The Microsoft Surface tablet will launch on October 26 in 3 models. The default 32GB version will be priced at $499, the 32GB with a keyboard cover at $599, and the 64GB model with the keyboard cover at $699.
The Redmond-based company began taking preorders for the anticipated device at 12:00 EDT on Tuesday.
Time Editor Harry McCracken and a select group of other journalists were given a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the new tablet by Microsoft's president of Windows and Live Division, Steven Sinofsky, and Panos Panay, the general director of Surface. McCracken details that the tablet's screen features a 16:9 10.6 screen with a 1366 x 768 resolution, reinforced by Gorilla Glass 2.0. Much like the iPhone 5, the Surface "uses a touchscreen that's been bonded directly to the LCD. That improves contrast and reduces reflection, permitting Retina-like clarity without the Retina display's battery sapping tendencies." The tablet sports both front and rear-facing "LifeCam" cameras.
McCracken also notes that the keyboard uses magnets to latch onto the Surface tablet's screen. During the press meeting, Microsoft made a point to tout the Surface's kickstand, which simulates a laptop experience.
Internally, the device uses MIMO wi-fi "which uses two internal antennae for better wireless performance."
The Surface will run Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 tailored to maximize power efficiency. However, consumers should expect a full version of Windows 8 to ship with the Surface Pro, a more powerful model of the tablet that will not ship on launch.
Stay tuned to Latinos Post for regular updates on the Surface.
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