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Surface: The New Tablet Computer by Microsoft
Earlier this week, Microsoft formally presented their new Surface tablet computer device. As reported by Reuters, the tablet will come in two forms, "one running Windows RT, based on the same chip designs that power most tablets, and a higher-performance version running the full Windows 8 Pro operating system that is designed to compete with lightweight laptops." The Windows RT version will compete with the existing tablet market, while the Windows 8 Pro version will compete with the laptops market. The Windows 8 Pro version will also be able to connect to desktop monitors – essentially functioning both as a tablet and computer depending on the user's needs. In the business world, the Microsoft Office programs (namely Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) will be easily transferrable from the work computers to the new Surface tablet (assuming the work computer runs on Windows). This extension of the business workflow could be revolutionary. One of the differentiating features of the Surface is the Touch Cover, a magnetically attaching cover that includes an integrated pressure-sensitive keyboard, as reported by Wired. More detailed features are listed on Microsoft's homepage. The Surface will be Microsoft's first own-branded computing device, which puts Microsoft in direct competition with some of its clients. As mentioned by Bloomberg, in order to not compete head-to-head with their PC partners, Microsoft will only sell the Surface tablet online and at their own retail stores – due at the same time as the release of the new Windows 8 operating system later this year.
The New Microsoft Surface Tablet Computer
Source: http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx
（2012/6/20 掲載）