Microsoft Surface vs Apple's iPad Mini: Tablets Compared
It's going to be a holiday battle between Microsoft and Apple for tablet dominance.
With the release of the Microsoft Surface and iPad Mini coming up, consumers are wondering how the new tablets stack up against each other.
One of the main differences between the tablets is the Surface's detachable keyboard cover.
The Microsoft gadget will start at $499 for a 32 GB version. Other more expensive versions are also available: a 32 GB version bundled with a black touch cover for $599 and the 64 GB version with the black cover for $699. Consumers can purchase the touch covers separately in black, white, magenta, cyan and red for the price of $119.99. There's also the option of a type cover in black with moveable keys priced at $129.99.
Pre-orders have begun for the tablet, which hits stores on Oct. 26, but shipping delays up to three weeks are already being reported by the Microsoft Store.
Surface weighs in at 1.5 pounds with a 10.6-inch screen, compared to Apple's iPad at 10.1-inch.The new Microsoft tablet will reportedly also have a battery that lasts all day, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 and front and rear-facing 720p HD cameras are included.
Panos Panay, general manager for Surface products at Microsoft, said the design was made to be a light weight multitasking device.
"When you set your hands down in the keyboard position you can get a perfect typing experience," Panay said.
As for Apple's new iPad Mini, AppleInsider showcased some of the rumored specifications of the tablet. There is supposedly two model options to choose between: a seven or nine inch screen. The iPad Mini may also include a stylus, an 8-megapixel camera and the base unit is looking to have an 8 GB memory.
The price tag is rumored to be set at around $250 to $300 depending on screen sizes.
The tech blog Geeky Gadgets claimed the release for the Mini is set for the beginning of next month.
"Our source, who is someone close to a major UK retailer, and has been reliable in the past, has told us that Apple will start selling the new iPad Mini on Friday the 2nd of November, the device will be available in the US And UK on this date, possibly some other countries as well," the site wrote. "The iPad Mini will go up for pre-order on the same week it is announced, possibly Friday the 26th of October, although our source was not 100 percent sure this would be the exact pre-order date."
With the two big gadgets looking to hit stores just in time for the holiday season it'll be interesting to see which tablet dominates consumer interest.
