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Definition: Surface tablet
Microsoft's family of tablets, introduced in 2012. The first tablet hardware from the company, the Surface line evolved into hybrids (part tablet, part laptop), some of which have built-in cellular capability. Initially premium models, an entry-level option called the Surface Go debuted in 2018; it ran on Windows 10 S. Starting in 2015, other products with the Surface brand debuted (see Surface versions).
There Used to Be Two Incompatible Versions
The Surface tablet debuted as two incompatible CPU versions: ARM models ran Windows RT and x86 tablets ran regular Windows. The RT tablets were later dropped, but ARM was resurrected with the Pro X models (see below). See Windows RT.
Not the First Microsoft Hardware
Although famous for software, Microsoft has also been very successful with mice, keyboards and the Xbox game console. However, for more than 30 years, Microsoft depended on third-party vendors for PC hardware until it introduced the Surface line in 2012. See PixelSense.
An Early Surface Tablet
There Used to Be Two Incompatible Versions
The Surface tablet debuted as two incompatible CPU versions: ARM models ran Windows RT and x86 tablets ran regular Windows. The RT tablets were later dropped, but ARM was resurrected with the Pro X models (see below). See Windows RT.
Not the First Microsoft Hardware
Although famous for software, Microsoft has also been very successful with mice, keyboards and the Xbox game console. However, for more than 30 years, Microsoft depended on third-party vendors for PC hardware until it introduced the Surface line in 2012. See PixelSense.
The optional screen cover/keyboard turns the Surface into a lightweight laptop. (Image courtesy of Microsoft Corporation.)
SURFACE TABLET MODELS Runs
Max All
Windows SSD/RAM Win
Current Version CPU (GB) Apps
10" Screen
Go 2 10 S x86 128/8 Yes
12" Screen
Pro 7 10 Home x86 1024/16 Yes
13" Screen
Pro X 10 Home ARM 512/16 Most
Pro X for
business 10 Pro ARM 512/16 Most
Old Models (10" Screen)
RT RT ARM 64/2 No
2 RT ARM 64/2 No
2 (LTE) RT ARM 64/2 No
3 (LTE) 8.1 x86 128/4 Yes
Pro 8 x86 256/4 Yes
Pro 2 8 x86 512/8 Yes
Pro 3 8.1 x86 512/8 Yes
Pro 4 10 x86 1024/16 Yes
Go 10 S x86 256/8 No
Old Models (12" Screen)
Pro 5 10 x86 256/8 Yes
Pro 6 10 x86 1024/16 Yes