Microsoft has confirmed that Surface tablets will arrive on October 26 along with Windows 8.
“The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices,”
Microsoft said in its annual report filed this week with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
“Suggested retail pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC,” Microsoft said in a statement.
Taking a closer look on that statement, a rough estimate for Windows RT version would be around $500 and the Windows 8 Pro Intel-based tablets will rise up to $1,000 or higher.
According to Microsoft, the October 26 release will only cater Windows RT tablets while the Intel-based Surface Pro is expected about 90 days later.
Here’s the initial specs:
Surface Windows RT
- OS: Windows RT
- Light: 676 g
- Thin: 9.3 mm
- Clear: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 technology also included.
- Processor: ARM-based by NVIDIA
- Energized: 31.5 W-h battery
- Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
- Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
- Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand, edges angled at 22 degrees
- Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB
Surface Windows 8 Pro
- OS: Windows 8 Pro
- Light: 903 g
- Thin: 13.5 mm
- Clear: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display with 16:9 aspect ratio. Corning Gorilla Glass 2 technology also included.
- Processor: Intel Core Ivy Bridge
- Energized: 42 W-h battery
- Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
- Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
- Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand, edges angled at 22 degrees
- Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB
