Microsoft picks both ARM and Intel for tablet

Microsoft picks both ARM and Intel for tablet

Microsoft has unveiled a 10.6-inch tablet in a 16:9 aspect ratio, dubbed the Surface, to be available in two options, one powered by Intel's 22-nm Ivy Bridge processor running Windows 8, and another Surface powered by an ARM chipset and Windows RT.

The Windows RT version is 9.3-mm thin, weighs 676 grams, includes a built-in kickstand, and is claimed to be the first PC with a vapor-deposited magnesium case. It will ship in 32- and 64-Gbyte versions and will compete head-to-head with Apple’s iPads.

The Intel-based Surface tablet will run Windows 8 Pro, with a thickness of 13.5-mm, to compete with lightweight laptop PCs, at 903 grams.

This version will also include magnesium casing and a built-in kickstand, but will ship with either 64- or 128-Gbytes of storage. The Intel version will also include additional digital ink support through a pen that magnetizes to the body of the tablet, and a touch-capable 10.6-inch ClearType "Full HD" display. The lighter, thinner version of the Surface tablet, built on an Nvidia Corp chip designed by ARM Holdings, will be the first to market at the same time as the general release of Windows 8, and will come with Microsoft's Office suite of applications.

This article was first published by EE Times Europe


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