measured 9.3 mm thick and weighed 676 grams. It will use 10.6 inch high definition screen display and its memory available for 32GB and 64GB.

Another version of Surface will be powered by Windows 8 Pro software that is more heavy and features higher specifications, with measured 13.5mm thick, weighs 903 grams and will be available with 64GB and 128GB.

Surface designed to a flip-out rear “kickstand” to prop it up like a picture frame with the cover, and when opened, it will acts as a keypad so tablets could be switched into “desktop” mode for work tasks. I think this is why Microsoft pitched that more sophisticated tablet PC Surface can be used for restaurants, shops, bars, and etc.

Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps said this product marks a very crucial pivot in Microsoft’s product strategy. This time Microsoft put more focus on the consumer rather than enterprise. Looking on the increase of tablet PC market and shrinking of desktop computer from consumer market, we can understand how important Microsoft re-strategized its product line.

Recent press event doesn’t unveil its release date of Microsoft Surface. However, it is likely to be timed with the release of Windows 8 software later this year. Microsoft also did not specify what will be the market price for Surface.