Microsoft Surface vs. New iPad – The War of Tablets

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Microsoft yesterday announced the company’s new Windows 8 based tablets known as Microsoft Surface. Microsoft announced two editions – Surface for Windows RT and Surface for Windows 8 Pro. The exterior of both of these looks nearly identical, but their tech specs differ. As we know, Apple is early in the tablet market, and now Microsoft will have to compete with Apple in this space. Let’s compare Microsoft Surface Windows 8 tablets with third generation of iPad.

Before starting the comparison, let’s learn more about Microsoft Surface and what makes it stand out, apart from running Windows 8 OS.

Microsoft Surface vs. New iPad - The War of Tablets

There are many Android based tablets in the market. But because of their poor performance, we cannot exactly call them as iPad competitors. With the first look at Surface tablets, we are caught by its beauty. This surely looks something like laptops, but its not. The tablet is packed into an ultra-light magnesium body and hardened by the Gorilla Glass.

Surface tablets comes with Touch Cover and Type Cover. If you’re wondering what’s “Touch Cover” is, then its basically a screen cover that attaches to the screen magnetically, and folding it down will reveal a keyboard. This Touch Cover has touch-sensitive keys and is 3mm thick. There’s no need to apply pressure and just touching is enough. The touch cover is offered in five colors, according to the official site. The “Type Cover” has moving keys which means it resembles like a physical keyboard. For those who prefer physical keys, rather than the touch keys can opt for this “type cover”.

Apple doesn’t offer anything comparable to touch cover. There are plenty of third-party keyboards and Apple also offers Wireless Keyboard that runs on Bluethooth technology.

Microsoft’s tablet comes with VaporMG casing which according to Microsoft is made by molding metal and depositing particles that creates a finish similar to luxury watch. Apple doesn’t offer any such thing but you’ll need to buy smart cover by paying extra.

Comparison between Microsoft Surface Tablets vs iPad

Microsoft Surface for Windows RT Tablet

Processor: NVIDIA Tegra-based ARM chip
Weight: 676 grams
Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
Display: 10.6” ClearType HD Display
Battery: 31.5Wh
I/O: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MIMO antennae
Software: Windows RT + Office Home & Student 2013 RT
Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand
Capacity: 32GB, 64GB

Microsoft Surface for Windows 8 Pro Tablet

Processor: Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge)
Weight: 903 grams
Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
Display: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display (1080p)
Battery: 42Wh
I/O: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MIMO antennae
OS: Windows 8 Pro
Accessories: Touch Cover, Type Cover, VaporMg Case & Stand, Pen with Palm Block
Capacity: 64GB, 128GB

Apple iPad (Third Generation)

Processor: Apple dual-core A5 (ARM) with quad-core graphics.
Weight: 652 g
Thickness: 9.4mm
Display: 9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 pixels
Battery: 42.5 watt-hour
OS: iOS 5.1.1
Ports: Micro-SIM card tray
Software: Downloadable from Apple App Store (over 225,000 apps)
Capacity: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB

The million dollar question that comes to mind after looking and comparing these tech specs is – can Microsoft outsmart iPad? Only time can tell the answer of this question. Plus, users don’t just need to look at the hardware but the availability of apps is also important and since Microsoft is a new entrant in this game, the company won’t have many apps compared to iPad which offers over 225,000 apps. Pricing is also an important factor that many users consider before buying a tablet. Microsoft will need to price these tablets competitively to increase their market share in tablets segment.

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