Microsoft Hands Out 5000 Win 8 Tablets to Developers

Attendees at Microsoft's BUILD conference were this week gifted with free Core i5 Windows 8 tablets.

This week at BUILD, Microsoft talked all about Windows 8 and told developers what they can expect from the next iteration of Windows. However, the company also gave devs a little gift to ensure they get off on the right foot with Windows 8. The Redmond company dished out no fewer than 5000 Windows 8 Samsung slates to attendees.

Rumors about Microsoft gifting BUILD attendees with a Windows 8 tablet started last month, during Microsoft's TechEd conference in New Zealand. Microsoft afforded attendees there a glimpse of two Windows 8 tablets and some reported that Microsoft may be giving one out to attendees at BUILD. On Tuesday, right on schedule, Microsoft handed out thousands of free Samsung-made Windows 8 tablets. The tablet will give developers a head start for developing for Windows 8 as well as a chance to try out some new hardware.

ComputerWorld reports that the tablet in question is similar to the Samsung Series 7 Slate with a few customizations. Windows President Steven Sinofsky said that the Windows version has more sensors and AT&T has added a 3G-capable radio to the tablets. Devs will get 2GB of monthly data service free of charge for 12 months. Specswise, the tablet boasts a second generation Core i5 CPU, an 11.6-inch Super PLS 1366×768 display, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, USB, HDMI port, microSD slo.