While Surface may seem like every other tablet that has come out, such as the iPad and the Galaxy Tab, it comes with a 3 mm thick cover that becomes a keyboard (held on by magnets) and a kickstand to hold up the screen. The tablet comes with a full-sized USB port and a 16:9 widescreen HD display and has angled edges, which is different from iPad’s rounder edges.

In contrast to Dell or HP tablets that only operate on Microsoft’s software, Surface is made with Microsoft’s hardware and comes with Microsoft Office and Windows 8, allowing access to all the Windows apps, such as Xbox and Metro.

Although many have responded positively to Microsoft’s unveiling of its new gadget, the details about Surface, such as its marketing price, have yet to be released.

The tablet will be available in two different models, one operating with an ARM processor featuring Windows RT, and the other, with a third-generation Intel Core processor featuring Windows 8 Pro. Surface for Windows RT will be released with the general availability of Windows 8, and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later.