VIDEO Surface by Microsoft. A Windows 8 Tablet

[kemical]

This looks quite exciting stuff... Enjoy..

Microsoft unveiled Surface: PCs built to be the ultimate stage for Windows. Company executives showed two Windows tablets and accessories that feature significant advances in industrial design and attention to detail. Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without compromise. It delivers the power of amazing software with Windows and the feel of premium hardware in one exciting experience.

Advances in Industrial Design
Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company's 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:
Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.
VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.
Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.
Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

Reference:
Microsoft Announces Surface


The Surface website can be found here:

http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx

 

[MikeHawthorne]

Hi

That looks good to me, I wonder how long before they actually have something.
If they come out with that in the next couple of years I'll sell my iPad and buy one.

I love my iPad but I hate the way they force you to run every thing through iTunes and use Apple apps.
And I don't really get a lot of the interface, it doesn't seem logical to me.

I also really like the idea of the cover Keypad!

It takes me for ever to type on the little keypad on the screen one key at a time.

Now put in an i3 processor 120 Gigs of storage, and a 3D video processor and I'll be ready to buy.

IPad does't even put in a USB port, so you can hook up to other hardware plug in a Memory Sticks and transfer data to it etc.

I'd love to be able to still use a mouse with it for some applications too.
If it has a USB port maybe it could be possible to plug in a wireless mouse.

But I do want the quality display that I get with the iPad it's fantastic.

Mike