Microsoft Surface computer entertains young library patrons in Darien, Conn.

Recently I visited the public library in Darien, Conn., and discovered it had one of Microsoft’s first Surface touch-screen tabletop computers.
A librarian told me the Surface computer was donated to the library and has been available for patrons to use since January. Getting applications for the tabletop computer was a challenge because most of the apps for Surface computers are for casinos and hotels, she said.
The kids I observed playing with the Surface computer really enjoyed it. They manipulated photos and played video games like Pong.
Microsoft debuted its Surface computers in May 2007. The table-top computers with 30-inch displays and multi-touch interfaces were deployed commercially in 2008 in Sheraton hotels, AT&T retail stores and Harrah’s Rio hotel and casino in Las Vegas.

The Surface computer in the Darien Library is either a sign that the devices are becoming more widely available or that a commercial market for the devices never developed and units are being redeployed for end of life. We'll see.

Photo: Two girls play with a Microsoft Surface computer at the Darien Library in Darien, Conn., on Sept. 20, 2009.