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June 18, 2012
Microsoft Announces Surface: New Family of PCs for Windows
"Microsoft-made hardware to be available starting with release of Windows 8 and Windows RT."
By: inShare.339
Surface: A New Family of PCs for Windows

June 19, 2012
Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history
manufacturing hardware, Surface is designed to seamlessly transition between consumption and creation, without
compromise.
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.
An Amazing Windows Experience
Two models of Surface will be available: one running an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and one with a
third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. From the fast and fluid interface, to the ease of
connecting you to the people, information and apps that users care about most, Surface will be a premium way to
experience all that Windows has to offer. Surface for Windows RT will release with the general availability of
Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later. Both will be sold in the Microsoft
Store locations in the U.S. and available through select online Microsoft Stores.
Contributing to an Expanded Ecosystem
One of the strengths of Windows is its extensive ecosystem of software and hardware partners, delivering selection
and choice that makes a customer’s Windows experience uniquely their own. This continues with Surface. Microsoft is
delivering a unique contribution to an already strong and growing ecosystem of functional and stylish devices
delivered by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bring the experience of Windows to consumers and businesses
around the globe.
Additional Product Information
Surface for Windows RT
OS: Windows RT
Light(1): 676 g
Thin(2): 9.3 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
Energized: 31.5 W-h
Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB
Surface for Windows 8 Pro
OS: Windows 8 Pro
Light(1): 903 g
Thin(2): 13.5 mm
Clear: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
Energized: 42 W-h
Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB
(1), (2). Actual size and weight of the device may vary due to configuration and manufacturing process.
Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a
comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC. OEMs will have cost and feature parity on Windows 8 and Windows
RT.
For more information about Surface, visit http://www.surface.com .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help
people and businesses realize their full potential.
Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially
released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided
here.
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