Microsoft Corp. today announced plans to make Microsoft Surface available at additional retailers as soon as mid-December. In addition, the company announced the extension of the Microsoft holiday stores, including the transition of several of the stores into permanent Microsoft retail outlets.

"The public reaction to Surface has been exciting to see. We've increased production and are expanding the ways in which customers can interact with, experience and purchase Surface," said Panos Panay, general manager, Microsoft Surface.

Getac Inc., a leading manufacturer of rugged computers, is introducing the next generation of its V100 and V200 fully rugged convertible tablets. Both models can be configured with the powerful, third-generation 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5-3320M (MAX 3.3) or 2.9 GHz Core i7-3520M (MAX 3.6) processor with vPro technology.

Blazing fast, the V100 and V200 clock in at 251% and 177% faster, respectively, than did the previous generation. The Getac V100 and V200 also incorporate the Intel HD Graphics 4000 for over four times the responsiveness versus the previous models.* The combination of improved speed, high performance, and fully rugged design will help increase productivity by military, utility, police, fire and field-service professionals working in the most demanding environments.

Through its official blog Microsoft has announced that the x86-flavored Surface tablet, which runs Windows 8 Pro (the ARM-based Surface RT is loaded with Windows RT), will arrive in January, priced at $899 (64 GB model) and $999 (128 GB).

Set to have about half the battery life of the Surface RT, the upcoming device is equipped with an Intel Core i5 processor and has a 10.6-inch (1920 x 1080) ClearType display supporting both finger and pen input, 4 GB of RAM, 802.11 b/g/n/ WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, a micro SDXC card slot, two 720p HD LifeCams, stereo speakers, an USB 3.0 port, a mini DisplayPort output, and a kickstand. The Surface with Windows 8 Pro is 0.53 inches thick, has a VaporMg casing, and is backed by a one-year warranty.

Presenting NextPowerUp, our sister tech-publication in the works, designed with a bigger canvas. TechPowerUp established itself as one of the top PC hardware publications thanks to our pursuit for quality reviews and relentless news delivery. We decided it was time to put these core ideals to use, in addressing the much larger consumer electronics and gadgets markets, without disturbing TechPowerUp's focus on PC enthusiast content, one of its hallmarks.

NextPowerUp is designed to keep you up to speed on the latest in over 20 markets (and growing), each with its own content channel, and editors hand-picked for them. These include Audio (personal, home, professional, concert), Business, Cinema (filming, production, exhibition), Desktops (pre-built desktop PCs), Displays (signage, projectors), Gadgets, Gaming (games, game development, gaming industry, consoles), Internet (the business of WWW), Networking (social networking), Notebooks (notebooks, Ultrabooks, netbooks), Phones (of all shapes and sizes), Photo & Video (cameras of all shapes and sizes), Politics (industry soap-opera), Robots (outside assembly lines), Science (popular science, space exploration), Software, Storage, Tablets, Televisions (TVs and technologies built around them), Transportation (wheels that don't run on fossil fuels), and Wireless (Cellular carriers, commercial WiFi).

ASUS, a global leader in the new digital era, today announces VivoTab, a thin and light tablet featuring Windows 8. With an MSRP starting from US$799, VivoTab has an 11.6" multi-touch HD display, Wacom digitizer stylus and Intel Atom dual-core processor for an excellent combination of performance and energy efficiency. Its optional Mobile Dock offers increased productivity too, thanks to its full keyboard and a built-in battery that gives up to 19 hours' mobile use.

ASUS VivoTab has a 1.8GHz Intel Atom Z2760 dual-core processor with enhanced performance and incredible energy efficiency allowing Windows 8 to run both, the latest software and legacy applications, giving users a wide choice of software for every need. VivoTab's 11.6" multi-touch display has a pin-sharp 1366 x 768 HD resolution with vibrant colors, wide viewing angles and superior outdoor visibility, thanks to the amazing brightness of its Super IPS+ technology. ASUS TruVivid technology enhances image clarity still further by reducing the display thickness, while scratch-resistant Corning Fit glass with anti-fingerprint coating keeps the screen crystal-clear.

It looks like Razer's reluctance over Project Fiona may have cost it some potential market share, and it's going to have to face mighty Microsoft in the upcoming gaming tablet market segment. Redmond plans to fuse its Xbox and Surface product lines to create the Xbox Surface, a 7-inch tablet designed for gaming. There's not much information on how Microsoft will handle input, but we're guessing that in addition to its multi-touch screen, Microsoft could bundle a wireless Xbox 360 controller. The tablet itself could be designed with buttons and thumb-sticks. The 7-inch 16:9 screen of the Xbox Surface features a native resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). Driving the tablet is an ARM-based SoC, though it's possible that Microsoft could decide to use an Intel x86 chip. The ARM processor is backed by high-bandwidth memory. The new tablet is most likely slated for 2013.

Initially announced for the Chinese market, Lenovo's ThinkPad Helix tablet is expanding its reach and is set to arrive in Israel, and likely other countries, in the not too distant future. The Helix is a business-oriented offering that runs Windows 8 and features an 11.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS screen supporting both finger and pen input, an Intel Ivy Bridge CPU (up to a Core i7), WiFi, 3G, NFC, and a battery allowing up to 10 hours of operation. The tablet comes with a ThinkPad -style keyboard dock for improved productivity.

The ThinkPad Helix has not been priced.

Trimble (NASDAQ: TRMB) introduced today the Yuma 2 rugged tablet computer-a powerful mobile computing solution that provides full office capabilities in the field for construction, transportation, public safety, field service, forestry, utilities, mapping, insurance and any other outdoor or service-related industry.

The Yuma 2 offers a 7-inch capacitive multi-touch screen in an easy-to-hold form factor that measures 6.3 inches x 9.6 inches, and weighs less than three pounds. Featuring new display technology for even clearer readability in direct sunlight, the Yuma 2 can be used by mobile workers in the brightest outdoor conditions. The 3.75G dual-mode cellular data capability enables connectivity anywhere GSM or CDMA cellular networks are available.

NEC's Celron-driven VersaPro VZ 12.5-inch tablet and UltraLite VG 13.3-inch Ultrabook received a specifications update, with Windows 8 Pro being the standard OS. Originally launched in March and July 2012, respectively, the two originally featured Windows 7 Professional. Driven by dual-core Celeron ULV CPU, the VersaPro VZ packs 4 GB memory and 128 GB SSD storage. The UltraLite VG, on the other hand, is driven by Core i7-3517U "Ivy Bridge" dual-core processor, with 4 GB dual-channel memory, and 128 GB SSD storage. The the two refreshed NEC products could hit the racks after October 26.

AMD announced that its AMD Z-60 accelerated processing unit (APU) powers the new Fujitsu STYLISTIC Q572 10.1" tablet, providing quality and performance to professionals on the move. The combination of processor and system design provides users with portability, Windows compatibility and security in one tablet device. With impressive performance at low power, the AMD Z-60 APU supports unique Fujitsu features like an integrated Smart Card reader and removable battery.

Supporting a rich Windows 8 or Windows 7 experience with its AMD Radeon graphics, the AMD Z-60 APU enables the ability to run the full suite of legacy PC applications while supporting the most visually demanding programs. A suite of enterprise-friendly features such as the trusted platform module (TPM) and hardware-based disk encryption are also supported by the AMD Z-60 APU. The STYLISTIC Q572's lightweight (approximately 1.6-pounds) design and impressive feature-set make it an ideal match for the mobile workforce.

Today LG Electronics has revealed some of its first products running Windows 8, the H160 tablet boasting a slide-out keyboard and the V325 all-in-one PC. The H160 is 15.9 mm thick, it weights 1.05 kg and features a 11.6-inch IPS touchscreen, WiFi, USB and HDMI ports, a microSD card slot, and a battery allowing for up to 10 hours of operation.

The V325 has a 23-inch (1920 x 1080) screen supporting 10-finger multi-touch, a Core i5 processor, a GeForce GT 640M graphics card, a TV tuner, and it comes bundled with a remote control. In addition to the H160 and V325 LG will also be releasing (this week), another all-in-one desktop, the ET83, and two ultrabooks, the Z355 and Z460, all pre-loaded with Windows 8 of course.

Fujitsu unveiled its FMV series Windows 8 PC family, which includes tablets, convertibles, notebooks, and all-in-one PCs, all of which are touch-enabled to take advantage of the new operating system. To begin with, Fujitsu unveiled the 10.1-inch QH55 tablet. Based on the x86 platform, the QH55 is driven by Intel Atom Z2760 (dual-core, 1.50 GHz) processor, 2 GB memory, 64 GB SSD, Windows 8 32-bit, with Office Home and Business 2010 pre-installed. Its 10.1-inch screen packs 1366 x 768 pixels resolution. Measuring 264.4 x 169.4 x 9.9 mm (width × depth × height), it weighs 574 g. Connectivity features include 8 MP back and 2 MP front-facing cameras, micro USB, micro SDXC, 10/100 Ethernet, 802.11 b/g/n WLAN, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, accelerometer, gyrometer, and stereo audio. It is slated for October 26.

With two weeks to go until the official launch of Windows 8, ASUS has given the green light to pre-orders of its Win8-running TAICHI 21 convertible notebook featuring two 11.6-inch touchscreens. The back-to-back displays of the TAICHI 21 have an IPS panel, support up to 10-finger touch, and offer a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.

ASUS' multiple monitor mobile machine runs Windows 8 Home Premium (64-bit), is less than an inch thick, and also packs an Intel Core processor (a 1.7 GHz i5-3317U or 1.9 GHz i7-3517U), Intel GMA HD graphics, 4 GB of RAM, a 128/256 GB SSD, stereo speakers with Bang & Olufsen ICEpower technology, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, dual HD cameras, two USB 3.0 ports, and a 6-cell battery enabling up to 5 hours of operation.

The TAICHI 21-DH51 with a Core i5 CPU and a 128 GB SSD costs $1,300 while the 21-DH71 with a Core i7 chip and a 256 GB drive goes for $1,600.

AMD is eyeing a slice of the Windows 8 tablet pie with its Z-Series "Hondo" dual-core x86-64 APU, which was launched earlier this week. According to sources among Taiwan-based notebook makers, the first devices based on the chips will arrive as early as this November. The company, however, did not disclose design wins or the companies working on products around its chip. AMD Z-60 will face off with Intel's recently-launched Atom Z2760 dual-core chip, designed for the same class of devices. Built on the 40 nm "Brazos 2.0" silicon, the Z-60 packs two x86-64 cores, and Radeon HD 6250 DirectX 11 graphics. Its TDP is just 4.5W.

Lenovo today announced a new family of four convertible devices designed for Windows 8/RT to change the way people use PCs and redefine the future of mobile computing. For consumers, the touch-optimized family includes the IdeaPad Yoga 13, a foremost blend of play and productivity, Yoga 11, a svelte, all day mobile companion, IdeaTab Lynx, a premier dual core Intel Atom-based tablet, and for professionals, the ThinkPad Twist, a business-ready device that puts a new spin on the traditional convertible tablet.

"Our family of Ultrabook convertibles addresses the unique needs of consumers, businesses and everyone in between by creating high performance laptop-tablet combinations in new designs and different sizes," said Peter Hortensius, senior vice president, Lenovo, and president, Product Group, Lenovo. "We think these innovative convertibles are the best devices for a groundbreaking touchscreen experience, plus their multi-modes give people even more ways to use their PC."

Handheld Group, a leading manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and smartphones, today announced the launch of its new rugged mobile device for field professionals: the Algiz 10X rugged tablet PC. The powerful Algiz 10X can withstand tough weather elements and harsh handling, and its large, 10.1-inch touchscreen provides the best screen visibility on the market.

"The new Algiz 10X is perfectly suited for field professionals who need a rugged tablet computer that is lightweight and built to withstand the harsh conditions that come with all kinds of industry fieldwork, and that can display detailed maps and other visuals even in bright sunlight," said Jerker Hellström, CEO of Handheld.

AMD announced its latest entry in the performance tablet and small form factor PC market with the AMD Z-60 Accelerated Processing Unit (APU). The AMD Z-60 is AMD's lowest power APU, delivering unprecedented performance and AMD AllDay power for tablet form factors as thin as 10mm. A compelling combination of features, stunning graphics, support for the latest Microsoft Windows 8 applications and user interfaces, as well as compatibility with Windows 7 and the full-suite of legacy Windows applications, makes the AMD Z-60 APU an ideal solution for a range of designs.

The first tablets based on the AMD Z-60 APU are expected to launch globally this year in conjunction with availability of Windows 8.

Acer America, the number two notebook provider, today announced that the Acer Iconia W700 tablet PC, a high-performance mobile PC in a tablet PC form factor, will be available for the U.S. market. Acer's first Windows 8-based tablet PC for the U.S., the Iconia W700 features a versatile, portable design that delivers a first-rate touch and typing experience for productivity-focused PC users.

The Acer Iconia W700 tablet PC with Windows 8 delivers excellent performance using responsive and fast Intel Core i3 and Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) processors, enabling the system to take on spreadsheets, presentations, and more with ease. The powerful processors allow customers to use the Iconia W700 as their main PC for all of their everyday computing tasks, such as content creation, running multiple apps, and sharing multimedia.

Razer is once again taking to Facebook to gauge consumer interest on an upcoming (and undecided) product. The company is willing to go forward with "Project Fiona," a tablet designed for handheld gaming, if 10,000 users like and share the pitch on Facebook. "Earlier this year, we announced a concept design - Project Fiona: The World's First Tablet Designed for PC Gamers. We've been working on it since then and have narrowed down a couple of key concepts/designs. We would like to reach out to the community to see the level of interest before we actually launch it. If you'd like to see Razer make the product that won "Best of CES" People's Voice Award, then now's your chance to let your voice be heard," said Razer's Min-Liang Tan. Earlier this year, Razer gauged public interest in a similar manner before beginning to work on a left hand-oriented variant of its Naga MMO mouse.

HP today introduced the HP ElitePad 900, a tablet that balances a beautiful design with enterprise-grade features, functionality and support.

Designed for business and government, it features HP ElitePad Smart Jackets, which add connectivity options and an additional ultra-slim battery for longer runtime, along with specific add-ons that customize the tablet for specialized uses.

The HP ElitePad is an ultrathin, lightweight tablet designed for Windows 8 that delivers features to keep IT managers happy and touts a design that employees will crave. It offers the full serviceability, enhanced security and manageability found in HP Elite PCs, and military-grade durability for drops, vibration, dust, temperature extremes and high altitude.

Intel Corporation and its OEM partners today unveiled the first wave of new tablets and tablet convertible designs based on Intel Core vPro, Intel Core and Intel Atom processors, including the new Atom processor Z2760 (formerly codenamed "Clover Trail").

The new Intel Atom processor-based devices provide consumers and business users with a wide choice of innovative, sleek and stylish designs with long battery life and class-leading performance. Additionally, they will be able to experience Windows 8 while continuing to run all the programs they know and love.

Dell today unveiled new additions to its state-of-the-art portfolio of business-class computers enabling companies to give employees devices they want to use while maintaining the IT security and manageability necessary for enterprise-class deployments. The three new devices include the Latitude 10-inch touch-enabled tablet, the Latitude 6430u Ultrabook that brings leading design to the boardroom, and a touch-enabled OptiPlex 9010 All-in-One desktop helping people interact with technology in more intuitive ways.

"Never before has the intersection between great design and data security and manageability been as important as employees increasingly ask for support for gorgeous products while IT needs to maintain corporate controls. Dell is providing the answer with these new Latitude and OptiPlex products designed to inspire workers and meet the needs of IT," said Sam Burd, global vice president, Personal Computing Product Group. "Dell's approach is rooted in our heritage of deep familiarity with the needs of IT professionals combined with our new, world-class set of commercial products that meet user demands."Images courtesy of SlashGear.

Panasonic, an industry leader in rugged, reliable mobile computers since 1996, today announced upgrades to the Panasonic Toughbook 19, its best-selling rugged convertible tablet PC. The updated Toughbook 19 now comes with an Intel Core i5-3320M vPro processor (up to 3.3 GHz) with Intel Turbo Boost Technology. Other enhancements include expanded storage, a more responsive touchpad and an innovative ambient light sensor, allowing automatic backlight shut-off to improve battery life.

With these and other upgrades, the reliable Toughbook 19 continues to be the ideal investment for a broad spectrum of demanding work environments, including the military's front lines, in police and emergency services vehicles, and in the field for use by service workers and utility and maintenance technicians.

Like its compatriot Sony, Toshiba has taken advantage of IFA 2012 to showcase a Windows 8 hybrid machine that can be used as a tablet or as an ultrabook, depending on its owner's needs. Known as the Satellite U925t, Toshiba's 'best of both worlds' mobile solution is just 0.78 inches thick, it weighs 3.2 pounds (~ 1.45 kg), and features a 12.5-inch sliding touchscreen (protected by Gorilla Glass), a backlit keyboard, an Intel Core i5 (Ivy Bridge) processor, a 128 GB SSD, a rear-facing 3-megapixel camera, and a HD webcam.

The U925t also has two USB 3.0 ports, a HDMI output, support for Intel's Wireless Display technology, NFC, and comes pre-loaded with a few branded apps like Desktop Assist, Toshiba Central, App Place, News Place and Book Place. Toshiba's creation is expected to become available on October 26th (Windows 8's launch day) priced just north of $1,000.

ARCHOS, an award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, is proud to announce their first gaming tablet. This new type of tablet, the GamePad, combines gaming controls with Android for a full tablet and gaming experience in one. Gamers will not only have access to all their favorite games, they will also have access to email, Internet, apps and more through one device.

The GamePad features a 7-inch, capacitive screen, physical control buttons and analog sticks. This Google certified tablet has full access to Google Play for the tens of thousands of games available, runs a dual-core processor @ 1.5 GHz combined with a Mali 400mp quad-core GPU. In addition, the GamePad includes automatic game recognition and mapping tools - patented technology to ensure control compatibility with every advanced Android game.