Microsoft Surface: A tablet for business presentations and construction calculations
While Apple has sold many tablets and mobile devices to business professionals, many saw a disconnection between the computer they use for work and the tablet they use for play. For example, people connected to Windows for work functions had to make do with limited bridges from the tablet world to the work world. For these professionals, Windows has released the Surface, an answer to tablet devices released by Apple and various Android-based companies in the last few years. Complete with a full keyboard case and hefty Wi-Fi antennae, this tablet offers business pros their beloved Excel spreadsheets and the capability to run complex construction tools for design pros. In short, the Surface is clearly meant to offer the feeling of a work laptop with tablet capabilities.Announce in a 48-minute Keynote address at a Developers Conference this week [June 20th 2012], Microsoft promised that the Surface would be the perfect bridge between the laptop and their Windows 8 operating system.
The company also showed off popular apps like YouTube and Netflix. But what the surface accentuated most of all were practical features that would allow users to access construction calculators, drafting applications, word documents and spreadsheets, all while seamlessly interacting with other applications, straight from the keyboard.
The name ‘Surface’ clearly refers to a tabletop, as the first feature highlighted is the fully integrated kickstand.
A silent, seamless stand holds the tablet at a perfect angle for watching videos; flipping through pictures and other tabletop tasks.
The second distinguishing feature is the snap-on keyboard case. A sleek, soft-shell case doubles as a full keyboard and is light enough to not take the user out of the tablet experience.
When used along with the kickstand, the tablet mirrors a modern, minimalist laptop.
Commenters quickly took to Twitter and other social media platforms to point out that many third-party companies have released similar cases for other tablets.
Apple itself offers a portable Bluetooth keyboard and third-party suppliers offer everything from hard-shell laptop-style cases to thin keyboard covers.
Microsoft Windows hopes to take a leaf out of Apple’s book – making an existing technology better with a little creative styling.
The Surface keyboard offers magnetic connectivity and a soft touch to the keys, making it lighter and more seamless than others on the market today.
This is the audience the Surface hopes to appeal to. So, if you are a professional who could not use a tablet for professional reasons or found yourself missing your laptop keyboard when you went to type an email or take some notes on a presentation, the Surface is for you.
About the author
Matt Haran is a part of an elite team of writers who have contributed to hundreds of blogs and news sites. Follow him @thatdoodmatt
