Microsoft Surface tablet: data and peripherals revealed

New keyboards, mice and dates for the Microsoft Surface tablet launch.

Following the big Microsoft Surface announcement on 18 June, the tech giant has now revealed when you’ll be able to snap up its hotly anticipated tablet.

The Microsoft Surface will go on sale on 26 October, the same date as Windows 8 launches.

At the same time, to celebrate 30 years of Microsoft Hardware, a range of new Windows 8-ready peripherals is on the way. These wireless Bluetooth devices will be optimised for Windows 8 features and will work with the Microsoft Surface.

Here’s a rundown of the peripherals on offer:

 

Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse

The pocket-sized Microsoft Wedge Touch Mouse (US $69.95) provides four-way touch scrolling and navigation. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, and features BlueTrack Technology, so it can be used on virtually any surface.

It also has a “backpack mode,” which means it will power down and sleep along with the computer it’s paired to, saving battery life.

 

Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard

The slim Microsoft Wedge Mobile Keyboard (US $79.95) features a Windows 8 Hot Key, media keys, Bluetooth technology, and a durable cover that not only provides protection, it also doubles as a tablet stand.

 

Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse

The Bluetooth-enabled Microsoft Sculpt Touch Mouse (US $49.95) is finely tuned for use with Windows 8, including a four-way touch scroll strip for navigating up and down, left and right, and swiping through windows and documents.

 

Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard

The Bluetooth-enabled Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard (US$49.95) has a Comfort Curve design to position hands and wrists naturally, and a battery saving mode that powers the keyboard down after a period of inactivity but wakes up at the tap of a key.

 

Microsoft Touch Mouse

The Microsoft Touch Mouse (US$79.95) has been updated specifically for use with Windows 8 to incorporate finger swipes and movements that allow for navigation, switching through apps and zooming in and out.

 

 

Visit Microsoft’s Blog to find out more.

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