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Microsoft made waves in the tech world on Monday night with the announcement of Surface, its new Windows tablet.
Everything about Surface—from the shroud of mystery around the Los Angeles launch event to the presentation's focus on hardware and design—is out of character for Microsoft. The tablet (which could be viewed as a full-blown tablet or a hybrid tablet PC) is ultra-thin, with a 10.6-inch screen and USB, micro SD and micro HD video connectivity. Surface will be available in two models, one with an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and another with an Intel processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. The tablet is actually powerful enough to replace your PC.
That's also due in great part to the Surface's Touch Cover innovative keyboard cases. When connected to the device, the 3mm case doubles as a full multi-touch keyboard with trackpad. Microsoft built the cover using a unique pressure-sensitive technology. Panos Panay, a designer for Microsoft, told the audience that the cover's pressure sensitivity will allow you to type significantly faster than you can using an on-screen keyboard.
And if they keyboard isn't enough to convince you of the tablet's hybrid PC status, Surface has a built-in kickstand for holding the tablet up at just the right laptop-like angle.
Microsoft gave away just enough about Surface to invoke many a fan-boy, but there is still much information left to be desired. We're keeping our eyes peeled for announcements about the pricing, availability and processor speed of Surface. In the meantime, we've rounded up everything you need to know about the tablet and how it stacks up against the competition.
The Big Reveal
Microsoft Unveils Surface Tablet
Just as Windows 8 is a reimagining of the Windows operating system, Microsoft describes Surface as a reimagining of the tablet. Check out these photos of the ultra-thin Surface.
Which Apple Devices Will Get iOS 6?
Feel like you missed out on the excitement? Check out our live blog of the big announcement, jam-packed with oohs and aahs.
Tech Specs
Hands-on With Microsoft's Tablet: Plenty of Surface, Not Much Depth
Mashable's Chris Taylor shares some of his observations about the Surface from behind the velvet ropes at Monday night's announcement.
Meet Microsoft Surface's Innovative Keyboard Cases
The keyboard cover uses a unique pressure-sensitive technology Microsoft says will allow you to type significantly faster than you can using an on-screen keyboard.
Microsoft Surface Tablet: 10 Unanswered Questions
Despite all of the noise Microsoft's announcement made in the tech world Monday night, there's still a lot we don't know.
How Surface Stacks Up Against the Competition
What Does Surface Mean For Other Windows 8 Tablets?
Microsoft describes Surface as the re-imagining of the tablet, much as it describes Windows 8 as the re-imagining of Windows. Of course, that brings up an interesting question: What about those "other" Windows 8 tablets?
With Surface Tablet, Microsoft Stands Alone
The tablet (which, depending on how you look at it, may be a full-blown tablet or a hybrid tablet PC) is no reference design. Mashable's editor-in-chief Lance Ulanoff discusses how Microsoft blew its partners out of the picture.
Microsoft's Surface Tablet RT: How it Compares to the iPad
We compare the Surface specs to those of the iPad, the current market leader.