Gallery: Microsoft unveils the Surface

Corporate Vice President of Windows Planning, Hardware & PC Ecosystem Michael Angiulo holds the new Surface tablet computer and keyboard during his presentation as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

Microsoft representatives hold a new Surface tablet computer as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

New Surface tablet computers with keyboards are displayed at its unveiling by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

Microsoft Corp.'s Surface tablet computers, aiming to compete with Apple's iPad, are displayed at Hollywood's Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Photo: AP

The internal metal frame of the new "Surface," a tablet computer to compete with Apple's iPad, is shown at Hollywood's Milk Studios in Los Angeles. Photo:AP

A Microsoft representative scrolls the screen of the new Surface tablet computer as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

The new Surface tablet computer by Microsoft is displayed at its unveiling in Los Angeles, California. Microsoft Corp introduced its own line of tablet computers at a media event in Los Angeles. Photo: Reuters

Microsoft demonstrates the Digital Ink feature of "Surface", a new tablet computer running Windows 8 Pro at Hollywood's Milk Studios in Los Angeles.

A Microsoft representative holds the new Surface as it is unveiled by Microsoft in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Reuters

This product rendering released by Microsoft shows Surface, a 9.3 millimeter thick tablet with a kickstand to hold it upright and keyboard that is part of the device's cover. Photo: AP

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer holds the new Surface as it is unveiled in Los Angeles, California. Microsoft Corp unveiled a tablet called Surface, in a move to rival Apple Inc's massively successful iPad. Photo: Reuters