Microsoft's New Surface Tablet - Ruse?

Remember Ubisoft's excellent idea for a touch screen RTS? Remember R.U.S.E? It was going to run using Microsoft Surface tech. Except now Microsoft has reinvented the wheel and called it Surface, and there's no mention of R.U.S.E. or any other game really.

First of all, you don't need us to lead your opinion, so let's look at the video that Microsoft has put out regarding its new tablet (Surface) that was revealed in LA last night UK time.



Ooops, that was R.U.S.E. again... this time Surface.



All things to all people. So, any details SPOnG? Well, first up Steve Ballmer in his own bull in a brittle boned kitten shop says, "We want to give Windows 8 its own companion hardware innovations..."

So, Surface(s') basic specs are:

Surface for Windows RT (ARM)

· OS: Windows RT

· Light (1): 676g

· Thin (2): 9.3mm

· Clear: 10.6” ClearType HD Display

· Energised: 31.5 W-h

· Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2 x 2 MIMO antennae

· Productive: Office ‘15’ Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover

· Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

· Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro (Intel)

· OS: Windows 8 Pro

· Light (1): 903g

· Thin (2): 13.5mm

· Clear: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display

· Energised: 42 W-h

· Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2 x 2 MIMO antennae

· Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block

· Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand

· Configurable: 64GB, 128GB

In a snipe at the iPad, which also uses external Bluetooth keyboards, Microsoft pointed out that the case of the Surface also acts as a keyboard. "Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colours.

"Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel."

Cover-as-keyboard is a nice idea it must be said, but what does it do for gaming? "Notsomuch"

In terms of price? Nothing solid. CNET, which was at the launch event either as a journalistic outlet or a marketing conduit (we can't tell) says that:

"Microsoft said its new toys would be 'competitively priced', with the RT version sporting a price tag comparable to rival ARM tablets, and the Pro version comparable to ultrabook laptops.

"In other words, expect to pay about £400 for the lighter, RT model, and somewhere in the region of £800 for the heavyweight Pro option. Personally I think it's vital that the Surface RT is cheaper than the most affordable iPad -- £399 -- otherwise it will really struggle."

So, are you excited about the new tablets from a gamers POV? Let us know in the quick comments below or in the full Forum which is free and friendly.