Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows

Author
SySAdmin
Posted
June 18, 2012
Views
1350

Page All:

Page 1
Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows

Microsoft-made hardware to be available starting with release of Windows 8 and Windows RT.

LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at an event in Hollywood, Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Advances in Industrial Design

Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company's 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:

    --  Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a
        16:9 aspect ratio - the industry standard for HD.  It has edges angled
        at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use,
        letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand
        out.
    --  VaporMg:  The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach
        called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material
        selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a
        finish akin to a luxury watch.  Starting with magnesium, parts can be
        molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to
        create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
    --  Integrated Kickstand:  The unique VaporMg approach also enables a
        built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to
        passive consumption - watching a movie or even using the HD front- or
        rear-facing video cameras.  The kickstand is there when needed, and
        disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.
    --  Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in
        human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology,
        Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type
        significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be
        available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into
        Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like
        you find on a book, and works as a protective cover.  You can also click
        in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional
        typing feel.
An Amazing Windows Experience

Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.

Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem

One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection and choice that makes a customer's Windows experience uniquely their own.  This continues with Surface. Microsoft is delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses around the globe.

Additional Product Information

                                         Surface for Windows RT      Surface for Windows 8 Pro
                                         ----------------------      -------------------------
    OS                                   Windows RT                  Windows 8 Pro
    ---                                  ----------                  -------------
    Light(1)                             676 g                       903 g
    -------                              -----                       -----
    Thin(2)                              9.3 mm                      13.5 mm
    ------                               ------                      -------
    Clear                                10.6" ClearType HD Display   10.6" ClearType Full HD
                                                                      Display
    -----                                 -------------------------- ------------------------
    Energized                            31.5 W-h                    42 W-h
    ---------                            --------                    ------
    Connected                             microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD
                                          Video,                     microSDXC, USB 3.0,
                                          2x2 MIMO antennae          Mini DisplayPort Video,
                                                                     2x2 MIMO antennae
    ---                                  ---                                 -----------------
    Productive                            Office '15' Apps, Touch
                                          Cover, Type                Touch Cover, Type Cover,
                                          Cover                      Pen with Palm Block
    ---                                  -----                       -------------------
    Practical                            VaporMg Case & Stand        VaporMg Case & Stand
    ---------                            --------------------        --------------------
    Configurable                         32 GB, 64 GB                64 GB, 128 GB
    ------------                         ------------                -------------
    (1, 2 ) Actual size and weight of the device may vary due to
     configuration and manufacturing process
    ------------------------------------------------------------
Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.  OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows RT.

For more information about Surface, visit http://www.surface.com.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

SOURCE  Microsoft Corp.

Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, +1-503-443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com

Web Site: http://www.microsoft.com

Title

Medium Image View Large