• by Aaron Baar , June 18, 2012

Microsoft is getting into the tablet game, and not just by providing the operating system.

At a media event today in Hollywood, the company unveiled its Surface: PC meant to fit somewhere between the traditional computer and the increasingly popular tablets. The device (which really resembles a tablet more than a PC) will feature a full-sized USB port, a 16:9 aspect ratio and an integrated “kickstand” that will allow the device to sit upright during passive consumption (such as watching video or using the front-facing camera). The company also showcased a touch cover that senses keystrokes as gestures, allowing for faster typing than from an on-screen keyboard.

Microsoft will offer two versions of the Surface: one running Windows RT and one running Windows 8 Pro. Pricing was not disclosed, though the company said it would be competitive with comparable tablets or Ultrabook-class PCs.