With Surface, the software giant makes entry into the already-flooded tablet market and to take on Apple as well as other tablets that run on Google's Android operating system.
Here's how the newly-unveiled Microsoft Surface line compares with Apple iPad.
1.)Thickness and weight
Windows RT Surface is 9.3 mm thickness. whereas Apple's new iPad is 9.4 millimeters. Microsoft Surface will weigh about 676g and on the other hand Apple iPads weigh 652g and 662g for the Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+ Cellular versions, respectively
2.)Screen size and resolution
The screen of both the versions of Surface tablet, Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro measure 10.6-inches with 16:9 widescreen featuring ClearType HD Display technology. The device also features ultra-wide angle for viewing.
The tablet's screen can auto-adjust according to the light intensity either indoor or outdoor. Apple's iPad sports a 9.7-inch LED-backlit glossy screen with IPS technology and 2048x1536 pixel resolution.
3.)Camera
Both versions of the Surface tablet sport dual cameras (one rear and one front camera) called as LifeCam. The company has so far not disclosed how much magapixels each camera packs.
The Apple's new iPad sports 5MP iSight camera with autofocus and can record 1080p HD videos at 30 frames per second. It also has a FaceTime camera that clicks VGA-quality photos.
4.)OS
Microsoft Surface comes in two variants as per their operatiing system, Windows RT and Windows 8 Pro. Both the variants of Apple iPad (Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + cellular) run on iOS 5 and are expected to be soon up gradable to recently-unveiled iOS 6.
5.)Connectivity
The connectivity options in Microsoft Windows RT version include microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD video and 2x2 MIMO antennae. Windows 8 Pro version comes with microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video and 2x2 MIMO antennae. Both the devices also feature stereo speakers and dual microphones.
Apple iPad's Wi-Fi version packs 30-pin dock connector port, 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack, built-in speaker, microphone, Bluetooth 4.0. The tablet's Wi-Fi + cellular version has micro-SIM card tray as extra.
6.)Touch Cover vs Smart Cover
Seems to be inspired by Apple's Smart Cover, Surface comes with a built-in Kickstand that lets users place their tablets vertically on a table. Both the variants of Microsoft Surface sport a keyboard and a trackpad protected by a 3mm thin, pressure-sensitive cover called Touch Cover. Touch Cover comes in five different colours.
Smart Cover protects iPad screen and can be folded to make a stand that holds iPad horizontally which helps user to click and shoot pictures and HD videos handsfree. The iPad Smart Cover is available in 10 colours.
7.)Storage
Windows RT version of Surface is configurable to 32GB and 64GB, while Windows 8 Pro variant is configurable to 64GB and 128GB.
Apple iPad's both variants offer 16 GB, 32 GB and 64 GB options.
8.)Pricing
Microsoft has not revealed the pricing of Surface tablet line. The company said that it would be "competitive" with current tablets and Intel-powered Ultrabooks.
Apple iPad 16GB Wi-Fi models are available for Rs 30,500, the 32GB model costs Rs 36,500 and 64GB model Rs 42,500 and Wi-Fi + cellular models are available for Rs 38,900 for the 16GB model, Rs 44,900 for the 32GB model and Rs 50,900 for the 64GB model.