This is the new tablet that was announced by Microsoft last night. This not the crappy prototype [table](http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/pixelsense/default.aspx) we all saw a few years back as CES. By the way the original table is now called NONPixelSense is In fact, the hardware is manufacturer by Microsoft. Not an OEM and not a partnership. Steve Ballmer stated himself even went as far as comparing this venture with the success of the MS Mouse and XBox, claiming that this was the next logical move for tablets. I will be the first to agree with Steve’s reiteration of [Alan Kay’s](http://folklore.org/StoryView.py?project=Macintosh&story=Creative_Think.txt) 30 year old statement that anyone serious about software needs to make their own hardware. A philosophy also shared by two of Microsoft’s biggest rivals in the mobile market: Apple and RIM. All of this said, it is nice that Redmond are finally taking the tablet and mobile space seriously and the _NEW_ Surface is a very attractive contender. They have certainly done a fantastic job with the accessory cases, the keyboard looks fantastic and adding a trackpad is a clever touch.
Full Specs & Video…
MS Surface Video
1. 2 Models: 1 ARM model called RT and a Pro model with an Intel chip (no announcement of i5, i3 or other.
2. Full USB for both model, HDMI out (full spec sheet included)
3. The tablet is designed with a built on case that has a kickstand.
4. Both models still have fans
5. No network ports, they will be wifi only and need to be provisioned like phones rather than PC`s. Unless they also develop some type of serial cart to provision many.
6. It will have a stylus
7. The magnetic cover case is also made by Microsoft and has a built in keyboard AND trackpad. It is stunning. (see below)
8. All flash memory, 32GB(RT) to 128(PRO)
Another important note is that Microsoft is likely to leap ahead of Android and RIM with this device not to mention decimate the OEM`s trying to release tablets that are more like ultrabooks without a keyboard.
The decision to in-source the Surface is a strong move that means Microsoft is serious about taking the iPad head on. For the first time in a while I honestly feel like I have to get a review unit as soon as possible and have a good chat with some friends in Redmond about their enterprise angle for this thing, because we all know that this is the market they are really trying service here.
Specs from [Microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx) and [Engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/18/microsoft-surface-tablets-the-differences-between-rt-and-window/)
__Surface for Windows RT tablet__
* Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
* Weight: 676 grams
* Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
* Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD capactive touchpanel
* Battery: 31.5Wh
* I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
* Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
* Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
* Capacity: 32GB / 64GB
* Availability: “Around” the Windows 8 launch (fall 2012)
* Pricing: To be determined
__Surface for Windows 8 Pro tablet__
* Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
* Weight: 903 grams
* Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
* Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD (1080p) capactive touchpanel
* Battery: 42Wh
* I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MIMO antennae
* Software: Windows 8 Pro
* Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
* Capacity: 64GB / 128GB
* Availability: “Three months after” the Windows 8 launch this fall
* Pricing: To be determined
