Microsoft announces massive tablet computer

Nov 17, 2011, 21:00 GMT

Seattle - Microsoft announced a new tablet computer Thursday - but it's no iPad killer.

The Surface 2 device, which is more like a table than a tablet, sports a 40-inch (88-centimetre) screen replete with advanced touch technology that allows it to keep track of 50 different contact points at once.

Manufactured by Samsung, the device is aimed at retail stores, banks, airlines and educational institutions, Microsoft said. The device can be used as a table, hung on a wall or embossed into furniture.

It is available for pre-order in 23 countries with the price in the US of 8,400 dollars. Delivery is scheduled for early next year.

The device is an update to a much bulkier design originally introduced in 2008 and never widely adopted.

'Customers across a wide range of industries currently integrate Microsoft Surface and make it relevant to their business needs, creating immersive, collaborative and meaningful experiences,' said Somanna Palacanda, director, Microsoft Surface.

'Surface computing will now be more readily available for education, financial and professional services, healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing and resources, and other commercial business environments.'