Microsoft target Apple with Surface tablet

Microsoft is making the move into hardware in a bid to push its Windows 8 operating system.

The software giant has announced a new range of tablets called Surface that will come in both Intel- and ARM-powered versions.

Read more: Microsoft surface news | Windows 8 news

The Intel-powered Surface runs Windows 8 Pro, weighs 903g is 13.5mm thick and has a 16:9 widescreen 10.6in display. It will come in two versions, 64GB and 128GB.

The ARM-based device comes with Windows RT installed, a version of Windows 8 designed specifically for low-spec tablet computers. It is lighter at 676g and thinner at 9.3mm. It has the same 10.6in display and a slightly smaller battery. The Windows RT Surface also comes in two versions 32GB and 64GB.

Both versions of the tablet have a built-in kickstand and can be docked to either a touch-sensitive cover that doubles up as a keyboard or to a physical keyboard cover. Called Touch Cover and Touch Click, they are designed to turn a tablet into a laptop without adding too much extra bulk.

Microsoft hasn't announced how much either device will cost or when they will be available, but did say that the Windows RT surface will come out about 90 days before the Windows 8 Pro version.

The specifications, as released by Microsoft are:

Surface for Windows RT

• OS: Windows RT
• Light: 676g
• Thin: 9.3mm
• Clear: 10.6in Cleartype HD Display
• Energized: 31.5W-h
• Connected: MicroSD, USB2, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennas
• Productive: Office ‘15' Apps, Touch Cover, Type Cover
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 32GB, 64GB

Surface for Windows 8 Pro

• OS: Windows 8 Pro
• Light: 903g
• Thin: 13.5mm
• Clear: 10.6in Cleartype Full HD Display
• Energized: 42W-h
• Connected: MicroSDXC, USB3, Mini Displayport Video, 2x2 MIMO antennas
• Productive: Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block
• Practical: VaporMg Case & Stand
• Configurable: 64GB, 128GB