Microsoft plunges into the tablet market with Surface

19 June, 2012

Microsoft is taking the plunge in the tablet market with their new product Surface. Although they are the boss in the software arena, will they be able to take down Apple is the real question.

MICROSOFT HAS launched a tablet called Surface, and has once again ignited its long battle with Apple for market supremacy. In an event in Los Angeles, Microsoft announced the iPad competitor and people cannot wait to see how Microsoft has fared on the hardware front. From the looks of it, Surface looks stylish and quite different from an Apple device. However, will this be able to woo the Apple seeking consumer is a question that only time will tell.

The virtual giant did not announce any price but it did mention that Surface will be priced competitively compared to all other tablets using ARM processors. Explaining the making of Surface, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that in order to give their new Windows 8 a hardware, they have made Surface.

As reported in indiatimes.com, Surface is designed into two different models - one with an ARM processor and the other with Windows 8 where only the Metros apps would work. Microsoft wants to woo the professionals who stay away from Apple as they do not have MS Office. Microsoft Surface of the ARM version will run MS Office 15. This model is 9.3mm thick and weighs 676 gram and supports USB 2.

The Surface with Intel processor is superior of the two as it support all apps, has higher screen resolution, sports bigger battery with USB 3, and will have Windows 8. The design and the weight of the device also defers from the previous model as it is 13.5 mm thick and weighs 903 gram. Apart from the software, that is sure to attract the customers, another high point of Microsoft's product is the cover that both the tablets have. They have designed two special tablet covers - one that offers a touch keyboard that can be attached to the tablet and the other a physical keyboard.

All in all, Microsoft has really taken a dig at Apple's weaker points such as the operating system and the cover. Let's see if Microsoft is able to bring down Apple or at least put a dent in their already thriving market.