[Dabhand16]

Microsoft unveils table computer

Microsoft has unveiled a new touch-sensitive coffee table-shaped computer called "Surface".
Designed to do away with the need for a traditional mouse and keyboard, users can instead use their fingers to operate the computer.

Also designed to interact with mobile phones placed on the surface, Microsoft says it will initially sell the unit to corporate customers.

These will include hotels, casinos, phone stores and restaurants.

So-called "multi-touch" interfaces - which allow the user to "gesture" with several fingers at once to manipulate data, rather than relying on a mouse and menus - have been making waves in tech circles for some time.

One of the most hotly-awaited examples is Apple's iPhone, which is scheduled to be released in June.

Hewlett-Packard has also been looking at expanding multi-touch technology, in addition to leading research scientists such as Jeff Han.

'Multi-billion dollar category'

With a 30-inch screen, Surface will initially sell for between $5,000 and $10,000 (£2,525-£5,050).

However, Microsoft said it aimed to produce cheaper versions for homes within three to five years.

"We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

Microsoft says small groups of people will be able to use each Surface machine simultaneously.

The computer giant has had a mixed record recently with new consumer products.

While its Xbox games console has been a success, its Zune music player continues to lag far behind Apple's iPod.

Source:BBC

[stupot]

I saw this last night on the news and I have to say it was dam impressive, i want one!!

[orangepeel]

I like the inq's take on it: -

Microsoft's coffee table PC will be sweet

In a Cnet interview, Bill Gates nails his buyer: "That device is in the $5,000 to $10,000 range. You can imagine high-end business environments, even some high-end homes (paying that)."

In other words, the early sell will be to the boardroom and rich idiots, and both of these are beautiful markets.

The rich idiot is the guy - and the rich idiot is almost always male - who wants to show off. He is the buyer of limited edition sports cars, first-class airline tickets and signed football shirts. He is the early adopter needed so that you and I can eventually afford the LCD TV when it reaches the fat belly of the mainstream market. We need this guy but he is a prat, driven by a desperate need to cloak negative self-esteem issues by spending big.

Of course, I'm poor so my laughter may just be sour grapes.