Microsoft left a lot of unanswered questions after following Apple into the tablet hardware business Monday with its new Windows 8-based Surface PCs/tablets. The software maker introduced the new family of devices during an event in Los Angeles.
Microsoft said the new Surface tablets
are meant as companion hardware for Windows 8--the most dramatic
overhaul of the OS since Windows 95. Company CEO Steve Ballmer said: "We
wanted to give Windows 8 its own companion hardware innovation." Windows 8 is expected to be available in the fall.
The Surface brand was originally used for a tabletop touchscreen computer Microsoft launched in 2007.
Early Impressions Are Positive
Looking at the spec sheet, the new devices sound promising and early impressions are generally positive.
The new tablets will come with a 10.6-inch display, a kickstand for
tabletop viewing, and a super-thin keyboard case that attaches to the
device with magnets.
Surface will come in two flavors: Surface with Windows RT
and Surface Pro with Windows 8 Pro. Windows RT is the version of
Windows 8 designed for ARM processors; it includes the new
touch-friendly Metro-style interface, as well as a limited version of
the traditional Windows desktop for running Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office.
Surface tablets with Windows RT will include a micros slot, USB 2.0,
and a Micro HD port. The devices will weigh about 1.5 pounds and be
about 0.36-inches thick. Microsoft did not say which processor the
Windows RT device would have, but did say the tablets will come with
your choice of 32GB or 64GB of storage.
Microsoft Surface tablet with Metro interface The
Surface Pro tablets will be Intel-based with access to the Metro UI as
well as to the fully functional Windows desktop and will come in 64GB
and 128GB versions. The tablet will have a microSDXC card slot, USB 3.0,
and Mini Display Port. The Surface Pro will weigh just under two pounds
and be about half-an-inch thick.
That's what we do know about Surface, but there are also a few interesting questions left to answer.
How Much Will It Cost?
Microsoft was short on details when it came to pricing the new
Surface tablets. The company said the Windows RT version of Surface
would cost about the same as comparable slates. Surface Pro, meanwhile,
would be priced similar to comparable competitive Ultrabook PCs.
Let's assume that comparable tablets for the Windows RT version mean
the market leader, Apple's iPad. So the entry-level Surface models
should cost about $600 for the 32GB version and $700 for the 64GB model.
How much Surface Pro devices will cost is another issue entirely
since Microsoft wants to compete with Ultrabook PCs. When Intel
introduced the new class of portable laptops
in spring 2011, they were supposed to be priced under $1,000. But that
dream is only now becoming a reality with second-generation Ultrabooks.
Samsung Series 9Devices like the Lenovo U310 and 410 are priced at $750 and $800 respectively, Vizio just released a line of Ultrabooks that start at $900, and the base model for Sony's new Vaio T13 costs $800. Will the Surface Pro be priced under $1,000 as well, or will Microsoft reach for a higher cost similar to the Samsung Series 9 ($1,400-$1,500) or the Asus Zenbook Prime UX31A ($1,100)?
When Will It Arrive?
The Windows RT version of Surface is due to come out during the
general release of Windows 8, which is expected in the fall, around
October. The Surface Pro is scheduled for release about three months
later, meaning in early 2013. Microsoft did not offer any specifics
beyond these general time lines.
Will Microsoft Ever Give Up on the Digital Pen?
Bill Gates at the 2002 introduction of Windows Tablet PC edition with digital pen Microsoft couldn't resist giving a nod to its legacy tablets (convertible notebooks) by including digital pen
functionality with the Surface Pro. But haven't consumers already
spoken and said, "Thanks, but no thanks" to digital pen input technology
by adopting the finger-driven iPad in droves?
What About 3G/4G Connectivity?
Microsoft didn't say whether the new Surface devices would include
mobile data. Perhaps the company didn't want to discuss that issue while
it works on developing carrier partnerships for its new tablets. Wi-Fi
only devices are great, but many people--especially those looking at the
Surface Pro for work--will want the option of a higher-priced device
that comes with 3G/4G connectivity.
Will the Surface Fulfill the Promise of Apple's iPad?
When technology critics speculate about the future of the iPad, many
wonder if it could one day replace the home PC for many users. In some
ways it has already done that for users who just want a computer that
can do casual Web browsing, e-mail, social networking, and video
streaming. There are also some professionals using the iPad instead of a
laptop at work, including programmers, journalists, and small business owners.
Apple's latest iPad tabletBut
while the iPad is becoming a popular choice for the road, many people
are still holding on to their laptops. That could change with Surface
and similar devices since they offer a familiarity the iPad doesn't
necessarily have.
This is especially true with the Surface Pro: It's a full Windows PC
that is still a relatively sleek tablet with a slim travel keyboard
designed with touch typists in mind. That means you can take all the
programs you use right now and stick them on something the size of a
tablet. Even the entry-level version of Surface running Windows RT
offers the more familiar desktop interface (albeit with limited
functionality) for people who want a basic desktop.
Something Missing
Microsoft Surface in profile Based
on what Microsoft has said, however, the one thing Surface may be
missing is the consumer-friendly entry-level price point of $500. That
appears to be the magic number for people to buy iPads, and tablets that
have been initially priced above that have failed to gain much
traction: i.e., RIM's BlackBerry PlayBook and the HTC Jetstream.
Perhaps Microsoft will still meet the $500 price with the 32GB version as does the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime TF201, but we won't know for sure until Windows RT Surface tablets hit store shelves.
Microsoft is off to a good start with Surface, but we'll have to wait
a few months yet to find out if the company's promises will meet
consumer expectations.
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