Microsoft's Surface Tablet Finally (Officially) Arrives

After months of sketchy details, which prompted some analysts and critics to dub the tablet as another case of vaporware, Microsoft unveiled some more details about its Surface tablets.

A screengrab from Microsoft's TV ad for the Surface tablet

Complete with a music-and-dance TV ad, which showed off some of the tablet's eye-candy features, the "great unveiling" of Microsoft's pricing strategy for the Surface tablet, specifically for the Windows RT version, had most of the media in frenzy although not as rabid as those generated by an Apple product launch.

Nevertheless, the Surface announcements grabbed some serious media and analyst attention.

Finally, a Real Windows Tablet

Finally, Windows fans can have their tablet fantasies come to life without betraying their favorite operating system.

An added pleasure would be knowing that the tablet comes from Microsoft itself.

Microsoft's Surface tablet comes with a cover-cum-keyboard.

After causing the most media buzz the software company has ever had for almost four decades of existence, Microsoft finally unveiled the Surface tablet computer.

Seems like Microsoft has got a beauty, from whichever angle.

Microsoft actually introduced two models of the Surface tablet. The Windows RT version comes with a USB 2.0 port, while the Windows 8 Professional version includes a USB 3.0.

Windows fans just have their tablet wish granted.

These tablets are expected to be available later this year.

I wonder, if I would be good and nice for the rest of the year, would Santa give me one of these?

So slender, this beauty-and-brain tablet.

A Microsoft-Branded Tablet Makes Sense, as Well as Enemies

Much has been said about why Microsoft should come up with its own tablet.

The reason most cited by IT columnists, bloggers, and all the other usual suspects is that by offering its own tablet computer, Microsoft can have control over the tablet's design and features, and most importantly, all aspects of the user experience.

Microsoft will launch its own tablet on Monday, some analysts claim.

Think of what Apple has done with the iPad — despotic control over everything about the world's most popular tablet computer. And consumers, millions of them, seem to love being told what to do. They love having no choice, apparently.