Microsoft Surface tablets are released

Microsoft Surface

The ultimate Windows 8 tablet from the company that developed it.

In a separate launch to Windows 8, but done at the same venue, Microsoft officially launched its Surface tablet. This was something of a historic moment as it’s the first PC that Microsoft has ever manufactured and is currently only available to buy from the Microsoft Store.

The good news for Microsoft and the bad news for you is that the tablet is already sold out, with a three week wait on the 32GB models.

Who can blame people for the clamour?

During the launch presentation Microsoft went to length to point out the meticulous and loving attention lavished on the design. Take its bespoke custom VaporMg case, it’s smooth and tough, so tough in fact that during the demonstration the Surface tablet was dropped from shoulder height with no damage done.

It’s practical too with an interesting integrated kickstand, this angles the tablet at 20 degrees, ideal for viewing on a table. It so happens that the integrated front and rear cameras are also angled at 20 degrees, so they’re perfectly aligned for video chat both at the front and rear.

The same design detail applies to the snap-in keyboard/cover that’s just 3mm thick and doubles as a keyboard and touchpad. It’s something that everyone seems to love clipping into place as there’s a very satisfying “snap” noise.

The Surface is also very functional. During the New Your launch Microsoft boasted that the entire presentation was being run behind the scenes on Surface devices. That shows an impressive level of trust in a new platform.

With its 32GB of storage and SD card expansion there’s no doubt that Microsoft Surface is an impressive tablet, it’s the device that Windows 8 was really designed to run on, and its initial sales seem to indicate Microsoft should do well.

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