Tech News: Microsoft Surface or iPad? ....details and specs

For those who like the click.

It's light, it's got style, it's loaded with Microsofts' newest OS Windows 8 RT.
But the one question remains. Is it better than the iPad?

Microsoft has clearly spent a lot of time making this thing look and feel just right. The device is fully developed by the Redmond, WA company. Hardware and software.

The Surface isn’t flashy—it’s less outwardly gorgeous than the new iPad—but it is delightfully functional. It’s got a kickstand built invisibly into the device, and, even better, Microsoft created an ingenious case that includes a “pressure sensitive” touch keyboard right inside the cover. Of all the attributes, the keyboard is is the Surface’s killer attraction. You likely have seen the commercials and the sudden "click" of the keyboard locking in witht he screen. Classy

So how do does the Surface compare to Apple’s latest iPad?

Well, for starters, there are two versions of the Surface, an Nvidia Tegra 3-powered model running Windows RT (available now) and a more business-friendly Intel Core i5-powered model running Windows 8 Pro (likely coming in January).

Some other points of difference include storage size: the Surface with Windows RT comes with 32GB of built-in storage, double the amount inside the entry-level iPad (16GB). Plus, the Surface includes a microSD Card slot for expansion, something the iPad doesn’t offer. The Windows 8 Pro additional will start with 64GB.

Another feature that’s unique to the Surface is its full-size USB port, which should accommodate all sorts of peripherals. You can plug in everything from USB drives and printers to cameras.
Both the fourth-generation iPad and the Surface with Windows RT cost $499. Pricing for the Surface running Windows 8 Pro has yet to be announced. Check out the chart below to get a closer look at the differences between these tablets.

Device	iPad (Forth Generation)	Surface (Windows RT)	Surface (Windows 8 Pro)
Price	$499	$499	TBA
CPU	Apple A6X dual-core	Nvidia Tegra 3	Intel Core i5
OS	iOS 6	Windows 8 RT	Windows 8 Pro
Display	9.7 inches (2048 x 1536)	10.6 inches (1366 x 768)	10.6 inches (1920 x 1080)
Size (inches)	9.5 x 7.31 x 0.37	.37 inches thick	.53 inches thick
Weight (pounds)	1.44	1.49	1.99
Storage (Built-In)	16GB, 32GB, 64GB	32GB, 64GB	64GB, 128GB
Ports	Lighting connector	microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2×2 MiMO Antenne	microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, 2×2 MiMO Antenae

Samsung reveals its Galaxy Note 2

Is it a phone?...Is it a tablet? - Well from what I've seen I guess you could call it a "phablet"!
It remains in a class of its own with the huge AMOLED bright 5.3" display and classy stylus.


In some ways it's design is familiar with the Galaxy S III, with the same rounded edges, glossy finish and extra software piled atop its Android base. Powered by a quad-core Exynos processor clocked at 1.6GHz it houses a 3,100mAh battery. There's also Samsung's reliable 8-megapixel camera sensor on the back, capable of 1080p video-recording. Of course Jelly Bean will be the Android version.

Just like the Galaxy Note 10.1, the Galaxy Note 2 contains a host of new S Pen gestures. The stylus device now enables a virtual pointer/cursor on the Galaxy Note 2's screen. This happens without the stylus touching the screen and functions almost as a physical laser pointer would.

More info on the device here:
(Video courtesy of Android Central)

Google reveals it's first tablet - a competitor for Kindle Fire

Google released it's first tablet today and it looks promising for the Android giant.
Called the "Nexus 7" the tablet seems as a direct competitor for the Kindle Fire.

The tablet has a 7" 1280 x 800 HD screen, powered by Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processor, and will run the next version of Android 4.1 dubbed "Jelly Bean". The device comes with either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM. The tablet is powered by a 4,325mAh battery offering up to 8 hours of active use. The tablet is jointly developed by Asus.

Pricing has also been confirmed: $199 for the 8GB model and $249 for the 16GB.

Google had previously sold an Android smartphone called the "Nexus One back in 2010, but discontinued sales as it had not lived up to expectations.