Touchscreen table computer SUR40 starts pre-orders

(PhysOrg.com) -- Microsoft and Samsung have announced the Microsoft Surface computer, called SUR40, as available for preorder, through the Samsung website, in 23 countries. The unique multi-touch screen is shown in a compact, stylish design as a table top but also can take the form of a vertical wall mount. The product is four inches thin, which makes it easy to use in either type of deployment. On walls, the SU40 can be hung or used any other way in custom enclosures. There are standard legs available for table use or a customer can design and attach their own. The SUR40 release is scheduled for early 2012.Those who attended the CES show his year had the opportunity to see this computing device that is a result of a Microsoft-Samsung collaboration. The first Surface PC was released in 2008.

The SUR40 has a 40-inch screen with full high definition 1920x1080 resolution. The device uses an AMD Athlon II X2 Dual-Core Processor 2.9GHz paired with the AMD HD6750M GPU, featuring DirectX 11 support. The key attraction is its use of PixelSense technology, which enables touch recognition.

One promotional piece describes PixelSense technology as giving LCD panels “the power to see without the use of camera.” Vision-based interaction takes place without cameras; the Individual pixels in the display see what's touching the screen and that information is immediately processed and interpreted, passing the information on to the application. PixelSense allows a LCD display to recognize fingers, hands, and objects placed on the screen. PixelSense uses 2 million sensors built into the panel.

The SUR40 ushers in what Microsoft’s designers envision as a next step in computing, where computer users do not solely depend on desk, chair and conventional PC machine but instead think of work done on “surface computing” which might be a computer screen as table top or computer screen as wall hanging. The SUR40 draw will be for its utility in serving up on its thin display information and ideas. End users are seen as business people and other professionals who need to share information and brainstorm on the fly. The SUR40 can track up to 50 touch points simultaneously.

For commercial use, this is designed for business areas that draw upon customer and parftner engagement—offices, conference rooms, classrooms, showrooms, restaurants, retail shops, bars. Microsoft and Samsung see the device being used in education, financial and professional services, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and manufacturing. Scenarios envisioned include a doctor talking to patients and design teams collaborating.

Charles Park, VP at Samsung Electronics, said, "The Samsung SUR40 delivers a unique interactive experience that will significantly change the way companies engage with their customers."

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