Microsoft Surface tablets. My first thoughts.

Yowzer.

The recent announcement came as a huge surprise, Microsoft are making PC hardware and are going to sell their own tablets through their Microsoft Stores. I mean who saw that coming?


So, they have made PC hardware before, but never a full blown computer x86 (or other) computer. But the more I think of it the more it comes as no surprise that this is what Microsoft absolutely have to do to push the full capabilities of their next OS - Windows 8. They have given their OEM partners like Dell and HP years to come up with something truly innovative, and when you compare all the vendor devices currently on the market or that have been previewed, Microsoft Surface tablets blow them out of the water. This is Microsoft showcasing what they want them to come up with, and after all the false starts we have seen, I can see why Microsoft has done it.


So what does the Surface look like?

It is extremely pretty. I watched the keynote (which is available here) and I was blown away with the attention to detail and the design they have put into these devices. I can't but help think that when you compare this to the iPad in its latest incarnation the iPad 3, no real innovation has taken place since the iPad was first launched, the Microsoft Surface however melds the tablet and ultra book into one beautiful wonder device. I absolutely love it.

So how can we define the two models that will be available?

The Windows RT Surface is running the ARM compatible version of Windows, under the hood is the Nvidia Tegra3 chipset (specifications here). This is a closed device, so this means applications can only be installed from the Microsoft App Store.

The Pro version will run on an Intel chipset that is said to better a Core i5 running on the Ivy Bridge chipset. This version will run Apps from the App Store also, but also allow you to install any of your good old Windows applications just as you would on Windows XP or Windows 7. Applications like Microsoft Office or Adobe Photoshop.

That is really the only major difference from a consumer point of view. There are others like ports and Digital Ink support (Pro only), but the major driver for choosing which tablet you want, in my opinion at least, will be the above.

I think the arm model will directly compete with the iPad, and the Intel version is a direct competitor to the ultrabook range - but also a key product to push into the Corporate sector.

I imagine the current App Store that is available to all Windows Phone devices will be immediately available to both models. I would imagine all current Apps will be compatible and that Developers will eventually update their Apps to provide a higher resolution mode for when running on the Microsoft Surface tablets - just like you get with iOS and iPhone and iPads.


I can already see myself using a Pro.. Having it running HyperV 3.0 (yes I know it will only come with a 64GB or 128GB SSD hdd - but I already thought about Live Migration between my Surface and workstation at home - 'big grin') so I can take it on the road and show customers demos as well as having it as a personal device.


I have to admit the stand and the touchpad and just so obvious, yet so absolutely amazing I can't help but believe that the next version of the iPad simply cannot continue in the current form if they want it to be a successful product.



Anyway i'll leave you with the official Surface video.

A tablet that's a unique expression of entertainment and creativity.
A tablet that works and plays the way you want.
A new type of computing. Surface.

Update: since typing this I have been watching the Windows Phone 8 summit keynote, another blog post coming soon.

Take care,

Oliver Moazzezi MVP - Exchange Server