Microsoft has always relied exclusively on its PC partners to provide hardware powered by its Windows operating system. But now Microsoft is breaking this tradition and trying out a new business model with its Windows on ARM release. Known officially as Windows RT, the coming Windows on ARM operating system is the first full-fledged Windows version to run on ARM Holdings chips.

Microsoft isn’t actually manufacturing this new tablet itself but it will be putting the Microsoft name on this new ARM-based tablet claiming it as Microsoft hardware. Many speculations are saying that this move will set up Microsoft as a head-to-head competitor with its own PC maker partners.

The new tablet will be known as the Surface. There are two Surface tablets, one is Windows RT-based and one is Windows 8-based.
Pricing will be announced closer to availability and is expected to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablets or even Intel Ultrabook-class PCs.

The specs of the Surface include:

• A full-sized USB port and a 16:9 aspect ratio angled at 22 degrees.
• 10.6″, 16:9 widescreen HD Display.
• Integrated Kickstand: Built-in kickstand lets users move Surface from active use to passive consumption.
• Touch Cover: 3 mm pressure-sensitive Touch Cover senses keystrokes as gestures will come in different colors

Here is the official promotional video for the Surface tablet by Microsoft

Do you think that Microsoft is going to do a hit with this new device? We would love to hear your opinion!