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Mystery solved: Microsoft's new Surface tablet (pictures)

After sending out vague, last-minute invitations and creating a stir, Microsoft unveiled its newest tablet during its mystery event in Los Angeles.

Lynn La
Lynn La covers mobile reviews and news. She previously wrote for The Sacramento Bee, Macworld and The Global Post.
Lynn La
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The mysterious case of Microsoft

At Milk Studios in Los Angeles, Microsoft held a press event (with very little notice and few details) for its new Surface tablet.
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The Metro UI

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer kicks off the press event in front of a screen displaying Microsoft's Metro UI.
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Say hello to Surface

Ballmer holds Microsoft's newest piece of hardware, the 10.6-inch Surface tablet. Two versions will be released: one will run the Windows RT OS and the other will use Windows 8 Pro.
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Thin is in

Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft, holds the Surface tablet, which measures 1.5 pounds and is 9.3 millimeters thick.
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Full-size USB port

In this side-view illustration, the Surface sports a USB 2.0 port.
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Pronounced 'Mag'

The Surface will be encased in a cover called the VaporMg Case, which is made out of magnesium.
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Kick back with a kickstand

Here, Sinofsky shows how the Surface will come with its very own built-in kickstand.
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Typing on the go

The physical keyboard add-on, called Touch Cover, has a touch pad, comes in a variety of colors, and measures 3mm thick.
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All together now

The Surface with its kickstand and Touch Cover fully assembled together.
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Type Cover too

In addition to Touch Cover, Microsoft will release the more traditional-feeling Type Cover.
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But how much will it cost?

Though Microsoft didn't release details of the release date or pricing, Microsoft's press release said its price will be "competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC."
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Standing pretty with Surface

Microsoft execs are all smiles as they bring the Surface event to a close.

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