Windows Surface Tablets : Microsoft’s New Initiative

Microsoft is taking a big leap with the development of Windows 8. Last week we saw a series Microsoft’s creation, which will be available later this year. Microsoft’s Windows 8 Surface tablets demand attention at this juncture. The Surface tablets; Yes! 'tablets' because Microsoft is bringing out two versions of it. One version of Surface tablets will run on Windows RT and the other will run on Windows 8 Pro OS. We will learn the specifications of the two versions as we proceed.

Windows Surface tablet is a noble concept with options for Touch Cover and Type Cover, which in disguise are super-thin keyboards. Touch and Type Cover sounds familiar to Apples's Smart Cover, but it's the keyboard that separates it from Smart Cover. The magnetic cover for Surface tablet can be used both as a screen protection cover and as a keyboard. When you are done typing, simply flip back the keyboard to shut it off. 

The Touch Cover has a pressure-sensor pad, which detects keystrokes and is perhaps the thinnest keyboard at 3 mm. The Type Cover is slightly thicker measuring 5 mm, with button-depression physical keys. A minute but fine detail about the covers is that it would change the background screen colour depending on the colour of the cover the tablet is connected to.

Specifications of Surface tablet running on Windows RT:

Windows RT OS
Nvidia ARM Processor
Features a 10.6 inch ClearType HD Display with an aspect ratio of 16:9, made of Corning's latest Gorilla Glass
Weighs approximately 676 g and it's super thin at 9.3 mm
31.5 Watt-Hour battery energy
Connectivity - microSD card, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
32GB and 64GB storage capacity
Surface tablets have High-Definition Front and Back cameras

Specifications of Surface tablet running on Windows 8 Pro:

Windows 8 Pro OS
Intel's third-generation Core i Processor
10.6 inch ClearType Full HD Display
Weighs around 903 g and slightly thicker than the RT version at 13.5 mm
42 Watt-Hour battery energy
Connectivity - microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
64GB and 128GB storage capacity

The price and availability of this product is still unknown. The price is going to be a real factor for the success of these tablets. At this point, we can only wish the Surface tablets hit the market soon.

Windows Phone 8 : First Impression

Last week, we got a glimpse of Windows Phone 8, previously known as Apollo. The new Start Screen with Live Tiles and the Metro interface for Windows 8 OS are among the differentiating factors. Live Tiles on Windows phone 8 offers better flexibility and customization. Tiles can be resized into small, medium and large, thereby, providing the users the ability to incorporate more or less information on the Start Screen, depending on his/her choice. Although, large number of Tiles on the Start Screen might cause distractions; you are the 'Master' so you control the device.

Metro interface on Microsoft's new Windows 8 is designed to work on both tablets and PCs. This means Microsoft is trying to create a common platform for mobiles, tablets, and PCs. This certainly is a big relief for developers. Windows phone 8 is powered by multi-core processor, which allows apps to launch quickly, games to load faster, and to function swiftly across all platforms. This device includes a new Wallet feature with NFC support. Windows Phone 8 has in-built Nokia Maps into the Operating System, which also supports offline mapping.

With all the good things to come, there is a bad news for all the predecessors of Windows Phone 8. The existing users of Windows Phone, including Windows Phone 7.5 will not get an update to Windows Phone 8. Windows Phone 7.5 users will get to peek at Windows Phone 8 Start Screen with an update, but will be denied of other features. Well, I don’t know how the current users are going to handle this, but let’s hope the cards turn in your favor.

Windows Phone 8 will be arriving later this year, along with Microsoft's new Surface tablets (which I will be updating in my next post). Stay connected for more info on gadgets and stuffs.

Ultrabook : The Beginning of Future Computing

Lately, the word “Ultrabook” could be heard echoing from every corner of the computing world. We have heard of Notebooks, Laptops, Tablets, and iPads. Then, what is Ultrabook? How is it ultra distinct from other Notebooks and Laptops? If you are among those intrigued by this ultra computing machine, you are at the right place. By the end of this post, I am sure you will be grinning and hungry to be a proud owner of Ultrabook.

Before we begin, here is my understanding of Ultrabook. “Ultrabook is a next generation computing machine, which is much faster, smarter, secure, portable, lighter, innovative, and better performer compared to the existing Notebooks and Laptops.”

Ultrabook is inspired by Intel, with a vision to built higher-end type of subnotebook. In 2011, Intel shared the concept of Ultrabook at Computex and has set certain standards and norms of what an Ultrabook should be. Ultrabooks are designed to be super slim (usually less than 2.1 cm of thickness) and much lighter (usually less than 1.5Kgs or 3.3lbs). Ultrabook should be run by Intel Core i3, i5, i7 Sandy Bridge or Intel’s latest 3^rd generation Ivy Bridge Processor. Ultrabook should incorporate Intel integrated graphics, Intel WiFi and Bluetooth and should have SolidStateDrive.

Given below is an image of Acer Aspire S5 Ultrabook:

Intel has lined-up certain advanced features, which makes Ultrabook distinct from other Notebooks.

Quick Response : Flash memory lets you get quick access to your favourite contents in seconds.

Intel Rapid Start Technology : It enables you to begin where you have left off before on your Ultrabook in seconds.

Thunderbolt Technology : Connect and transfer data with other devices at lightning speed.

Intel Smart Response Technology : Launch your favourite files and apps, or the ones you use most, faster.

Intel Smart Connect Technology : This feature keeps your mails and social networks automatically updated, even when your Ultrabook is in sleep mode.

Intel Identity Protection Technology : Secures you from online identity theft.

Intel Anti-Theft Technology : Your data is the most precious thing in your computer. This feature helps you to protect your data even if your Ultrabook is lost or stolen, by disabling it from anywhere in the world.

Phew! There you have it, ‘The Beginning of Future Computing’. Ultrabooks are designed to be ultra-portable so that you can carry it wherever you go. Therefore, Ultrabooks have long lasting battery life that lasts up to 6 hours, once fully charged. Now, you must be wondering, what is the price of the super-computing Utlrabook? Well, Intel has set a target price for Ultrabooks to be below $1000. So, what’s the wait for when Ultrabooks are beginning to flood the Notebook market?

Toshiba Satellite U840W Ultrabook : World's First in the Making

Competition is surely drilling the best out of everyone and everything. For instance, consider Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook. Toshiba showed the world a one of its kind, the World's first 21:9 cinemascope widescreen display ultrabook. Toshiba Satellite U840W surely is attention grabbing. Let me guide you through some of the intriguing features Toshiba U840W ultrabook has in store.

Unlike most other ultrabooks in the market, which have 13-inch screens with an aspect ratio of 16:9, Toshiba Satellite U840W has LED backlighting 14.4 inches display diagonally with an aspect ratio of 21:9. The 21:9 screen eliminates the usually annoying black bars while watching videos. Black bars is a thing of the past; watch movies in full screen mode at a resolution of 1792 x 768p. The U840W ultrabook is created to thrill. Backing the wide screen, Toshiba U840W is decked with Harman Kardon speakers adorned with metal speaker grills, and SRS Premium for a 3D sound effect. If it's not thrilling enough a HDMI output allows to watch movies in a bigger display . In terms of entertainment, I would say a nice move.

Now, if you are thinking 'is it built just for entertainment?' Toshiba's split screen feature might be the answer. You might be aware of Windows 7's Aero Snap feature. Along with it, Toshiba has added its own app - the split screen feature which snaps the window into 2, with the standard 16:9 window on the left, and a 5:9 window on the right. If you are a multi-tasker, it’s all the more better. You can work on the standard 16:9 window, while staying connected with your friends on the sidebar.

The built and finish of this ultrabook is solid, detailed with a metal skin as if it is built for the long race. It's sleek and ultra-portable, measuring 368.5 x 200 x 20.8mm in dimensions. Toshiba Satellite U840W is powered by Intel's latest Ivy Bridge processor with 500GB HDD and a 32GB SSD for faster loading. The battery life is expected to give a lasting backup of 8 to 10 hours, a welcome gesture to do away with cables. Stay connected with Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook using an Ethernet port, Intel WiDi, HDMI, and three USB 3.0 ports, which includes facilities like sleep and charge and sleep and music.

Toshiba Satellite U840W ultrabook is expected to hit the market in the 3rd quarter, with price starting from £899 or approximately $1,383 in the UK. Stay connected for more and latest updates.