This is the new Microsoft Surface Tablet.

Specifications:

There are a few features with this new tablet such as:

• All angle cooling
• Built-in kick stand
• USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 (for Windows 8 Pro version)
• Optically bonded screen
• Magnetic Touch Type Cover
• VaporMg case
• Pen with Palm Block with input sampling at 600 DPI (dots per inch)

So this brings us to the speculations:

• Is the pen a Wacom Digitizer? If it is, it will be very attractive to artists who wish to replace their ASUS EP121 or those who’ve wanted something like it but better.
• Did they forget Bluetooth?
• How long will this last on a single charge?
• How much will it cost?
• What is the actual release date?
• Will other accessories be able to utilize the magnetic connection?
• Why did they use a Mini DisplayPort for the Pro version? Why not mini HDMI?
• How much support will the Windows App Market have?

Release is suppose to be around Q3 for the Microsoft Surface RT version, and 3 months later (Q4) the Pro version will be released with pricing on the RT comperable to other Tegra3 tablets and Pro version being around what Ultrabooks cost.

So here’s what I think. Microsoft is hitting iOS, OSX, Android, and Chrome OS all at the same time with a form factor that is more user friendly and popular than traditional laptops. This device is about power in a tablet. This is a game changer for the tablet market and I don’t think people can believe its coming from Microsoft, hence all the criticism and hate. Rightfully deserved from some previous lackluster support for touch and pen input but I think they are renewing their creativity and ingenuity. They now have experience with trying to make the touch experience more user friendly and efficient with Windows Phone, which seems to be doing not so bad, they have now taken what they’ve learned and are now applying it to an area where they need to catch up, tablets. They have tried this with the ASUS EP121, but now with Windows 8, they can compete with iPad and Macbooks with a powerful OS.

I think that’s what people are forgetting here, Windows OS is a powerful program that has always been more functional and productive than Apple’s PC OS. This tablet is Microsoft flexing its muscles and taking back dominance from its old rival and the new kid on the block, showing everyone who is boss. Microsoft Surface Pro is going to do what the Macbook Air was trying to do, be sleek and functional (at least that’s what I assumed it was doing, if not just being used to cut bread). The Ultrabooks are going to take a beating as well, since they kind of follow the Macbook Air. With the Surface Pro I would be able to use 3D progams and maybe play some low res games while in a coffee shop, and maybe do some sketching in Photoshop if I feel like it, all while looking like I’m on an Android/Apple tablet.

I can already imagine the possibilities with this tablet. I would be able to use 3D progams and maybe play some low res games while in a coffee shop, and maybe do some sketching in Photoshop if I feel like it, all while looking like I’m on an Android/Apple tablet. Dual boot Linux, connect with Leap Motion,

All and all, nothing we say is really going to matter until this tablet comes out in Q3, and arguably, even more importantly the Pro version in Q4.

I will be doing updates when more information comes in closer to the release as well as reviews, I may be picking up the Pro version (impulse buy if it has a Wacom Digitizer) so look out for that.

The full presentation can be had here:

Also, I was talking with someone about the strength of the magnetic keyboard cover, take a look for yourself (starts at 1:50):

Link via Engadget, PCMag, The Verge