Microsoft Surface tablet review – Technology Times

Microsoft is so sure that Surface will be a runaway success that they are releasing MS office on iOS in the fall as well.  It has premium design, portability of a tablet, fully functioning desktop OS, compatibility with existing Microsoft software and keyboard options. The Type Cover has mechanical keys and a multi-touch click pad. Our touch-typist fingers flew over the keys as efficiently as if we were typing on our laptop. The Touch Cover is a great idea and something Apple hasn't delivered a slim case but also keyboard that is genuinely useful. The Windows logo isn't just for show; it's a touch button that gives you the Start screen when you tap on it, plus the whole bezel is touch-aware so you can swipe across it to bring up the App bar or the switching pane (spending on which way round it is).

The Surface Pro offers Intel Ivy Bridge power with up to 128GB of storage, USB 3.0 and a digital inking pen, all in a slim, 862g package.  Microsoft makes its grand debut onto the tablet hardware market with the Surface for Windows 8. And it’s one impressive entrance, with the 10.6in Full HD screen protected by Gorilla Glass 2 being a particular highlight. The Surface tablet's integrated kickstand is sheer brilliance, and it felt sturdily designed when we lifted it up and held the prototype tablet by its kickstand. We did that almost automatically, without thinking about potential consequences, and then realized that we had nothing to fear; the kickstand felt as stable as bedrock.  The ARM version for Windows 8 RT, meanwhile, sports a quad-core ARM CPU with up to 64GB, and diets down to 576g with a 9.3mm profile.  As if that weren’t enough, there’s also a selection or rather stylish keyboard covers to turn this slate into a proper laptop replacement. Microsoft has noticed many people are put off by physical keyboards on tablets but this is a slim case (with keyboard). 

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 Ultra book laptops, so we’re guessing sub-£400 for the Surface and under £800 for the Surface Pro wouldn’t be outside the realms of possibility.