Microsoft Surface Table-Top Available On Pre-order

The next generation Microsoft Surface, the Samsung SUR40 is now available to pre-order in 23 countries for around $8,400 (£5,370).

Unlike the last generation of the table-top computers which detected touches by using cameras underneath the table, the SUR40 uses PixelSense technology which allows LCD panels to see without using cameras.

Please Do Touch

The large 40 inch display is four inches thick and can detect up to 50 points of simultaneous touch, including fingers, hands and other objects such as pens and pointers. This is in contrast to devices such as the iPhone which can only detect fingers.

The computer is capable of a full HD resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 and boasts an Athlon X2 Dual Core processor an AMD HD6750M GPU. The target audiences of the device are educational institutions as well as businesses such as restaurants and retailers, with a number of companies set to introduce them in 2012.

“Customers across a wide range of industries currently integrate Microsoft Surface and make it relevant to their business needs, creating immersive, collaborative and meaningful experiences,” said Somanna Palacanda, director of Microsoft Surface. “With the Samsung SUR40 available for pre-order in 23 countries worldwide, Surface computing will now be more readily available for education, financial and professional services, healthcare, hospitality, retail, manufacturing and resources, and other commercial business environments.”

Charles Park, vice president of Samsung added, “The Samsung SUR40 delivers a unique interactive experience that will significantly change the way companies engage with their customers.”

The next version of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 8, will also embrace touchscreen technology with the company promising that it will work equally well with both tablets and traditional PCs. A number of manufacturers, including Dell and Nokia, are expected to release Windows 8 tablets next year.