Surface: a tablet to level the field

Yesterday, in LA, Microsoft launched new devices to go with the upcoming iteration of the Windows 8 operating system frenzy in the form of a new tablet, called Surface, and with Microsoft hardware. It happened during a secretive gathering of selected media representatives who never knew exactly what they were going to cover up until the last minute. There are two products that were introduced: Surface for Windows RT and the Surface for Windows 8 Pro with an Intel microprocessor, full HD display, both having specs that rival the finest ultrabooks. The live coverage was really poor and did not do justice to what was introduced, not because of lack of information, but I would say because of the preconceived notions about Microsoft products coming from die-hard Apple and Linux (Android) followers, some of them among the press corps. I was able to see the entire launch show late last night (length: 47 minutes) thanks to my Nokia Lumia and the super useful and fun app called I am a WP7, though I could not find it today. I was really astonished by the coolness of the product and the perfect coreography that started with a Steve Ballmer more focused than ever, almost as a real guru, followed by the rest of the team, including a trip down memory lane through 30 years of Microsoft hardware innovation and some actual pictures of the Surface being designed and built in a sophisticated environment. What the media saw in LA was not reflected in what I have read so far on the Web. When the show started with Ballmer, practically nobody gave him a welcome, but as the show rolled down, you could hear the audience more enthusiastic, cheering. No doubt. Surface is a compelling and impressive product.