MICROSOFT SURFACE

Microsoft entered the tablet PC market a bit late, with even Google beating them to the punch. However, the big company is now out there in a bid to compete directly with Apple. Its competitor in the battle for tablet-lover’s dollar is the 11” Microsoft Surface.

Naturally, all immediate takes on the Surface will be in comparison to Apple’s iPads – heck, Microsoft is encouraging the comparison from the go: The Surface is a dead ringer for the iPad 3 except with a black bezel. Like most other would-be giant-killers, the Surface has its advantages and disadvantages against the dominant product. At 676 grams (23.8 ounces) and 9.3mm (0.4”) thick, the Surface wins the tale of the tape against the iPad. The operating system here is the in-house OS Windows RT, a version of Windows 8 for mobile devices, so this aspect will depend on how you feel about the ubiquitous Windows.

While the screen resolution of 1280 x 720 is distinctly ho-hum thanks to where the iPads have set the bar, the hardware inside gets high marks for power with nVidia Tegra 3 quad-core processor keeping things humming – at least until users get to check out the superpowered Surface Pro upon its early 2013 release.

Also a nice improvement on the iPad standard is the kickstand embedded in the back of the Microsoft Surface plus the inclusion of two screen covers.

Finally, the price on the Surface is quite favorable, with the basic models available for as little as $600 and memory upgrade for $100 more. It’s the final bit of the equation for prospective purchasers: For those seeking Apple iPad-like quality but are unwilling to join the Apple cult of zombies just yet, the Microsoft Surface tablet is certainly worth the consideration.