Microsoft Surface Tablet For Windows 8 Tablet Review

This is no half-baked effort either. The X86 version, designated Pro, sports Ivy Bridge Core i processors, while the RT for ARM version, designated just Surface or Surface RT, uses an ARM processor that?s been hinted to be Nvidia (that?ll be a Tegra 3 variant then, we imagine). This is backed by either 32GB or 64GB of storage on the Surface RT, while sensibly the Pro model comes with a little more storage, 64GB or 128GB. The latter is pretty much in line with your average Ultrabook.

As a main highlight, Surface has a 10.6in, Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) screen protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 2, though the RT version will also have a less impressive 1,366 x 768 option. Both are built using a magnesium alloy, which is one of the lightest metals around. This leads to a weight of just 576 grams and slim 9.3mm profile for the RT version, with the Pro upping that to 862g and 13.5mm.

Connectivity is nothing to sniff at either, with a core ingredient being a full-size USB 3.0 port on the Pro model (USB 2.0 on the RT), ideal for hooking up anything from peripherals to memory sticks - it?s an essential that far too many tablet omit. Its joined by microHDMI for effortless video output. Front and rear HD cameras are also on the menu.?
Even the cooling of the Surface tablet has been carefully thought out: rather than having vents in specific locations which can accidentally be blocked leading to possible overheating, the Microsoft?s tab has a ?vent groove? running all the way around the back, leading to an even distribution of outflowing air that should prove minimally distracting. Microsoft calls it ?perimeter venting? - nice.
Microsoft?s Surface tablet is also beautifully finished, with carefully machined, beveled edges. And it has a built-in kick-stand, something anyone who has ever tried to watch a movie on their tablet without some kind of case propping it up will doubtless appreciate.?However, if you do want to add a case it sports magnetic connectors, just like the iPad. And despite being only 3mm thin, the Touch Cover Microsoft will be selling along with this tablet acts as a multi-touch keyboard and two-button touchpad, in something of a Asus Transformer-lite setup. It comes in five different colours too. If you prefer actual, physical keys (as we, along with most productivity-oriented individuals, most certainly do), there?s a 5mm thin cover that has those too. Logically enough, it?s called the Type Cover.
Microsoft has even spared a thought for those who like precision stylus work, at least on the X86 tablet, by throwing in an optional Inking Pen. While we can?t confirm if the stylus is pressure sensitive, if it were that would immediately elevate Microsoft?s Surface Pro to a whole new level of desirability for artists, designers and those who like hand-written notes.So there you have it. So far, the Surface tablet definitely has potential as an iPad beater. Along with the top-end Acer Inoia, Lenovo?s next high-end Android tablet, and of course the Asus Transformer Infinity, it sports the highest-resolution screen of the non-IOS tablets with enough power to make use of it. It looks great, is reasonably well-connected, and has some seriously nifty accessories.?
If we?re being picky, we would have liked to have seen a full-size or at least microSD card reader, and a second USB port wouldn?t have hurt. But overall, it would appear Microsoft?s Surface is an incredibly strong contender.?

So what about launch? The Windows 8 RT ARM tablet will launch at the same time as Microsoft?s OS, while the Surface Pro tablet will come a few months later. Pricing will be competitive with ?comparable? ARM tablets or Ultrabook laptops, so we?re guessing around ?400 for the Surface and ?800 for the Surface Pro wouldn?t be outside the realms of possibility. Here?s hoping...?

bill o brien portland trailblazers will kopelman casey anthony leann rimes dakota fanning casey anthony video diary