Microsoft enters the post-PC era with the Surface tablet

Microsoft

Microsoft unveiled its tablet computer, Surface, on June 18. ?

Microsoft Corp. has swaggered into the post-PC era with the introduction of the Surface ? a nifty hybrid that is part tablet computer and part ultrabook.

It's a device with ambition ? hoping to take on the ubiquitous iPad, while also facing off against the multitude of MacBook Air PC clones.

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) made it clear the 10.6" Surface ? with its full-sized keyboards and multi-tasking capabilities ? is a full-blown PC in iPad clothing.

The kickstand-sporting Surface comes in two flavors. The Windows RT version will run on an ARM-based processors, while the Windows Pro version will have Intel's beefier Ivy Bridge processor.

Both models will run Microsoft's new operating system, Windows 8, and weigh just shy of 25 ounces. Pricing and availability are unknown.

The Surface shows Microsoft has realized what Apple always knew ? controlling the hardware and software means having to make fewer compromises on either.

With its hardware strategy, Microsoft has flipped the proverbial bird to its partners ? the hardware makers who license Windows operating system on their laptops and desktops.

For Hewlett-Packard, Samsung and Acer, Microsoft just went from full-time partner, to part-time competitor.

By going all in, Microsoft risks alienating some of its hardware partners.

Doing nothing, however, carries an even greater risk ? letting Cupertino not just define the post-PC era, but also own it.

Urvaksh Karkaria covers Technology and Health Care

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