# iPad-Rivaling Tablets The Surface by Microsoft is Poised to Take on Its Competitor By Sarah Moore | Published 2012-06-20 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-by-microsoft References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/surface-tablet/22996/) & [microsoft](http://www.microsoft.com/surface/en/us/default.aspx) The [Surface](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-pro-12) by [Microsoft](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-surface-pro-9) is poised to compete against the mecca of tablets -- [Apple's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-apple-ipad-air) wildly popular iPad. Designed to operate with either Windows 8 and Windows RT, Microsoft's tablet will certainly fuel the rivalry that exists between Apple and Microsoft. With the addition of the Type Cover screen protector that doubles as a thin, yet useable, keyboard and track pad, the device has already created an outside accessory to supply for the two commonly lusted after features that are not offered in a tablet format. The Surface also boasts a full HD screen display and full-sized USB and HDMI ports for functionality not traditionally afforded by a tablet. The company has yet to release a launch date or price point but judging from all the hype surrounding the product, Microsoft seems to have outdone themselves. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.9/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 30% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Computers](https://www.trendhunter.com/computers) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Tablet Rivalry:** The competition between Microsoft's Surface and Apple's iPad presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tablet market. - **Convertible Tablets:** The introduction of the Type Cover screen protector with a keyboard and trackpad creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tablet accessory market. - **Improved Functionality:** The inclusion of full HD screen display and full-sized USB and HDMI ports in the Surface opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in tablet functionality. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Technology Hardware:** The tablet rivalry between Microsoft and Apple creates opportunities for disruption and innovation in the technology hardware industry. - **Accessories:** The introduction of the Type Cover accessory for the Surface presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in the tablet accessory industry. - **Consumer Electronics:** The Surface's improved functionality compared to traditional tablets opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the consumer electronics industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stylishly Flexible Laptop Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsoft-surface-pro-9.md) - [Highly Portable Productivity Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-apple-ipad-air.md) - [Ultra-Portable Productivity Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/latest-ipad-air.md) - [Powerful New-Generation Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/onenetbook-t1.md) - [Compact 2-in-1 AI Laptops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-pro-12.md) - [Flagship Productivity Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oneplus-pad-3.md) - [Enhanced Tablet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/matepad-pro-series.md) - [Improved Laptop Keyboard Attachments](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surface-pro-flex.md) - [Lightweight Everyday Productivity Tablets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huawei-matepad.md)