By Amy Gilroy
Microsoft Coporation’s (NASDAQ:MSFT) entry into the tablet market (with its own hardware) launches October 26 with the 10.6 inch “Surface” that starts at $499.
Unfortunately, at that price, you don’t get the unique Touch Cover for the tablet that converts to a keyboard. That version starts at $599.
You may remember Microsoft previewed the Surface and Touch Cover in June, but it announced pricing and full details on Tuesday, and at the same time, commenced pre-order sales via Surface.com.
The Touch Cover is only 1/10th of an inch thick. When you “tap” on its keyboard it uses sensors to determine your keystrokes. The Touch Cover will also be sold separately at $119.99.
The basic Surface tablet has a screen about an inch larger than an Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPad. The tablet has 32GB of memory although a 64GB Touch Cover version will be available at $699.
The Surface puts Microsoft into the computer hardware business after years of letting others make devices that ran its software.
The tablet uses a new “VaporMg” metal case to make it more durable and less likely to break when dropped. Microsoft’s screen is also specially made to accommodate a wider keyboard.
The Surface runs Windows 8 and will come with Microsoft Office 2013.
Microsoft is also launching an ad blitz for the tablet and the release of Windows 8.
Amy Gilroy is the Editor of CEoutlook and a Contributing Author to Satellite Radio Playground and Market Playground.
