Microsoft took the wraps off a new tablet called ‘Surface’ at an event in Los Angeles yesterday, the software giant’s first major play into the space dominated by Apple’s iPad.

Surface is also a brave foray into a new hardware space by Microsoft, seemingly an attempt to mimic the success Apple has had by closely marrying the hardware and software. In a statement, Microsoft said the device had been "conceived, designed and engineered entirely by Microsoft employees, and building on the company’s 30-year history manufacturing hardware."

There are two versions of the device; the consumer-focused Surface for Windows RT, which runs on the ARM architecture (32GB, 64GB) and the Intel-based Surface for Windows 8 Pro (64GB, 128GB). Both have 10.6-inch HD displays, a built-in kickstand to prop up the device and detachable covers.

Pricing was not disclosed, but Microsoft said they would be priced “to be competitive with a comparable ARM tablet or Intel Ultrabook-class PC.”

Surface for Windows RT will be released with the general availability of Windows 8 – due in the Autumn – and the Windows 8 Pro model will be available about 90 days later.

Vendors including Dell, Lenovo, Hewlett-Packard and (possibly) Nokia are all planning Windows 8 tablets for launch later this year.