Software giant Microsoft has recently marked its foray into the computer hardware arena, with the announcement that it is developing its own tablet device - the Microsoft Surface Tablet.

The Surface tablet will comprise Microsoft's own line of Windows 8-based tablet computers, which will be designed and manufactured by Microsoft; without the involvement of any of the company's hardware partners including HP, Dell, Asus, or Lenovo.

Unveiled by Microsoft at a Los Angeles event on Monday, the Surface tablets will be available in two versions: the Microsoft Surface Pro, and the Microsoft Surface RT. Bothe the Microsoft Surface versions - which will likely hit the markets this fall - will boast high-quality 10.6-inch HD screens; a removable magnetic cover with keyboard imprinted on it; and integrated kickstands that pop out of the back.

The key difference between the two Surface versions is that while the Surface Pro model will be a thick and heavy tablet, powered by Intel processors and will come with a stylus; the thin and light Surface RT model will be powered by ARM processors.

About its forthcoming Surface tablets, Microsoft said that the devices underscore its attempts to develop a "halo product" for Windows 8. Despite the fact that the company refrained from disclosing the exact timeline for the release of the tablets, it has revealed that that the devices will be sold online as well as in Microsoft's own retail stores.