Microsoft Surface: Full Review

After all those in-depth speculations, Microsoft's finally unveiled its chic tablet, Surface. The software giant has made its presence felt for the past three decades, crafting ingenious software for computing, but this is the first tablet that it has ever built. Microsoft was a late entrant into the mobile world that had just two powerful entities – Apple and Android. Microsoft’s initial smartphones didn’t get much love and the company had begun to lose ground in the mobile terrain. The company bounced back with the tiled Windows Phone UI, and then made the big announcement of Windows 8, which would offer seamless experience for various platforms, like smartphones, tablets and desktops.

Design
Microsoft displayed the Surface for Windows RT, featuring a classy and chic look. The Surface for Windows 8 Pro is said to feature the same design, but it will be a tad thicker and heavier. The casing of Surface has been created using a unique approach, called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mould metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. This finish helps the tablet exhibit a premium look and feel. Both tablets go beyond the existing screen sizes, and brings a large screen experience with displays measuring 10.6-inch. Both feature a high-res, 16:9 ClearType screen. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out. The Surface for Windows RT is 9.3mm slim and weighs 676 grams, while the Surface for Windows 8 Pro is a tad heavy at 903 grams and 13.5mm in thickness. Moreover, Microsoft has also added in the integral kickstand that adds viewing convenience. It is has been integrated using the VaporMg and is a part of the device without adding external bulk.