Yesterday, Microsoft announced Surface, its entry into the tablet market. Technically described as both a tablet and a PC, Surface packs a keyboard/cover that may bring it more into ultrabook territory.
Like Apple, and Google with its Nexus line of phones, Microsoft has slid into the hardware driver’s seat to ensure tighter integration between hardware and software, and reduce fragmentation in mobile products.
Microsoft’s notable omission was price, yielding the fundamental question; is this an iPad competitor, or ultrabook replacement? And, as importantly, will the Surface follow the Zune’s ill-fated mobile journey, or will it flourish as a convergence console, like the XBOX?
Silicon Spatula 