Microsoft Announces New 10.6-Inch ‘Surface’ Tablets Running Windows 8

Microsoft has unveiled its own tablets called Microsoft Surface to take on Apple's iPad and other Android-based tablets at today's media event.

Microsoft will be offering two versions of their tablet, which will come with 10.6-inch multitouch display - the first one is powered by an ARM processor and will run Windows 8 RT - the tablet version of Windows 8 and the second one is powered by an Intel Core processor and will run Windows 8 Pro - a desktop version of Windows 8.

Below are the specifications of Surface for Windows RT:

• Weight: 676 g
• Thickness: 9.3 mm
• Display: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
• Battery: 31.5 W-h
• Ports: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Storage: 32 GB, 64 GB

And the specifications of Surface for Windows 8 Pro:

• Weight: 903 g
• Thickness: 13.5 mm
• Display: 10.6” ClearType Full HD Display
• Battery: 42 W-h
• Ports: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
• Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB

The tablets come with an integrated kickstand, which Microsoft says will let users transition Surface from active use to passive consumption – watching a movie etc. It also comes with an HD-front and rear-facing camera.

Microsoft has also unveiled two accessories for the tablets - Touch Cover and Type Cover. The 3-mm Touch Cover clicks into the Surface just like iPad smart cover via a magnetic connector. The Touch Cover not only protects the screen but it also transforms into a full-sized keyboard with a built-in trackpad. It uses a unique pressure-sensitive technology, which Microsoft says senses keystrokes as gestures, enabling users to touch type significantly faster than with an on-screen keyboard. The 5-mm Type Cover also protects the screen and full-sized keyboard with a built-in trackpad, but it offers a more traditional typing experience.

Microsoft has said that the Surface for Windows RT will be available with the general availability of Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later.

Microsoft has also not revealed the pricing details. But has said that it will be competitively priced.

You can check out the video, which gives a sneak peak at Microsoft's upcoming tablet below:

It will be interesting to see what Microsoft prices them at and also what kind of battery life they offer. Based on the specifications, it is quite obvious that Microsoft is try to target some of the limitations of Apple's iPad such as the lack of a USB port etc. Surface Pro seems like a competitor to MacBook Air rather than the iPad.

Update:

Check out the video of the event below: