Microsoft steps up production, distribution of Surface tablet

Microsoft Corp has stepped up manufacturing of the Surface tablet, its new device designed to counter Apple Inc's iPad, and will introduce it to third-party retailers this week.

Fujitsu launches Windows 8 tablet cum notebook for Rs. 69k

Fujitsu has become the latest contender to join the brigade of hybrids with the launch of STYLISTIC Q702 hybrid tablet. This tablet cum notebook comes with 11.6-inch HD dual digitizer multi-touch display and weighs 850 grams minus the keyboard.

Fujitsu claims that the screen is easy to use even in direct sunlight. STYLISTIC Q702 comes with a standard 4 cell battery but there is a second battery in the keyboard as well. One can opt for 3rd Generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processor with optional Intel vPro Technology. Other features include 4GB DDR3 RAM, biometric fingerprint sensor and optional embedded support for 3G/UMTS or 4G/LTE mobile data.
The STYLISTIC Q702 with Windows 8 is priced at Rs. 69,000 plus taxes (including the keyboard).
Apart from the STYLISTIC Q702, Fujitsu has also showcased a redesigned version of LIFEBOOK T902. LIFEBOOK T902 is a convertible tablet PC, which according to the company, is targeted at the consumers who need more performance than a tablet. LIFENOOK T902 will come with 3rd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processor and support up to 16GB of RAM. This tablet can run Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and even Windows 7 Professional. However, the company did not reveal any further details about the pricing, or availability of LIFEBOOK T902.
Commenting on the launch, Dieter Heiss, Vice-President, Workplace Systems at Fujitsu Technology Solutions, says, "With the new STYLISTIC Q702 hybrid tablet, Fujitsu is delivering the best of both worlds: the portability and ease-of-use of a tablet, which is perfect for consuming content, and an attachable keyboard, converting the device into a notebook with a full keyboard where it's easier to create content, for example when working on a spreadsheet or editing a business proposal."

STYLISTIC Q702 key specs

• Keyboard docking station featuring a 4-cell battery and expansion ports including LAN (RJ-45) and external display support (VGA)
• LED backlit IPS anti-glare 11.6-inch HD dual digitizer multi-touch display optimized for both pen and touch input
• USB 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI, SD/SDHC expansion ports on the tablet
• Optional 3G/UMTS or 4G/LTE mobile broadband support (support may vary by region)
• Accelerometer, gyrometer, magnetometer, and ambient light sensors all contributing to a fluid computing experience
• Front-facing and rear-facing webcams with complementing dual microphones for video conferencing
• Up to 256GB (non-FDE) and 128GB (Full Disk Encryption)

Microsoft prices Pro version of Surface tablet at $899

Microsoft's Surface tablet running a full version of Windows 8 Pro will start selling in January for $899 and up, the company said Thursday. But you'll have to pay more if you want a keyboard cover and the popular Office suite of software.
The current Surface uses the slimmed down Windows RT operating system. As a result, it runs only specially designed applications from Microsoft and others sold through the company's online store. The Pro version of Surface will also run regular Windows applications written for desktops and laptops.
"It's a full PC AND a tablet," Surface general manager Panos Panay wrote in a blog post Thursday.
The Surface represents Microsoft's first foray into manufacturing its own general-purpose computer. In doing so, the company is competing with some of its partners, the manufacturers of PCs and tablets.
The announced price is in line with Microsoft Corp.'s earlier statements that the Pro version would cost about the same as slim, lightweight laptops known as ultrabooks.
The price includes a stylus and software that disregards touches from one's palm while writing on the touch screen. But the detachable touch-sensitive keyboard cover is sold separately. The Touch Cover with keys printed on it costs $120, while the Type Cover with depressable keys is priced at $130.
The Pro version of Surface will come with Intel's Core i5 processor, which Microsoft said gives it a graphics boost compared with the RT version.
The $899 version will come with 64 gigabytes of memory, while $999 gets you 128 GB of memory. It was not immediately clear how much memory would be used up by the operating system and pre-installed apps. For the RT versions, the 32 GB model has only 16 GB of usable memory, while the 64 GB model has 45 GB available.
The RT version of Surface, which starts at $499, comes with the popular Office programs Word, PowerPoint, Excel and OneNote included. The Pro version does not, according to the specifications listed on a Microsoft website. The cheapest version of Office available is priced at $120.
The RT versions went on sale Oct. 26, the same day Windows 8 was out.
The RT versions are available only at Microsoft's stores and websites. The Redmond, Wash., did not say whether the Pro versions will be sold elsewhere as well.
All versions of Surface come with a slot to expand memory and a USB port for peripherals. The Pro version of Surface comes with a newer, faster USB 3.0 port, while the RT version has 2.0.