Microsoft launches Surface tablet to fight iPad

LOS ANGELES: Microsoft Corp unveiled a tablet called Surface on Monday, in a move to rival Apple Inc's massively successful iPad.
The
world's largest software maker is on track to launch its touch-friendly
Windows 8 operating system this autumn and wants to make a big impact
with its own device to kickstart demand.
The tablet will come in two versions, one running on traditional Intel Corp chips, and another using ARM Holdings . Both will have a fold-out cover that becomes a keyboard.
A prototype was demonstrated by Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer
at an event in Los Angeles. The tablets will be available when Windows
8 ships later this year, according to a Microsoft statement.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Microsoft
CEO Steve Ballmer holds the new Surface as it is unveiled in Los
Angeles, California, June 18, 2012. Microsoft Corp unveiled a tablet
called Surface on Monday, in a move to rival Apple Inc's massively
successful iPad. - REUTERS No details on pricing were
mentioned, except that it would be "comparable" with current ARM
tablets and Intel-powered Ultrabooks.
Microsoft shares rose slightly in after-hours trading. They closed down 0.6 percent at $29.84 in the regular Nasdaq session.
Launching its own tablet potentially throws Microsoft into direct competition with its closest hardware partners such as Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> and Hewlett-Packard Co .
Sales
of tablets are expected to triple in the next two years, topping 180
million a year in 2013, easily outpacing growth in traditional PCs. Apple has sold 67 million iPads in two years since launch. - Reuters

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.] Close up of the tablet - Reuters