Microsoft unveils its Surface tablet

Microsoft has followed Apple into the tablet arena, announcing yesterday its device that will run variations of Windows 8.

The tablet, called Surface, comes in two models, both of which have a 10.6-inch screen, a built-in kickstand, USB and HDMI ports, and up to 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, respectively.

The lower-storage unit measures 9.3 mm thick and weighs 675 grams. The other version measures 13.5 mm and 903 grams and supports a stylus.

By comparison, Apple's latest iPad is 9.4 mm thick and between 652 grams and 662 grams.

One of the major features Microsoft played up in its announcement is a cover that attaches by magnet that doubles as a keyboard, with either a multitouch surface (with keys superimposed) or an actual tactile keyboard (buttons).

Microsoft didn't announce pricing, but consumers should likely expect to pay tablet prices for the slimmer version, and closer to ultrabook prices for the "pro" version.