Microsoft Surface tablet debutes with a $499 price tag

Microsoft Surface tablet is already available for preorder. The 32GB version of the device will cost $499 and the 64GB – $699.

Microsoft’s Surface will be released on October 26 and it will first be offered in eight different countries around the world including the United Arab Emirates.

The new tablet will run on Windows RT which is a special modified version of Windows 8 developed for devices with ARM processors. However, it won’t come with a Touch Cover keypad. Users will need to spend an extra $119 for that. Also, the cover which has real keys will come at a price of $129. Nevertheless, if you order one of the Surface/Touch Cover bundles you can save some money.

Under the Surface

The Surface tablet is powerful device. It has a massive 2GB RAM and option for additional external memory. Also, Microsoft’s tablet will offer users Bluetooth 4, Wi-Fi radio, stereo speakers, accelometer, HD-out post and USB 2.0 port. Moreover, Surface has not only one, but two 720p cameras – front and back. The device will also feature Student 2013 RT and Microsoft Office Home. However, unlike Apple and Amazon tablets it will have no cellular options.

This version of the tablet will differ to some extend from the prototype that was revealed in the summer. That is due to the fact that Microsoft was still working on the Surface tablet. The device weighs 1.5 pounds, however thanks to its special design it feels lighter.

The Touch Cover firmly attaches to the device. The developers of the tablet revealed their secret for that are very small, but strong magnets. In addition, the keyboard easily responds to touching, tapping and various gestures.

Tablet or Not?

Microsoft started working on the tablet back in 2009 when there were no iPads to compare with. In addition, even though Surface is categorized as a tablet, its developers are not willing to call it that way. They actually refer to it as a touch-first tablet. They point out that it has great productivity and utility. That is partly due to the impressive 10.6 screen and the big Touch Cover. However, the bigger the display, the bigger the battery and the weight of the device are. Nevertheless, Microsoft developed a special chassis for the tablet which made it considerably thinner and light.

Only in a few days users will get their new Surface tablets. It will be interesting to see whether Microsoft’s tablet device will hold up to its Apple, Amazon and Google rivals.