Microsoft Surface – need to know

Microsoft has announced a pair of shiny new Surface tablets – The Surface Windows RT and Surface Windows 8 Pro – to usher in a new touchable era of Windows 8 on the go, along with some potentially game-changing accessories. Let's take a closer look, shall we?

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – design and build

The Windows RT Surface measures in at a svelte 9.3mm thin with a 676g weight, and is made out of VaporMG, a magnesium alloy which provides a premium and incredibly solid finish. Did we mention it has a kickstand? Because it has one of those too.

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – screen

The Windows RT Surface tablet has a 10.6in ClearType HD screen, with an expected 1366x768 resolution.

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – power

Beneath its magnesium alloy chassis, the RT Surface tablet contains an Nvidia (probably Tegra 3) processor, although RAM is still unknown. That puts the Microsoft Surface RT tablet on par with the likes of the Asus Transformer Prime in the specs department, so it will be interesting to see whether Ice Cream Sandwich or Windows RT runs faster on the same silicon.

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – connectivity

You'll have 32GB or 64GB of storage to play with, along with a microSD, USB 2.0, and Micro HD video port. A dual Wi-Fi antenna will also ensure good reception no matter how you hold the slate. A 31.5W-h battery finishes off the spec sheet, although battery life has been kept quiet so far. Both models of the Surface also appear to have a proprietary MagSafe-like charging connector.

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – OS

The RT edition of the Microsoft surface tablet will offer up a more stripped down version of the Windows 8 Pro model, meaning that you won't be able to load or run full Windows programmes. Metro apps are good to go however, and (oddly) unlike the Pro model, the Windows RT Surface owners will have Microsoft Office pre-installed.

Microsoft Surface Windows RT tablet – price and release date

Microsoft has kept pricing information very close to the chest, offering nothing but the statement that the Windows RT Surface tablet will be priced similarly to other Windows 8 tablets upon its release later this Autumn.