Microsoft Announces Surface Windows 8 Pro Availability

Today Microsoft announced the availability of their Surface Windows 8 Pro (Really? This is the best name a $68 billion company can think of?). This will be the upgraded version of their Surface with Windows RT with the difference mainly being the ability to install third-party applications on the Pro version. If you’ve been dying to get your hands on this version, your wait is almost over. You will be able to purchase one starting Feb 9 at all the Microsoft stores, their online store, Staples, Best Buy and a number of locations in Canada.

The Surface Windows 8 Pro is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, comes in 64GB and 128GB versions and a Surface Pen, which is basically a fancy stylus. If you’re looking to get the entry level version of the Pro, be ready to fork over $899 (without the keyboard cover). The Surface Touch Covers go for $119 by the way so you’re looking at around $1,100 for the whole package. In addition to the availability of the Pro, the RT will be available in 13 new markets with a new standalone 64GB version available without the Cover for $599. Mark your calendars and empty your savings account, Microsoft is ready to double theirs come Feb 9th.

Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet Drop Test (Video)

You can never get enough of gadgets being dropped to the ground until something breaks. The guys over at GizmoSlip thought they should put the Amazon's Kindle Fire against Barnes & Noble's Nook Tablet in a drop test showdown to see which of these budget tablets will last the longest in the hands of careless consumers. The Kindle Fire's Gorilla Glass screen against the Nook Tablet's less strengthened glass screen and chubby plastic bezel. What we learned from this scientific testing is that although the Kindle Fire is better put together than the Nook Tablet, the Kindle Fire's seamless glass screen is its weakest point. Check out the video down below!

Meet The Zeppelin, A Missile-Like Capacitive Stylus

We've got yet another incredibly interesting capacitive stylus straight out of Kickstarter that targets Adonit's Jot stylus in hopes of shooting it down with its missile looks. The Zeppelin stylus is made out of machined solid aluminum with a contoured body shape, but its secrete isn't the missile style cap that serves as the Zeppelin's protective tip cap, but also as a visually appealing rocket stand. The tip is made out of a coiled teflon coated tempered stainless steel with a sprint base that allows for multiple writing angles and eliminates any clicking and tapping noise on the iPad's glass touchscreen, unlike the Jot's plastic disk that makes a quite audible tapping sound we've discovered while reviewing it.

The Zeppelin's stainless steel coiled tip is said to offer an ever clearer, unobstructed view for more precision over the Jot's clear plastic disk and ball point tip. Built-in magnets allow the Zeppelin to magnetically cling onto the iPad 2's bezel. In any case, the Zeppelin is available to pre-order for $25 and should retail for $59 once the Kickstarter funding is successful.

Thanks for the tip, Ken!

WaterField Tablet Cases

If you are an iPad owner there is such a wealth of accessories out there for you that it can be overwhelming. If you own someone else's tablet...not so much.

WaterField knows that you love your tablet just as much, so they will make a custom fit case for your tablet no matter what the dimensions or how off the beaten path it is. Of course, they love your iPad too!

They have a host of tablets that they already have specific sizes for in the Ultimate Sleeve Case, so you may not have to wait for a custom case at all. 

Features of the Ultimate Sleevecase™

• High-grade, shock-absorbing, neoprene padding
• Domestically-produced, ballistic nylon shell
• Ultrasuede®, scratch-free liner to help clean tablet screen upon insertion and removal
• A high-impact, rigid insert for additional screen protection
• Lightly padded flap with Velcro closure for extra protection
• Choice of trim (Lead checkered Indium, or Muzetto Brown Leather)
• Optional D-rings and a strap to use case as a stand-alone bag
• All metal hardware add-ons
• In stock for most popular tablets and custom-made for others
• TSA-friendly
• Made entirely in the USA (San Francisco)

Delivery time is about a week on a custom made case and prices range from $49 to $55 with options for additional accessories.

WaterField can be found on the web at www.sfbags.com.

HP Shaves Off $100 Off TouchPad Retail Price

Well what do you know, starting tomorrow, you can score yourself a 16GB HP TouchPad running the sleek WebOS for only $400 while the 32GB will run you $500, that's $100 off the regular retail price. Does this mean HP is having a hard time selling the TouchPad when you've got a tablet leader such as the iPad around? That's generally the consensus when prices are reduced. HP does state that the price reductions are just for a limited time only. So if you want to score yourself a TouchPad, now is the time. Head on over to HP's TouchPad offer page for more. Now if only Apple slashed prices on their products.