Microsoft Tablet Surface Features New MagSafe-Like Connector That Might Transmit Power, Data [PHOTOS & VIDEOS]
On Monday, Microsoft finally took the wraps off its much talked about Surface tablet that had created a lot of hype even before its release. However, it seems that the mysteries surrounding the device have not been solved completely.
Microsoft left many questions unanswered; the amount of RAM deployed in Surface tablets being one of them. On top of all these, an alert reader at Engadget has pointed out yet another intrigue - a strange-looking five-pin connector slot on the right side of the device, which is also occupied by a USB port, a video output and a speaker grille.
According to Engadget, the power port on the new Surface tablet looks remarkably similar to the magnetic MagSafe-style connector Microsoft sent to the U.S. Patent Office last week.
As The Verge has noted, while the company's patent application doesn't provide much information about the connector, its illustrative drawings indeed look exactly like the slot which can be seen on the new Surface tablets.
The patent application, which was made public on June 14, provides key specifications of the connector that include its symmetrical shape and magnetic coupling to devices, leading us to believe that Microsoft is indeed on its way to creating a MagSafe competitor to go with its freshly introduced iPad rivals, The Verge reported.
The report said that Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, acknowledged this as a magnetic charging connector during the presentation event Monday. However, he didn't provide any further details.
In addition, Microsoft suspiciously kept all the charging cables out of sight during the post-event hands-on time, the report added.
It was Sinofsky who took the stage Monday to describe the hardware of Microsoft's Surface tablet. There will be two options for the device - one powered by Intel's 22nm Ivy Bridge chips running Windows 8 and the other one is powered by an ARM chipset and Windows RT.
When it comes to the Windows RT version, the device is just 9.3mm thin, weighs 1.5lbs, includes a built-in kickstand and is the first PC with a vapor-deposited (PVD) magnesium case. It will be available in 32GB or 64GB versions, sporting a 10.6-inch ClearType HD display (resolution not revealed).
In case of the Intel-based Surface tablet, the device will run Windows 8 Pro. It will be 13.5mm thick with a weight of 1.9lbs and will support USB 3.0.
The Intel version will also include magnesium casing and a built-in kickstand. It will also include additional digital ink support through a pen that magnetizes to the body of the tablet. The device will have a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display but will be available with either 64GB or 128GB storage.
Both the Windows RT version and the Intel version of the Surface tablet feature optional Touch and Type keyboard covers.
According to Microsoft, the suggested retail pricing of the device will be announced closer to availability. While the Windows RT version will be available at the time of the general availability of Windows 8, most probably in October, the Intel version will be shipped about three months afterward.
Watch the full video from the company's event and a promo of the device below.
Start slideshow to droll over the images of the Microsoft Surface tablet.
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