Microsoft unveils Surface tablet: How does it compare to the iPad?

On Monday, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer unveiled the Surface tablet, the company's first significant answer to Apple's iPad. The device, which will be available for purchase in the fall, is part of a "whole new family of devices" according to the Washington Post.

Unlike the iPad, the Surface comes with a kickstand and a cover that doubles as a keyboard. It will run the Windows 8 operating system, which debuts this fall. It weighs about a pound and a half, is 9.3 millimeters thick, and the price will be comparable to the iPad. There's no word yet on the battery time expected.

There will also be a "pro" version available. Slightly thicker and heavier, it will run Windows 8 Pro and come with a stylus so that users can add handwritten notes to their files.