The 10.6-inch device was revealed to the world by CEO Steve Ballmer, who after stressing the importance of Microsoft's OEM partners said Surface was to be a "stage for Windows."
Tablets for two
Indeed, Surface looks to be every bit the Windows 8 flagship.
The tablet, which is 9.3 mm thin, comes with a built in kickstand and features a Gorilla Glass 1920x1080 display, will be available in two variants: an ARM-based device running Windows RT, and an Intel-equipped alternative, sporting Windows 8 in full and a ClearType Display.
Other headline-grabbing features include a cover that clips onto the display and operates as a 3mm thin full multitouch keyboard when required, and pen input, allowing users to annotate across the screen with digital ink.
Game on?
Despite early chatter suggesting the device could even be Xbox branded, no specific mention was given as to game support or Xbox 360/Windows Phone connectivity, though as with all Windows 8 devices Surface will have full access to apps from the Windows Store.
Surface will come in 32GB or 64GB versions for Windows RT, with Intel editions sporting higher, but so far undefined, storage capabilities.
Pricing, or indeed a specific launch date, was not mentioned, though Ballmer claimed its debut would dovetail will the official roll-out of Windows 8, expected before the end of 2012.
Surface's impact on Windows 8 tablets from third-party manufacturers - including close ally Nokia - will be a point of interest for commentators in the coming months, with several vowing to have tablets ready for day one.
