Microsoft unveils table top computer



http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18936536/

Microsoft Corp. has taken the wraps off "Surface," a coffee-table shaped computer that responds to touch and to special bar codes attached to everyday objects.


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.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6703249.stm

http://news.google.com/news?um=1&tab...%20computer%20

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...able+computer+

very interesting..... would make an interesting mod!!

very expensife mod, but interesting..... wonder how much space is inside it? and if there is room for upgrades?

for some reason, I cant see myself getting one any time soon

Thanks, interesting article.

I can see a lot of crook necks and backs from leaning over that. Imagine the kids after they've been eating, greasy fingerprints everywhere.

Not to mention the coffee rings.

Microsoft Coffee-Table PCs Surface at AT&T Stores

Microsoft Coffee-Table PCs Surface at AT&T Stores.

The carrier said Wednesday that beginning April 17, Microsoft Surface computers will be set up in select retail locations in New York, Atlanta, San Antonio, Texas, and San Francisco.

AT&T plans to use Microsoft Surface computers to provide information to customers about mobile devices and other products being sold in its retail outlets. Customers can find out the particulars of a device simply by placing it on the Surface screen; the information will automatically appear on the screen by reading sensors in the devices. Customers also can compare devices side-by-side this way.

Customers also can view interactive coverage maps and use touch and hand movements to move and work with the maps to determine the coverage areas for their wireless service. Eventually, AT&T also plans to add the ability to purchase accessories for devices, such as ringtones, graphics, video content and the like, using drag-and-drop and touchscreen capabilities on the Surface kiosks.

Depending on the success of the deployments in the first four cities, AT&T will decide where it will install them in other cities and markets.

Microsoft first unveiled the surface computers as a project code-named Milano a little less than a year ago. A Surface machine is about the size and shape of a coffee table with a flat, touchscreen display. Users interact with the machines merely by touching the screens and making various hand motions to move icons, photos or other files around, or to launch applications.

More information about AT&T's launch is available on the company's Web site.

http://www.nytimes.com/idg/IDG_00257...ref=technology

I want one!
Oh, wait, I haven't got the money, or a corporation!