The Surface appears to be a cross between a tablet and a PC, and Microsoft’s challenge now will be to educate the market as to why different is also better.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_01.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
Microsoft Corp put its Surface tablet center stage at its Windows 8 launch event, hoping the sleek new device will spark a fightback against Apple Inc and Google Inc in the exploding mobile computing market.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_02.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
With interest in traditional computers waning, the world’s largest software company is attempting to reinvent the Windows PC in a new format and directly challenge Apple’s all-conquering iPad.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_03.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
The Surface is much taller than the iPad since Microsoft used a 10.6-inch screen to accommodate a wider keyboard and to provide more horizontal space for the software.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_04.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
The Surface appears to be a cross between a tablet and a PC, and Microsoft’s challenge now will be to educate the market as to why different is also better.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_05.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
The device is equipped with kickstand that pops out of the Surface back that props it like a tablet and a cover that, when opened, acts as a keypad to switch into desktop mode.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_06.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
It’s twice the amount of storage as a competing tablet for the same price,” head of Microsoft’s Windows unit, Sinofsky said, comparing the entry level 32 GB Surface with the cheapest 16 GB model of Apple’s latest full-sized iPad, which both cost $499.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_07.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
Panos Panay, head of the Surface project, demonstrated the tablet’s features, beaming video and music to other screens, showing off the ultra-thin cover that doubles as a keyboard, and hooking up a camera to the device’s USB port. He even dropped the device on the floor to demonstrate its durability.
![Microsoft Unveils Its First Surface Tablet](https://i0.wp.com/800006.xyz/files/techzug/imgs/news/microsoft_first_surfacetab_08.jpg?w=696&ssl=1)
A variety of Surface accessories are also available for purchase, including Touch Covers in five vibrant colors black, white, magenta, cyan and red.