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Microsoft

Microsoft tablet is here: Firm unveils its iPad rival 'Surface'

The tech giant’s new device has a few innovations. See it in action here…

MICROSOFT HAS UNVEILED its much-anticipated tablet computer, in a high-stakes attempt to compete with Apple’s iPad.

The company’s new product, called the Surface, was announced by CEO Steve Ballmer at an event in California yesterday. He said the tablet was part of a “whole new family of devices” being developed by Microsoft, the Guardian reports.

The device is a similar size and thickness to the iPad, but its screen is slightly larger at 10.6 inches. It will run the new Windows 8 operating system.

However, the most obvious innovation is a fold-out ‘Touch Cover’ – a 3mm-thick cover for the screen which folds down to be used as a portable keyboard.

This will allow users to type “significantly faster” than a touch screen, the company said in a statement.

Microsoft has not said how much the new tablet will cost. However, it said it will be “competitive” with “comparable” tablet devices from other manufacturers.

There was much speculation in advance of the launch, which sees Microsoft make an unusual move into hardware. It has traditionally focused on software and left the hardware field to other manufacturers.

This is Microsoft’s publicity video for the device…

YouTube/surface

…while this clip from ABC News shows the Surface tablets on show in the real world:

YouTube/ABCNews

So how does the Surface rate? PC Advisor‘s reviewer was “very impressed” by what she saw, and said the device does live up to the hype. She called the touch cover “versatile, lightweight, functional and a true aid to your productivity.”

Tech site CNET was also broadly positive – but noted that no reviewers have really got to put the Surface through its paces as yet. “I like what I’ve seen so far – I just felt I was left hanging, information-wise,” wrote reviewer Eric Franklin.

Read: Computing giant Microsoft ‘to announce iPad rival’>

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71 Comments
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    Mute The Snowball Effect
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 11:29 AM

    Whats worse is there is Eastern European gangs whose sole reason for living in this country is to rob left right and center, if we give a description we are called racist

    Unbelievable

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    Mute Peter Derbyshire
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 9:44 AM

    How does one access the approved local community contact?

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    Mute Tom Red
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 9:51 AM

    This would be very handy ,
    only some P***k nicked my mobile phone. …

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    Mute Tom Fennelly
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 9:47 AM

    And if the Gardai do eventually come out to your home and find you are having your lock repaired by someone or a decent neighbour who are not members of the Private Security Authority you get fined €3,000 and your neighbour €10,000. Cut the quangos and jail the criminals instead.

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    Mute youknowimright
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 9:49 AM

    Fined by who? What?

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    Mute Tom Fennelly
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 10:48 AM

    Private Security Authority. It’s the law. You cannot have a window lock, door lock, or CCTV fitted by anyone unless they are members of the PSA. You end up with a criminal record as happened in a Navan restaurant before Christmas. If your parents are living down the country and you send them a Plug & Play CCTV recorder and four cameras they can’t plug it in. That is the law/ Go to the PSA website and see it and maybe encourage some of the red thumbers who dont realize it to have a look as well.

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    Mute David Conroy
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 10:54 AM

    Thankfully we do not live in a country that enforces it’s laws. Stick up your own CCTV system, it’ll be grand !!

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    Mute Bob Goodbear
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 11:55 AM

    I must look it up. I had heard that about alarms alright but not locks etc. On what grounds are you breaking a law? I could just about understand an insurer trying to use it as an escape route to not paying out if you had a break in. I can understand if it was a strong recommendation but breaking the law, how?
    Off now to do some reading up.

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    Mute Tony Tee
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 12:31 PM

    Thats rubbish Tom…..you are not allowed supply safes, locks, CCTV etc commercially without being licensed. The guy prosecuted was trading without the necessary license. There is nothing to stop a individual installing their own CCTV or changing their own locks.

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    Mute Reg
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 10:07 AM

    On a related note, I was looking for a map that shows which Garda stations are responsible for particular areas in Dublin. Anyone know of one? You’d think that something like this would be easily available but it doesn’t seem to be.

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    Mute Lára de Siúin
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 11:38 AM

    Ring any Dublin station and ask who covers whatever area you’re looking to know about… Surely you’d have a rough idea who covers where?!

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    Mute Greg O'Dubhuidhe
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 12:07 PM

    The Garda site used to have it until the update. Perhaps they thought it might aid criminals? There is a Google maps option on the site that will give an indication of your nearest one.

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    Mute Eoin Cowan
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 9:49 AM

    My phone will be hopping so, I live in town!!!!

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    Mute www90
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    Jan 2nd 2015, 3:43 PM

    Im staying in Wexford for the weekend wat a joke

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