Microsoft Surface is a series of tablets designed and marketed by Microsoft. It was announced on June 18, 2012, by Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer at Milk Studios in Los Angeles.The Surface comes in two versions: one with Windows RT and another with Windows 8 Pro. The Windows RT model uses an ARM CPU, while the Windows 8 Pro model will use an Intel CPU.Both models are able to install new applications via the Windows Store, however only the Windows 8 Pro model allows the installation of traditional third-party desktop programs
The Microsoft Surface line features VaporMg (pronounced "VaporMag"), a molded magnesium casing that houses Surface's components paired with a PVD finish Also included in both Surface models is a USB port, a micro HDMI slot, a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the Touch Cover and Type Cover and a microSDXC port hidden under the kickstand.[15] Both models have two 720p HD front- and rear-facing cameras,[15] and a 0.77 millimetres (0.030 in)-thick kickstand which allows the device to be stood up at an angle for hands-free viewing. A physical Windows key is centered directly below the screen.
For the CPUs, the Surface with Windows RT will use ARM CPUs (residing in the Nvidia Tegra SoC).
Surface and Surface Pro have screens of 10.6 inches (27 cm) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Both tablets use Microsoft's ClearType HD display technology and support an ultra-wide viewing angle and auto-adjusting screen intensity. In announcement talk, Michael Angiulo said that when Surface Pro is held at 17 inches (43 cm), the eyes will not be able to distinguish between individual pixels.
Microsoft offers two keyboard covers for Surface - the Touch Cover and Type Cover - that connect to the Surface via a magnetic strip. Both serve as protective covers when folded against the device, and function as keyboards when opened. The Touch Cover is 3.25 millimetres (0.128 in) thick and has a pressure-sensitive keyboard. The Type Cover is thicker at 6 millimetres (0.24 in) and includes a tactile keyboard with physical keys. The keyboards have a gyroscope and accelerometer sensor to determine, based on position, whether or not to accept input. Both also include amultitouch touchpad.
