A researcher at Microsoft began developing an interactive computer table in 2001 intended for gaming. In 2003, a prototype was built that could recognize objects, showing potential beyond gaming. Microsoft committed to the technology in 2004, creating a group to improve the design. The team finalized a consumer-ready design in 2007. While the Surface found buyers in industries like medicine and travel, applications have not been specifically designed for libraries and the high costs mean it is not yet suitable for libraries.

1. Exploration of the Microsoft Surface,Its Current Applications and ItsPotential in the Library Environment Ruben R. Balderas

2. Microsoft Surface Origins 2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming.

3. Microsoft Surface Origins 2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming. 2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming.

4. Microsoft Surface Origins 2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming. 2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming. 2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design.

5. Microsoft Surface Origins 2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming. 2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming. 2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design. 2007- The team finishes prototyping with a design ready for consumers.

6. Microsoft Surface Origins 2001- A researcher and a hardware designer at Microsoft set about to create an interactive computer table to be used for gaming. 2003- Prototype built. With the computer’s object recognition capability, the developers realized their creation had potential beyond gaming. 2004- Microsoft commits to the new technology. They create the Surface Computing group, whose task it is to continue to improve upon the computer’s original design. 2007- The team finishes prototyping with a design ready for consumers. 2008- Microsoft Surface hits the market and finds buyers in industries ranging from medicine to travel.

7. Surface Display 30” touch screen display

8. Surface Display 30” touch screen display Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once

9. Surface Display 30” touch screen display Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once Recognizes both digital and non-digital devices

10. Surface Display 30” touch screen display Recognizes up to 52 inputs at once Recognizes both digital and non-digital devices Cameras and infrared sensors

11. Current Applications of the Microsoft Surface

12. Media Sharing

13. Financial Applications

14. Medicine

15. Hotels/Casinos

16. Restaurants

17. Education

18. Gaming Disclaimer: If any level of nerdiness causes you discomfort or any physical reaction such as, but not limited to, skin irritation, now may be a good time to leave the room. I’m guessing that the fact that you are in this room right now is a testament to your tolerance for nerdiness. So, hold on.

19. Potential for Microsoft Surface in the Library

20. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks

21. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching

22. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information

23. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information Self-Checkout

24. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information Self-Checkout Financial Applications

25. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information Self-Checkout Financial Applications Medical Applications

26. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information Self-Checkout Financial Applications Medical Applications Mapping Capabilities

27. Media Sharing- Pictures, Music, Ebooks Enhanced Searching Instant Book and Author Information Self-Checkout Financial Applications Medical Applications Mapping Capabilities Gaming

28. Restrictions Cost Unit alone costs $12,500 Unit with installation, maintenance, protection plan and shipping costs $16,000

29. Restrictions Cost Unit alone costs $12,500 Unit with installation, maintenance, protection plan and shipping costs $16,000 Applications specifically designed for the library have not been created yet.

30. Should Libraries Invest in the Microsoft Surface?

31. Should Libraries Invest in the Microsoft Surface? NOT YET.