Microsoft Unveils 'Surface'
By: Mark Barger, NBCNC
Updated: June 19, 2012
Microsoft is taking aim at the iPad with a tablet computer it's calling "Surface."
It's about the same weight and thickness as the iPad, but with a larger, 10.6 inch HD screen.
Among the unit's distinguishing features are a built in kick stand to prop the unit up, as well as a detachable cover that doubles as a keyboard.
Front and rear facing cameras are also part of the mix, with storage options ranging from 32 to 128 gigabytes.
The new tablet will hit stores in the fall to coincide with Microsoft's release of its new Windows 8 operating system.
One crucial element the company did not reveal is price.
"Surface" marks a concerted effort by the software giant to make inroads in a hardware realm where its had mixed success.
The arrival of Surface comes as Apple's iPad continues to dominate the tablet market, accounting for six of every ten tablets sold, according to research firm IHS iSuppli.
It's about the same weight and thickness as the iPad, but with a larger, 10.6 inch HD screen.
Among the unit's distinguishing features are a built in kick stand to prop the unit up, as well as a detachable cover that doubles as a keyboard.
Front and rear facing cameras are also part of the mix, with storage options ranging from 32 to 128 gigabytes.
The new tablet will hit stores in the fall to coincide with Microsoft's release of its new Windows 8 operating system.
One crucial element the company did not reveal is price.
"Surface" marks a concerted effort by the software giant to make inroads in a hardware realm where its had mixed success.
The arrival of Surface comes as Apple's iPad continues to dominate the tablet market, accounting for six of every ten tablets sold, according to research firm IHS iSuppli.
