Microsoft Introduces the Surface Tablet‎

At a Los Angeles event yesterday, Microsoft announced its own tablet line, called "Surface". The 10.6-in. Surface comes in two versions, one that runs Windows RT on ARM and another that runs Windows 8 Pro on an Intel -chip.

The version of the device that runs Windows RT is 9.3 millimeters thick and comes with a kickstand to hold it upright and a touch keyboard cover that snaps on using magnets. The other version is slightly thicker - less than 14 millimeters and under 2 pounds. It comes with a stylus that allows users to make handwritten notes on documents such as PDFs.

"It was always clear that what our software could do would require us to push hardware, sometimes where our partners hadn't envisioned," said Ballmer of the decision to design and build the Surface. "With Windows 8 we did not want to leave any stone uncovered."

However, the new line threatens to sour Microsoft's relationship with some PC makers, many of which have been investing to develop their own Windows 8 tablets and may not want to compete directly with Microsoft.

"What can I say? Hell froze over - this is totally antithetical to their core business," said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Gartner Inc. "They're taking their destiny into their own hands. It's a bold move, but it's a very risky one. This could turn into Microsoft's next Zune or its next Xbox."

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