Search
  • Videos
  • Windows 10
  • 5G
  • Best VPNs
  • Cloud
  • Security
  • AI
  • more
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
  • Newsletters
  • All Writers
    • Preferences
    • Community
    • Newsletters
    • Log Out
  • Menu
    • Videos
    • Windows 10
    • 5G
    • Best VPNs
    • Cloud
    • Security
    • AI
    • TR Premium
    • Working from Home
    • Innovation
    • Best Web Hosting
    • ZDNet Recommends
    • Tonya Hall Show
    • Executive Guides
    • ZDNet Academy
    • See All Topics
    • White Papers
    • Downloads
    • Reviews
    • Galleries
    • Videos
    • TechRepublic Forums
      • Preferences
      • Community
      • Newsletters
      • Log Out
  • us
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Europe
    • India
    • United Kingdom
    • United States
    • ZDNet around the globe:
    • ZDNet France
    • ZDNet Germany
    • ZDNet Korea
    • ZDNet Japan

An inside look at Microsoft's Surface RT

3 of 9 NEXT PREV
  • insidethesurface1-jpg.jpg

    200 custom parts

    Although the finished product is virtually seamless, the Surface RT actually consists of more than 200 separate parts. The following pages provide a closer look at those parts and how they were designed and built.

    All images courtesy of Microsoft.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface2-jpg.jpg

    ​Teardown​

    This detailed breakdown shows the many parts that go into the Surface RT. The 10.6-inch ClearType HD screen is a custom design. The plastic parts in the center of this photo are large scale models of the tiny hinges that control the kickstand.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface3-jpg.jpg

    Wi-Fi antennas

    The two tiny antennas shown here illustrate the careful engineering that went into the Surface. The two antennas are designed so holding the device doesn't block the signal. In addition, two RF windows improve reception.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface4-jpg.jpg

    ​In the design studio

    Surface designers built more than 300 prototypes from start to finish, starting with a crude model made from a book, cardboard, and Scotch tape.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface5-jpg.jpg

    ​Human factors​

    The keyboard design template here was an integral part of the design process. Hundreds of test subjects laid their hands on similar templates to help researchers gather data that resulted in the final Touch Cover keyboard layout.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface6-jpg.jpg

    Printing in plastic

    Many of the pieces in the Surface were prototyped using 3-D printers that created precision parts for testing.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface7-jpg.jpg

    The Model Lab

    This Computer Numerated Control (CNC) machine is the star of the Surface team's model lab. It allowed them to build and test finished parts, then send the specs to China for manufacturing to the same tolerances.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface8-jpg.jpg

    Reliability testing

    A custom-made shaker simulates the action of opening and closing the Touch Cover millions of times, far more than even the most obsessive customer will ever do.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

  • insidethesurface9-jpg.jpg

    Operational security

    The building that houses the Surface design and engineering teams, Studio B, operates under extraordinary security. Many areas are windowless, and the most sensitive areas are guarded and require access through controlled spaces.

    Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

    Caption by: Ed Bott

3 of 9 NEXT PREV
Ed Bott

By Ed Bott for The Ed Bott Report | October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT) | Topic: Hardware

  • insidethesurface1-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface2-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface3-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface4-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface5-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface6-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface7-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface8-jpg.jpg
  • insidethesurface9-jpg.jpg

A behind-the-scenes look at the labs where Microsoft designed its first-ever Windows PC, plus an inside look at the device itself.

Read More Read Less

Wi-Fi antennas

The two tiny antennas shown here illustrate the careful engineering that went into the Surface. The two antennas are designed so holding the device doesn't block the signal. In addition, two RF windows improve reception.

Published: October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT)

Caption by: Ed Bott

3 of 9 NEXT PREV

Related Topics:

PCs Servers Storage Networking Data Centers
Ed Bott

By Ed Bott for The Ed Bott Report | October 16, 2012 -- 15:24 GMT (08:24 PDT) | Topic: Hardware

Show Comments
LOG IN TO COMMENT
  • My Profile
  • Log Out
| Community Guidelines

Join Discussion

Add Your Comment
Add Your Comment

Related Galleries

  • 1 of 3
  • Defective '5,000,000mAh' power bank

    It arrived dead, but in a highly dangerous state and could have burst into flames at any moment.

  • Omnicharge Omni Ultimate

    Everything about the Omni Ultimate is designed around power and ruggedness.

  • '9 million mAh' power bank

    Spoiler: It's nowhere near 9,000,000mAh!

  • Powertraveller Sport 25

    A compact, ruggedized IP67-rated power bank.

  • Dead USB charger

    Can you see what happened here?

  • Dead power bank

    Can you see what happened here?

  • Nitecore 21700 intelligent battery system

    Super-compact power bank for the minimalist.

ZDNet
Connect with us

© 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use

  • Topics
  • Galleries
  • Videos
  • Sponsored Narratives
  • Do Not Sell My Information
  • About ZDNet
  • Meet The Team
  • All Authors
  • RSS Feeds
  • Site Map
  • Reprint Policy
  • Manage | Log Out
  • Join | Log In
  • Membership
  • Newsletters
  • Site Assistance
  • ZDNet Academy
  • TechRepublic Forums