Microsoft did indeed introduce a new tablet late this afternoon, or early this evening if you’re on the east coast.
The new tablet, called Surface, will have a 10.6” screen, weight 1.5 pounds, feature an HD display, will have a built in kick stand so you can prop the tablet up without having to buy a stand or stand up case. The tablet will additionally come with and allow you to use a stylus to write and will feature a full sized keyboard that is built into its cover.
Microsoft did not release a price for the tablet or a release date; however, later this year is a safe bet as the tablet will come in two versions both of which will be running versions of Windows 8. And Windows 8 is scheduled for a fall 2012 release.
Here’s a link to a CNET review of the new tablet:
http://reviews.cnet.com/tablets/microsoft-surface-rt/4505-3126_7-35332494.html?tag=TOCcarouselMain.0
And here’s a link to the Microsoft website where they already have gallery up that shows off the Surface tablet:
http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx
Have a great evening!
Linda R.
Tech & Book Talk at SSCL 
Was just checking out the new Surface. It seems nice. I’m not sure how sturdy or lasting the keyboard will be though. I do like how light it looks.
We’ll have to see how all the features really work when it comes out.
Microsoft was mum on when exactly the Surface will be available for sale, how much storage it will have and what the price of the tablet will be.
However, it does have some major pluses to it like a case and keyboard that come with it and a USB input.
The one thing Microsoft didn’t talk about at all though; is the apps that will be available for it. And of course, as any of us that own Apple devices know – only half the equation is how great the tablet, smart phone or small mobile device is – the other half is about the apps. How many apps are available for a device and how high the quality of those apps is – that is a huge deal and a big factor in how well a tablet sells.
And another big deal will be the price – I think the entry-level Surface tablet has to be at least available for an entry level price of $499, like the entry-level iPad, for it to be option consumers shopping for tablets will consider. If the entry level Surface costs more than $499 I don’t think it is likely to be a hit with consumers. Of course, Microsoft may intend the tablet for the business market and expect that businesses will pay a higher price but I think the jury will be out on that point until the tablet is released.
And I do hope Microsoft has indeed considered that apps part of the equation because that seems to me to be the part that most other hardware companies have missed when they scrambled to get tablets to market to compete with the iPad. They create these nice looking tablets that have a variety of features but no apps and then no one buys them until they have a fireside sale and discontinue them – as with the HP Touchpad.
All I can say is Microsoft better have Angry Birds Space available for the Surface when it goes on sale or this tech fan will be keeping her money safely in the bank.