Term of the Moment
gaming phone
Definition: Surface tablet
Microsoft's family of Windows tablets. The first computer hardware directly from Microsoft, 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 Surface Pro X). See Windows RT.
Microsoft Blurs the Differences
Surface tablets and laptops are combined on Microsoft's Surface website. For non-business use, they are called 2-in-1 PCs, but for business use, they are 2-in-1 tablets.
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 Surface Pro X). See Windows RT.
Microsoft Blurs the Differences
Surface tablets and laptops are combined on Microsoft's Surface website. For non-business use, they are called 2-in-1 PCs, but for business use, they are 2-in-1 tablets.
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.)