 Microsoft is reportedly planning to launch a new Surface-branded Windows 10-powered tablet that won’t cost more than $400 and it would compete with Apple iPad in the education market. The rumored Surface tablet will feature rounded corners and it may still borrow some design cues from the existing models of Surface Pro lineup. The software maker is rumored to launch the Surface Tablet to compete with the iPad this year, according to Bloomberg’s sources. The key capabilities of the Surface lineup such as Type Cover, note-taking would be retained. The tablet will feature much less powerful chips than the current Core i5 and i7 models offered on expensive Surface Pro. It’s a low-cost model and it won’t come with high-end specifications. It’s likely that the device will look decent look, just like the Surface Pro models. Microsoft won’t go for Intel Core i5 or i7 processor but instead will pick Pentium processors to keep the price below $400. In terms of graphics and processors, Intel is on tap to supply both. The report suggests that the low-cost Surface will use Pentium Silver N5000 and Pentium Gold Y-series processors. It would be considerably faster than the Atom-powered Surface 3, and the top-of-the-range model will be equipped with Intel Pentium Gold 4410Y or the Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y. Configurations may include 64GB of storage and 128GB of storage, coupled up 4GB of RAM and 8GB of RAM respectively. It’s expected that the new lower-cost model will weigh less and also have a shorter battery life. More details are posted on OUR FORUM.  Back in May, Microsoft revealed that it is blocking the installation of Windows 10 April 2018 Update on a few Alienware computers. Due to compatibility issues, Microsoft was blocking Windows 10 April 2018 Update on the Alienware 13 R3, Alienware 15 R3, Alienware 15 R4, Alienware 17 R4, and Alienware 17 R5. It appears that Microsoft has lifted the ban and Windows 10 April 2018 Update is now ready for all Alienware computers. An Alienware employee confirmed to us that Windows 10 April 2018 Update should install on Alienware PCs automatically and there will be no issues. “Microsoft update 1803 is now ready for Alienware computer. This one should run automatically already if no feel free to run it. It works now,” the company told us in a tweet embedded below. Back in May, a moderator on Microsoft’s support forum, Jess Can, had confirmed the compatibility issues with Alienware. “Microsoft is currently blocking these models from installing the update due to a known incompatibility that may cause these devices to display a black screen after resuming from battery saver mode,” the moderator explained. It’s worth noting that the page on Microsoft forum hasn’t been updated with new information as of yet. We have the model numbers listed on OUR FORUM.  Microsoft’s low-cost Surface has passed through the FCC recently, and now more information about the $400 Surface tablet has been revealed. Via WinFuture.de we hear the device will be powered by Intel Pentium Gold and Pentium Silver chipsets. The cheaper models will most likely come with the Intel Pentium Silver N5000, a four-core x86 SoC from the “Gemini Lake” family running at 1.1 gigahertz base clock, and up to 2 when needed, 2.7 GHz can clock up. The more expensive versions will likely feature the Intel Pentium Gold 4410Y and the Intel Pentium Gold 4415Y, both based on the “Kaby Lake” architecture. The chips are based on 14 nm process and can be fanless. The device shows up on Geekbench with OEMTX EV1 or OEMTX EV1 LTE codenames, confirming the presence of an LTE version. There the devices run Windows 10 Pro 64bit with 4 to 8 GB of RAM. The cheaper Surfaces are expected to hit the market in the second half of 2018 and Bloomberg reports will have 10-inch screens and more rounded edges. The tablet is expected to drop the Surface Connector in favor of standard USB-C. They will also be lighter with around 9 hours of battery life. It will retain the iconic built-in kickstand. This is continued on OUR FORUM. |
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