Microsoft Surface 2.0: They have the money, why not?

At CES 2011, Microsoft unveiled their latest hardware update to the table-top computer, Surface. The 2.0 version promises to be cheaper ($7,600) than the current Surface ($10,000-$12,000) and packed with some new technology goodies. The most notable is “pixel sense” detection, where the surface screen picks up not just points of touch, but can sense the entire object (your hand, etc..) touching it. For example, in Microsoft’s keynote on January 5th where the latest Microsoft Surface was debuted, the presenter demonstrated this technology by placing a handwritten note on top of the surface where the computer was able to scan and read the writing. Pretty amazing tech if you ask me.

As I’m sure you could guess, with a $7,000+ price tag, the surface won’t be becoming your dinner table anytime soon. The possibilities for businesses and other organizations however, are pretty vast and exciting. The video above details some interesting possibilities of being used to choose floor and carpet swatches for your house (fanciest looking hardware store I’ve ever seen), viewing ultra sound images and videos, as well as other medical uses. Microsoft itself even challenges you to think of how it could enhance your business with a surface device.

A product like the surface is something that seems to fit right into how science fiction and Hollywood has depicted the future. It definitely isn’t a product you’ll be seeing at the local burger joint anytime soon, but as the technology and materials become more accessible to the common man, don’t be surprised if you find yourself ordering your food, checking your email, and playing a game with your spouse at a local diner without ever interacting with a human.

What do you think is the best use of the Microsoft Surface?

Image Source: www.surface.com