Microsoft's Surface Tablet Will Do PC Gaming

Will it be the greatest Civilization-playing device known to mankind?

Microsoft today announced their first tablet device, the Microsoft Surface Tablet, a new device that expands Windows' systems and possibly future Xbox Live integration such as Smart Glass. The Surface will come in two models, the Nvidia ARM powered Windows RT edition and the Intel Core driven Windows 8 Pro version, both capable of doing what the iPad does for gaming.

Keyboard cover configuration

Both versions are suited for gaming with features such as a 10.6-inch "HD display" with Corning Gorilla Glass 2.0, a USB port, a microSD card port, and configurable systems RAM. Also available will be kickstands, and screen covers with-in keyboards. The cover combos will be available in the 3mm-thin gesture-sensing "Touch Cover" keyboard for typing, and the 5mm-thin "Type Cover" for the standard keyboard feel.

No pricing was revealed, but Microsoft said to expect the cost closer to its launch date, with the Windows RT version set to arrive alongside Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro tablet expected 90 days later.

Surface for Windows RT

• OS: Windows RT
• Light(1): 676 g
• Thin(2): 9.3 mm
• Clear: 10.6" ClearType HD Display
• Energized: 31.5 W-h
• Connected: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Office '15' Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 32 GB, 64 GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Light(1): 903 g
• Thin(2): 13.5 mm
• Clear: 10.6" ClearType Full HD Display
• Energized: 42 W-h
• Connected: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 64 GB, 128 GB

Surface expected to perform
well with PC gaming

It Does Gaming ...

The Surface will run PC games ... that's according to Eric Neustadter from Xbox Live Operations, who tweeted that the Surface tablet could run Civilization IV and V, and that it will be "the greatest Civilization-playing device known to mankind."

It wouldn't be surprising if Microsoft targets this towards a gaming audience, PC or Xbox, especially with technology such as Smart Glass and Cloud gaming. Could it be a true iPad killer? PC gaming on the go? Does the specs hold up?

By Chez Garcia:
Founder and Editor-in-cheif of BGN. Keeping up with the latest gaming content is what he does ... in his free time, when not playing the beautiful game.