The star of Microsoft's mystery Monday unveiling has been revealed: Surface, a Windows tablet.
"It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said at the event. "Much like Windows 1 needed the mouse, we wanted to give Windows 8 its own hardware."
Just as Windows 8 is a reimagining of the Windows operating sytem, Microsoft describes Surface as a reimagining of the tablet.
The first of its kind, Surface is designed to work as both tablet and PC and comes in a version running Windows RT as well as a version running Windows 8 Pro.
Super-thin, the tablet is just 9.3mm thin for the Windows RT version and 13.5mm for the Pro version. Both have two full size USB ports — something you won't find on the vast majority of the tablet competition. You'll also find a Micro SD port on the side of the RT version and a microSDXC port of the Pro version for adding data to the device or reading files (like pictures from your digital camera) on the fly.
Surface has a 10.6-inch 16:9 widescreen HD Display screen. Designed to be mobile yet sturdy, the screen is made of Gorilla Glass -– an ultra-strong glass – to prevent scratches and breaks if it takes a tumble.
A built-in kickstand on the rear of the tablet holds it up while you're typing or viewing videos.
A Touch Cover for the device protects the screen, and much like Apple's Smart Cover does with the iPad, it connects to Surface via magnets on the device's side. Unlike Apple's cover, however, the inside of the 3mm cover doubles as a fully functional keyboard with a built-in trackpad when opened up.
Both versions of the tablet have 2×2 MIMO antennae. The RT version has a Micro HD Video port while the Pro version has a Mini DisplayPort Video.
Surface running Windows RT will be available in 32 GB and 64GB sizes, while Surface running Windows 8 Pro will be available in 64 GB and 128 GB sizes.
Microsoft announced the mysterious Surface event just last week, simply telling press, "This will be a major Microsoft announcement — you will not want to miss it."
The event was so secretive, in fact, that we only learned where the event would be held — LA's Milk Studios — hours before it kicked off. Milk has offices both Los Angeles and New York City. Its New York office was recently used by Sean Parker to launch his video chatting service Airtime.
Once the Microsoft invites went out, rumors began to circulate about what the announcement might be, with speculation ranging from a new Xbox to a Barnes & Noble tablet. When Barnes & Noble indicated Monday morning it would not be a part of today's announcement, speculation turned to an Xbox SmartGlass tablet.
We'll be updating this story with more information as more is revealed. You can also follow along while the event is taking place on our live blog.
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