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Microsoft’s $499 Take On Tablets Available Now

[Techtaffy Newsdesk]

Microsoft has opened pre-orders for Surface, the Redmond giant’s interpretation of tablet devices. Surface with Windows RT will initially be available in three avatars, a 32GB version priced at $499, a 32GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at $599, and a 64GB version bundled with a black Touch Cover priced at $699.

Here’s a look at the tech specs:

  • Software – Surface with Windows RT comes with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (which includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote)
  • Exterior – 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 inches, 1.5 pounds, VaporMg casing, dark titanium color, volume and power buttons
  • Storage – 32 GB (3); 64 GB
  • CPU – NVIDIA T30, 2 GB of RAM
  • Wireless – Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology
  • Cameras – Two 720p HD cameras, front- and rear-facing
  • Audio – Two microphones, stereo speakers
  • Ports – Full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card slot, headset jack, HD video out port, cover port
  • Sensors – Ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, compass
  • Power Supply – 24W power supply
  • Warranty – One-year limited hardware warranty
  • Apps (included) – Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview (2) (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote), Windows Mail and Windows Messaging, SkyDrive, Windows Internet Explorer 10, Bing, Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and Xbox Games

The question is, if you have $500, and want a tablet device, would you opt for an iPad, or go for Surface?

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Microsoft Launches ‘Surface PC’ Tablets

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