Microsoft unveils rival to Apple’s iPad

MICROSOFT has unveiled Surface, a tablet computer to compete with Apple’s iPad.

Chief executive Steve Ballmer was on hand to announce the tablet, calling it part of a “whole new family of devices” the company is developing.

The 9.3 millimetre thick tablet comes with a kickstand to hold it upright and keyboard that is part of the device’s cover.

It weighs less than 1lb 8oz (680 grams).

Steven Sinofsky, the president of Microsoft’s Windows division, called the device a “tablet that’s a great PC – a PC that’s a great tablet”.

The tablet’s debut is set to coincide with the upcoming autumn release of Microsoft’s much-anticipated Windows 8 operating system.

A slightly thicker version – still about half an inch (less than 14mm) thick and less than 2 pounds (910g) – will work on Microsoft’s upcoming Windows 8 Pro operating system and cost as much as an Ultrabook, the company said.