So, does this mean that because it uses normal PC components that it doesn't have to be such huge table? In other words, could the base be a bit smaller to allow more flexible implementation?

DUMB

...unless it plays Galaga

...unless it plays Galaga.

@Blah8: i believe it has other stuff under the hood like cameras and RF pickups.

It's like a 21st century Theramin.

Queue the original Star Trek theme.

@Subterfuge: How is it anything like a Theramine?

@Blah8: It's possible that they can be ordered as custom builts for your specific store.

They need to make the top tiltable for applications that don't require a complete horizontal surface.

@joe23521: Not a bad idea or make a smaller wireless one on a let's call it a tablet and use applications on it.

So will this new multi-touch device also drop in price by 30% in 2 months, resulting in calls for the Waaaambulance all over the web?

JOE23521: I believe the Surface's screen is rear-projection -- that'd make things a bit more complicated if you wanted to tilt the screen.

@EQC: Since it's likely going to be a retail-centric device, only the angry shopkeeps will be up in arms. heh

So...

Wont this really hurt you back?

I think the base exists because of the cameras that need are underneath the screen that relay information to the pc about where the object on the display is.

@Blah8: im not sure because that depends on the touch capturing technology. the table uses something like 5 cameras to detect when an object is touching the surface. this allows for over 52 touches at once, or 4 friends using all 10 fingers plus 12 gadgets.

@Spyrojoe:
Because you can wave your hand across it and it senses your movement except it reacts visually instead just sonically.

"water app"....Uhm. Don't we have WATER to do that? Why spend 10K on this?

For that price it should include a lifetime of software upgrades. I can imagine them dumping support for it in 5-8 years when they stop supporting Vista.

@Papercutninja: Because real water is wet.

@Geisrud: And not a technological marvel. Unless you believe in Intelligent Design.

who would have thought the future of technology was in tables..

@Dr.Chocobo: If writing, drawing, and reading things off of a table usually hurts your back, then this might.

(no.)

Man, it looks amazingly similar to my 20" G4 iMac. Only bigger and facing straight up.

Still, I think the idea is pretty cool and hope it takes off. I just can't wait to see the first Surface displaying the BSoD. :P

Plus, if you tilted it and used the water app, all the water would spill off the side. Hyuck hyuck...

This is Microsoft's iBrick. A big giant table that does nothing special.

Yardameus, no it wouldn't. It's Microsoft. It would most likely freeze before spilling off the side.

lol. I would love this for a business. Plus with the custom apps. Nice.

I'd love to see a Quickboocs 2008-9 app on it.

Make love on the Surface and you too can get atmospheric lighting and romantic music for you and your loved one.

XNA? So we can make xbox 360 games for it?

I'm kinda excited that they've annouced XNA development for Surface. I could see this kind of thing in a barcade, along withsome multitouch driven games. Assuming they can hit that $5000 price point, I'd say they've got a real winner.

Damn, I'd hate to spill soda on that thing.... talk about expensive paperweight to begin with..

@Empire: No, I don't. Unless you are talking about the R&D labs at Intel (for example).

The water app isn't new, it was demoed when the Surface was first announced.

This won't hurt your back because it's not mean for intensive usage.
It's more like a table replacement for clubs/bars/restaurants.
Could be a nice deal for business, but I guess it's pretty limited to it.
I'm not gonna say it's a gimmick... but could be. All depends on funcionality. Welcome to the social?

ducks love wet water

Does the water app come with a filter? I'd hate to see murky water on my table-pond-computer.

Reminds me of Buck Rogers. Needs cheesy discos music with weird dancers that have lightropes all over their costumes in the backrgound.