Microsoft Surface; What is it? Can it Compete?

Microsoft Surface is not the same surface you remember as those massive touchscreen tables that Microsoft used to make in restaurants, but a highly innovative and unique tablet which runs Microsoft’s yet to be released Windows 8 OS. The first thing you should know is that there are two version of the fabled tablet device, the ARM version which runs Windows RT and has a 1366*768 display, and the Pro version which runs on x86 intel architecture and has a higher resolution 1080p full HD display.

So first what is it?
A tablet PC made by Microsoft in house, with MS design through and through. There are two versions of the tablet as stated previously with massive differences mostly related to the architecture. It will run Windows 8, the new OS designed by Microsoft which features a completely new UI and development/coding environment Metro.

Can it compete?
The short answer is yes. In fact the tablet has an extremely good chance of taking a good share of the market. The reason of course is because the tablet market particularly in the UK is dominated if not controlled by Apple’s iPad. While the iPad is great it’s certainly not as productive as the Windows 8 tablets which feature the likes of remote desktop, Office and a more multitasking based OS. Furthermore the Pro version of the tablet can run legacy Windows apps such as Photoshop, etc. ideal for professionals on the move.

Furthermore the non-existent impact of Android on the tablet market leaves the door open for Microsoft, in fact Microsoft will without doubt claw a good percentage of the tablet market back from apple, in the same way as the 90s.

Furthermore the Microsoft design in intriguing to say the least offering a magnificent tablet, with an ergonomic design combined with killer accessories, the tablet is a package to be reckoned with.

So what about those accessories?
Basically Microsoft is offering two magnetic style covers for the tablets, on is the type cover which offers a solid keyboard and trackpad which can be used with the device, furthermore the   cover offers protection for the tablet. While the type cover is very thin, for some people it’s not thin enough, hence Microsoft designed the touch cover; a cover which has a touch sensitive keyboard built allowing the laptop like transformation without the bulk. Without doubt the type cover is better for extended period of typing but the touch cover will do for the everyday, and offers far greater portability.

Verdict
Until we get hands on later in the year we can’t be sure that the Microsoft Surface tablet will be a real competitor to the iPad, but what can be sure of is that Microsoft is possibly the most innovative technology company at this moment in time.