Microsoft has finally unveiled its own tablet- the Surface. The Windows 8-running tablet has been generating a lot of buzz recently and now that it has been launched, let us see if it is worth all the hype.
Microsoft has paid a lot of attention to the detailing of the tablet. It has a full-sized USB port which is pretty rare these days. While the Windows 8 Professional version of Surface comes with USB 3.0, unfortunately the Windows RT version has only USB 2.0. This is because the former can use USB 3.0 thanks to the core logic chipset of Intel’s Ivy Bridge chips.
The integrated kickstand is a stroke of brilliance. It is sturdily designed and pretty stable so you don’t need to worry about any damage. The tablet’s case is silky and very solid, even on the prototype. The Windows RT version of Surface will only be released in the fall, to coincide with the launch of Windows 8 itself. The Windows 8 version on the other hand will come out towards the end of the year.
Surface could have been a bit slimmer but Microsoft has thoughtfully angled the edges which makes it easier to hold. The Type Cover, which is the keyboard, is probably the perfect tablet keyboard- it’s versatile, functional and lightweight.
Microsoft did not confirm if the keyboard cover uses more of the tablet’s power but it’s a pretty obvious guess that it does. The Touch 
Cover is just 3mm, which is pretty thin, and snaps into place firmly using magnetics and other components that align together to make the clasp. It actually is more secure than even Apple’s Smart Cover which easily slips out of place.
Microsoft’s Surface tablet has surprised many other tablet manufacturers and it remains to be seen how well the tablet performs in global markets.
