Term of the Moment
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Definition: Surface tablet
Microsoft's family of Windows tablets. The first Microsoft computer hardware, the Surface tablet debuted in 2012 along with Windows 8. Starting in 2015, other Surface-branded computers came out, and an entry-level Surface Go debuted in 2018 that ran on Windows 10 S. See Surface versions.
Both Intel and ARM Versions
At Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet launch, both Intel and ARM models were offered. Intel tablets ran Windows 8, and ARM tablets ran Windows RT. Although RT was later dropped, an ARM version of the Surface was resurrected (see Windows RT and Surface Pro X). As of 2023, most Surface tablets are based on Intel chips as is evident in the table below.
Microsoft Blurs the Differences
Surface tablets and laptops are combined on Microsoft's Surface website; however, we define a tablet as a slate-based device even if it comes with a detachable keyboard. Slate devices are often essential in many industries where an external keyboard gets in the way. See slate.
Not the First Microsoft Hardware
Famous for its Windows software, Microsoft has been very successful with hardware such as mice, keyboards and the Xbox game console. However, from 1975 to 2012, the company depended on third parties for PC hardware. In 2012, that changed with the Surface line. See PixelSense.
An Early Surface Tablet
Both Intel and ARM Versions
At Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet launch, both Intel and ARM models were offered. Intel tablets ran Windows 8, and ARM tablets ran Windows RT. Although RT was later dropped, an ARM version of the Surface was resurrected (see Windows RT and Surface Pro X). As of 2023, most Surface tablets are based on Intel chips as is evident in the table below.
Microsoft Blurs the Differences
Surface tablets and laptops are combined on Microsoft's Surface website; however, we define a tablet as a slate-based device even if it comes with a detachable keyboard. Slate devices are often essential in many industries where an external keyboard gets in the way. See slate.
Not the First Microsoft Hardware
Famous for its Windows software, Microsoft has been very successful with hardware such as mice, keyboards and the Xbox game console. However, from 1975 to 2012, the company depended on third parties for PC hardware. In 2012, that changed with the Surface line. See PixelSense.
In 2012, Microsoft entered the PC hardware business with the Surface tablet. (Image courtesy of Microsoft Corporation.)
SURFACE TABLET MODELS Runs
Max All
Windows SSD/RAM Win
Current Version CPU (GB) Apps
10"
Go 3 11 S x86 128/8 Yes
12"
Pro 7+ 11 S x86 1024/16 Yes
Pro 7+ 10 Pro x86 1024/16 Yes
13"
Pro X Win ARM* ARM 512/16 Yes
Pro 8 11 Home x86 1024/32 Yes
Pro 8 11 Pro x86 1024/32 Yes
Pro 9 11 Home x86 1024/32 Yes
Pro 9 11 Pro x86 1024/32 Yes
* Win ARM = Windows 10 or 11 Home on ARM
Old Models
10"
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
Go 2 10 S x86 128/8 Yes
12"
Pro 5 10 x86 256/8 Yes
Pro 6 10 x86 1024/16 Yes
Pro 7 10 Home x86 1024/16 Yes
13"
Pro X 10 Home ARM 512/16 Most
Pro X 10 Pro ARM 512/16 Most