VentureBeat

Microsoft has confirmed that its slick-looking Surface tablet will launch on Oct. 26, the same day it releases the Windows 8 operating system, as noted in the company’s annual report to the SEC.

“The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012,” Microsoft wrote in the report. “At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices.”

While this is all Microsoft has said about the Surface’s availability, we can infer that this will be the launch of an ARM-based version of the tablet running Windows RT. Windows RT is a light-weight version of the OS that will have Office pre-installed. Microsoft will release an Intel-based Surface tablet running Windows 8 Pro 90 days after it ships the ARM-based version with RT.

Surface is Microsoft’s bold attempt to finally build its own PC hardware, and the device could become a legit high-end competitor to Apple’s iPad, especially at enterprises that are wary of iOS. The Surface is incredibly thin at just 9.33 millimeters, and it sports a 10.6-inch display. We can’t wait to get our hands on it to try it out.

h/t CNET

I'd kill for one of these. But for now I really don't see the need to upgrade from my ipad.

what the?!? ..has surface always had a full keyboard? if so... isn't this just a laptop?

Good timing

Its a tablet where you can purchase a smart cover that will add a full keyboard if you want. Its a briliant design that gives  you the best of both worlds.

OT: They said that during their original press conference regarding the two tablets; RT would launch with Win8 and Pro would launch a few months later.

need to buy one

okay, so to reiterate.   the keyboard is an optional peripheral?

Yes. Have you not seen the video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpzu3HM2CIo

Yes it has, though the ARM version keyboard is more like a touch sensitive pad, while the daddy tablet (seen in the pic) seems to have a very slim keyboard but still seems to have physically seperate keys.

The keyboard/tablet cover has a magnetic attachment to the tablet so it can be removed if you want (why anyone would want to remove it I don't know, but the tablet works without it)

Basically the proper Windows 8 version of the tablet (which I think is releasing a few weeks months later than the ARM one) basically can be a laptop, 'cept with a touchscreen and all the hardware is in the screen half. not sure about the ARM one with Winows RT, I would guess it will be purely app based like the iPad etc, whereas Windows 8 tablet will be able to theorhetically do all the same things a desktop can (of course high end gaming might not be possible but I bet it's still gonna be way more capable of it than my current 4y.o laptop)

Oh, I thought they came with it

(or do you mean optional = detachable?)

If they don't come with the keyboard out of the box I imagine they will be annoyingly expensive additions.