Hands-on with Microsoft's Surface tablet (pictures)
CNET gets a spin with Microsoft's new tablet.
Josh Lowensohn
Josh Lowensohn joined CNET in 2006 and now covers Apple. Before that, Josh wrote about everything from new Web start-ups, to remote-controlled robots that watch your house. Prior to joining CNET, Josh covered breaking video game news, as well as reviewing game software. His current console favorite is the Xbox 360.
Kent GermanFormer senior managing editor / features
Kent was a senior managing editor at CNET News. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he reviewed the first iPhone and worked in both the London and San Francisco offices. When not working, he's planning his next vacation, walking his dog or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
LOS ANGELES--Microsoft debuted a new tablet today, or rather a tablet family based on its upcoming Windows 8 operating system. We get a behind-the-scenes tour at some of the tech that went into making the device, which arrives later this year.
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Rear view
On the Surface's side there's a Windows logo and a seam that goes across its full width. What's the seam for? Keep on clicking.
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Two models
The Surface will come in two versions: one is powered by Windows RT and the other running on Windows 8 Pro.
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On display
The Surface has 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display (or a "Full HD" on the Pro model) with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1,920x1,080-pixel resolution.
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In profile
The Surface is just 9.3mm thick and weighs 676 grams/23.85 ounces.
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USB
The Surface has a USB 2.0 port on one side.
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A nifty stand
The Surface also include a nifty stand; that's the seam you saw earlier. It's a convenient option when watching movies.
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A nifty stand
You also can use the stand when typing on the keyboard using the innovative cover.
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A nifty stand
Here's another shot of how the stand flips down from the rear side.
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A cover and a keyboard
Indeed, one feature that's particularly intriguing is the magnetically attached, 3mm-thich Touch Cover that folds down and functions as a full touch-screen keyboard. They come in a choice of colors.
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All in a row
No matter which color you choose, the Surface is pretty eye-catching.
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Flip out
The cover will flip down to expose the keyboard.
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Or get a trackpad
The thicker 5-mm Type Cover has a built-in trackpad. The keyboards power down when they're folded back against the tablet, thanks to a built-in accelerometer.
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Giving it a go
Press conference attendees were eager to try the keyboards.
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How it works
Inside the keyboard is a thin mat with the contact points for the keys.
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A look inside
Here you can see the Surface's frame.
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On the side
A close-up look at the side of the frame shows the holes for the various ports.
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And around back
Microsoft also showed us the Surface's rear cover.
