Microsoft Announces Surface Tablets

Microsoft unveiled the Surface during a live blog session from Milk Studios in Los Angeles on Monday evening. 

The tablet is available with 2 options for operating systems; both have 10.6" screens. You can get a Surface powered either with Windows RT and built around an ARM processor, or the version that runs Windows 8 Pro, built around an Intel processor. 

The Windows RT Surface is just 9.3mm wide and weighs 1.5 pounds. It ships in 32GB or 64GB versions.

Microsoft's Intel-based Surface tablet will run Windows 8 Pro, with a thickness of 13.5mm, a weight of 1.9lbs, and USB 3.0 support and ships with 64GB or 128GB storage. The media release states that this version will also include "additional digital ink support through a pen that magnetizes to the body of the tablet."

Both of Microsoft's Surface tablets feature optional Touch and Type Keyboard Covers which make this a unique stand out from other tablets. 

According to the Huffington Post, "It is one of the few times in company history that Microsoft engineered both the hardware and the software of a device, with the Surface joining the Zune MP3 player, Kin smartphone, and Xbox 360 gaming console." The announcement was preceded with the information that the Windows 8 system, which is expected to be released in September or October will make this a timely purchase for the holiday season.

The Live Blog also states that though details are sketchy, a new app  has been custom designed for Netflix for Windows 8. 

At this time, no pricing is available for the product.

So what do you think? Will Microsoft make waves going head-to-head with Apple's iPad? Or will dedicated Mac users stick with their iPads? And will this make the pricing more competitive for both types of products?