For Microsoft, the launch represents an attempt to grab a share of the market it invented.
The firm's founder Bill Gates famously enthused about the tablet form factor a decade ago. It even launched a 'tabletop' device called the Surface, but as is so often the case with Microsoft, its execution was poor and it was left to Apple to dominate the space with iPad.
Now, after months of speculation, the new Surface is here – a showcase for the forthcoming touch-based Windows 8 OS. Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the device at a press conference in Milky Studios last night.
Actually, two versions were demonstrated, one running Windows RT (which uses low power processors) and another running Windows 8 (using Intel chips).
They are pretty much the same in size as iPad at 9.3mm thick and with 10.6 inch screens. The Pro Version offers up to 128GB of memory, while the RT will come with either 32GB or 64GB.

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