A closer look at Microsoft's Surface tablet

Microsoft unveiled a new tablet computer, Surface, that attempts to take advantage of one of the few criticisms of Apple's iPad - that it is better for consuming content than creating it. The software maker said on June 18, 2012, that its device will attach to a removable rubberized keyboard that also acts like a book cover. CEO Steve Ballmer said Surface will be an entertainment device "without compromising the productivity that PCs are uniquely known for."

Microsoft is linking the Surface's debut with the release of its much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system, which has been designed with tablets in mind. The company hasn't specified when Windows 8 will hit the market, but most analysts expect the software to come out in September or October of 2012.

The Surface itself weighs only 1.5 pounds and measures 9.3 millimeters thick. Its Touch Cover keyboard is only 3mm thick.

With the built-in kickstand, users can sit back and enjoy while viewing videos or chatting online.

In addition to the Touch Cover, there's a thicker, more traditional keyboard called Type Cover. The Surface itself will also come in two versions, one running Windows RT and the other running Windows 8 Pro.

The Surface comes with rear- and front-facing camera dubbed LifeCams. Though there's no word yet on the specs of either camera, the rear-facing camera is angled at 22 degrees to offset the angle of the kickstand.

The Surface's Touch Cover keyboard comes in five colors: red, blue, black, pink, and white.

The Surface itself weighs only 1.5 pounds and measures 9.3 millimeters thick.

On the Surface's side there's a Windows logo and a seam that goes across its full width.

The Surface will come in two versions: one is powered by Windows RT and the other running on Windows 8 Pro.

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 1,920 x 1,080 pixel resolution.

The Surface is just 9.3mm thick and weighs 676 grams/23.85 ounces.

The Surface has a USB 2.0 port on one side.

The Surface also include a nifty stand; that's the seam you saw earlier. It's a convenient option when watching movies.

You also can use the stand when typing on the keyboard using the innovative cover.

Here's another shot of how the stand flip down from the rear side.

One feature that's particularly intriguing is the magnetically-attached, 3mm-thich Touch Cover that folds down and functions as a full touchscreen keyboard. They come in a choice of colors.

No matter which color you choose, the Surface is pretty eye-catching.

The cover will flip down to expose the keyboard.

The thicker 5-mm Type Cover has a built-in track pad. The keyboards power down when they're folded back against the tablet thanks to a built-in accelerometer.

Press conference attendees were eager to try the keyboards.

Inside the keyboard is a thin mat with the contact points for the keys.

Here you can see the Surface's frame.

A close up look at the side of the frame shows the holes for the various ports.

Microsoft also showed us the Surface's rear cover.