# Microsoft Surface

> series of personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards by Microsoft

**Wikidata**: [Q471806](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q471806)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_Surface)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/microsoft-surface

## Summary
Microsoft Surface is a series of personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards developed and manufactured by the American multinational technology corporation Microsoft. The product line includes various form factors such as hybrid tablets, 2-in-1 detachables, and convertible laptops. It is also recognized by the aliases Surface, MS Surface, and MSFT Surface.

## Key Facts
- **Developer:** Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation founded on April 4, 1975.
- **Headquarters:** Microsoft Redmond Campus, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, United States (Zip 98052).
- **Product Types:** Personal computers, tablets, interactive whiteboards, hybrid tablets, 2-in-1 detachables, and convertible laptops.
- **Specific Models:** Includes Surface (hybrid tablet), Surface Go (2-in-1 detachable), Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Book, and Surface Book 2.
- **Key Dates:**
  - Surface Pro inception: February 9, 2013, and May 23, 2013.
  - Microsoft Surface Pro 2 inception: October 22, 2013.
  - Surface Laptop inception: May 2, 2017.
- **Retail:** Distributed via the Microsoft Store, a chain of retail stores and online shopping site established on October 22, 2009.
- **Manufacturing Partner:** Pegatron, a Taiwanese computers and electronics company founded on June 27, 2007.
- **Operating System:** Listed as requiring Android, an operating system created by Google (inception September 23, 2008).
- **Website:** http://www.microsoft.com/surface/
- **Classification:** Defined as a "brand" class for the identification of goods or services.

## FAQs
**Who creates the Microsoft Surface line?**
The Microsoft Surface series is created and developed by Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Redmond, Washington.

**What specific devices are part of the Microsoft Surface family?**
The family includes a range of devices such as the Surface (hybrid tablet), Surface Go (2-in-1 detachable), Surface Laptop, Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface Book, and Surface Book 2.

**When were the first Surface Pro models released?**
The Surface Pro has inception dates listed in early 2013, specifically February 9 and May 23, while the Surface Pro 2 followed on October 22, 2013.

**Where are Microsoft Surface products sold?**
These products are sold through the Microsoft Store, which operates as a chain of retail stores and an online shopping site launched on October 22, 2009.

**What operating system does the Microsoft Surface require?**
According to the provided data, the Microsoft Surface requires the Android operating system, which was developed by Google for mobile devices.

## Why It Matters
The Microsoft Surface series represents Microsoft's expansive footprint in the hardware sector, encompassing personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. By integrating various form factors—from hybrid tablets like the Surface Pro to convertibles like the Surface Book—the line addresses diverse computing needs within the consumer electronics industry. The involvement of Pegatron in manufacturing highlights the global supply chain utilized to produce these devices. Furthermore, the association with the Microsoft Store retail chain underscores a direct-to-consumer sales strategy, solidifying the brand's presence in both physical and digital marketplaces.

## Notable For
- Being a comprehensive series that includes personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards.
- The Surface Laptop model, which was introduced on May 2, 2017.
- The Surface Pro 2, a tablet-hybrid computer device released on October 22, 2013.
- Incorporating the Surface Book, a convertible laptop, and the Surface Book 2, a 2-in-1 PC.
- Being classified as a distinct "brand" for goods and services.
- Listing Android, a Google-created operating system, as a required platform.

## Body

### Development and Creator
Microsoft Surface is developed by Microsoft, a prominent American multinational technology corporation. Microsoft was founded on April 4, 1975, and operates within the technology, software, and consumer electronics industries. The company's headquarters are located in Redmond, United States, at the Microsoft Redmond Campus (One Microsoft Way, postal code 98052). Over the years, Microsoft has seen significant growth in workforce, expanding from approximately 114,000 employees in 2016 to a reported 228,000 employees by 2024.

### Product Line and Specifications
The Surface series is categorized as a family of personal computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards. It serves as an umbrella for several distinct device types:
*   **Tablets and Hybrids:** The original Surface is described as a hybrid tablet computer. The Surface Pro, a tablet computer, lists inception dates of February 9, 2013, and May 23, 2013. Its successor, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, was released on October 22, 2013.
*   **Laptops and Convertibles:** The Surface Book is a convertible laptop, while the Surface Book 2 is classified as a 2-in-1 PC. The Surface Laptop, a dedicated laptop model, was introduced on May 2, 2017.
*   **Portable Devices:** The Surface Go is identified as a 2-in-1 detachable device within the series.

### Retail and Distribution
The distribution of Microsoft Surface products is closely tied to the Microsoft Store. This entity serves as both a chain of retail stores and an online shopping site. The Microsoft Store was established on October 22, 2009, and operates within the retail industry, providing a direct channel for Microsoft hardware and software.

### Manufacturing and Partnerships
The production of Microsoft Surface devices involves Pegatron, a Taiwanese company specializing in computers and electronics. Pegatron was founded on June 27, 2007, and is headquartered in Taiwan, with its primary headquarters located in New Taipei City. This partnership connects the Surface line to the broader global electronics manufacturing sector.

### Operating Environment
In terms of software, the provided data specifies that the Microsoft Surface runs on Android. Android is an operating system created by Google specifically for use on mobile devices, with its inception dated September 23, 2008. This requirement places the Surface devices within the ecosystem of mobile-compatible operating systems.

### Classification and Identity
Microsoft Surface is formally classified under the "brand" class, serving as the identification for the good or service. It is also associated with the broader category of tablet computers. The entity maintains an official web presence at http://www.microsoft.com/surface/ and is documented under the Wikipedia title "Microsoft Surface."

## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. National Library of Israel
5. YouTube API