Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Microsoft Surface in Singapore


Microsoft Surface RT tablet will be released in Singapore by April 5 2013 according to C|Net Asia. If you wanna know where to buy Microsoft Surface in Singapore, the 10.6-inch tablet and its accessories will be sold at Challenger stores.

The Singapore price of 32 GB Microsoft Surface RT is S$ 668 which is slightly more expensive than 16GB Wi-Fi fourth-generation iPad (S$658). The 64 GB version is priced at S$798:
If you buy both the tablet and the Touch Cover keyboard accessory together, Microsoft offers a deal--S$798 for the 32GB version and S$938 for the 64GB. The keyboard accessories are available separately at S$168 for the Touch Cover and S$183 for the Type Cover. You can also purchase a VGA adapter or even an additional power supply at S$58 each.
Source : Microsoft Surface RT available in Singapore from April 5
The main catch of the tablet is that it runs Microsoft Office so documents you prepare in this tablet computer will be 100% compatible with the Microsoft Office on your desktop and laptop. This makes the tablet ideal for users who want the powerful Microsoft applications but does not want the bulk of a notepad. Another advantage of the tablet is its flash support through Microsoft Internet Explorer application.

Microsoft Surface RT users RT version of Microsoft 8 operating system, which is a very different OS than Microsoft (optimized for tablet chip-sets and battery limitations). So your favorite applications such as Photoshop will not readily run on it.

Microsoft Surface RT is at last in Singapore.
When I have heard about Microsoft Surface, I have written an article here named Microsoft Surface: Tablet I was waiting for?  I was exited about finally having a thin and light replacement for my bulky business laptop in most of the cases. But unfortunately, according to C|Net Asia review of the device back in October 2012, people who are looking for a productivity tablet replacement for their bulky laptops like me will be disappointed:
Is Surface worth its price? We think a more useful question is this: If on a business trip, could we replace my laptop with Surface? The short answer is no. The longer answer is also no, but these are the reasons why. The overall sluggishness and bugginess in the interface, especially when using IE 10, is disappointing. Flash support for IE 10 is currently lackluster. Also, more pointedly, IE 10 isn't yet compatible with CNET's content management system (the tool we use to publish). There aren't nearly enough apps to support our entertainment social networking needs when not actually working. 
Until Microsoft addresses these issues, Surface isn't quite ready to take over as our one and only device. Your needs may be different, though. Paired with a keyboard cover, Surface is an excellent Office productivity tool (the best in tablet form) and if your entertainment needs don't go far beyond movies, TV shows, music, and the occasional simple game, you're covered there as well. Especially if you like to multitask: The split-screen feature is incredibly useful and cool.
Source : Review : Microsoft Surface with Windows RT (Nvidia Tegra Processor; 10.6-inch display)
Here is the full statement from Microsoft Singapore released to announce the arrival of Surface to Singapore:

Microsoft today announced that the highly-anticipated Microsoft Surface RT is now available for purchase in Singapore.

Surface RT is designed to set the ultimate stage for Windows RT and represents exceptional value, providing an immersive entertainment experience and a foundation for getting things done. With a starting retail price of S$668, Surface RT will be available at 20 Challenger stores starting today.

“The Surface RT is inspired by Microsoft’s ambition as a services and devices company. Surface RT represents exceptional value with its cutting edge design, uncompromised usability and power features that will enable users to see more, share more and do more. And today we’re really excited to unveil the Surface RT in Singapore,” said Helene Auriol, Managing Director, Microsoft Singapore.

Surface RT is best described as a tablet with some laptop capabilities that weaves productivity and mobility into one beautiful product. It is great for those looking for all-day battery life* and an entertainment-first experience with the ability to still get work done. Additionally, Surface RT will be equipped with Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT at no additional charge, providing a complete Office experience which include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote, and allows users to get work done, anywhere, anytime.

The Surface family of PCs represents an extension of the Windows experience, letting customers work, play and connect with the people who matter to them. Surface lets customers transition between entertainment and creation seamlessly.

It offers an ultra-light durable casing and an integrated kickstand and covers that allow customers to be productive anywhere, as well as a full-sized USB port and microSDXC card slot for additional storage and a 16:9 widescreen high-definition display that make it optimal for viewing and sharing content easily**.

Challenger will be the sole launch retailer for Surface RT, and its flagship store in Funan DigitaLife Mall will see the sale of the first Surface RT in South East Asia today from 7.00pm.

Ben Tan, Chief Operating Officer of Challenger said: “We view Surface RT as a game changer for the mobile computing market in Singapore, and we are confident that it will appeal to our customers who are looking for a great companion device for their lifestyles.”

Advances in Industrial Design

Conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history manufacturing hardware, Surface represents a unique vision for the seamless expression of entertainment and creativity. Extensive investment in industrial design and real user experience includes the following highlights:

VaporMg: The casing of Surface is created using a unique approach called VaporMg (pronounced Vapor-Mag), a combination of material selection and process to mold metal and deposit particles that creates a finish akin to a luxury watch. Starting with magnesium, parts can be molded as thin as .65 mm, thinner than the typical credit card, to create a product that is thin, light and rigid/strong.

Integrated Kickstand: The unique VaporMg approach also enables a built-in kickstand that lets you transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie or even using the HD front- or rear-facing video cameras. The kickstand is there when needed, and disappears when not in use, with no extra weight or thickness.

Touch Cover: The 3 mm Touch Cover represents a step forward in human-computer interface. Using a unique pressure-sensitive technology, Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling you to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. It will be available in a selection of vibrant colors. Touch Cover clicks into Surface via a built-in magnetic connector, forming a natural spine like you find on a book, and works as a protective cover. You can also click in a 5 mm-thin Type Cover that adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

Software takes center stage: Surface sports a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio – the industry standard for HD. It has edges angled at 22 degrees, a natural position for the PC at rest or in active use, letting the hardware fade into the background and the software stand out.

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