Microsoft Surface and its keyboard get a day out (pictures)

The Microsoft Surface is an integral part of the company's risky Windows experiment. Here you can see a clear view of the operating system's Start screen using the interface formerly known as "Metro." Metro is innovative and powerful, but its high learning curve will discourage more than a few of you.

Surface's built-in kickstand tilts it back about 10 degrees.

From left: a speaker grille, Micro-HDMI, and a full-size USB 2.0 port.

The microSD port is hidden quite effectively under the kickstand.

From top: another speaker grille, headphone jack, and a very clicky volume rocker.

This is what causes that satisfying crunch sound when the Surface's keyboard cover connects with its body.

The Touch Cover takes a lot of getting used to, but it works well once you do.

The Touch Cover attaches strongly to the Surface's body. Just don't swing it too wildly.

The Surface is definitely at its best on a flat desk or table, but it works fairly well on a lap, too. Just don't hunch over it.

The cover folds comfortably back and out of the way when it needs to. Ah, overcast San Francisco morning, how I've missed you.

The Touch Cover comes in five colors.

The black version of the Touch Cover sports a nice soft bottom.

And so ends our tour. The Surface and its Touch Cover is all packed up and ready to go.