Microsoft has just released its Microsoft Surface with Windows RT tablet marking the first time the company has ever created and sold a personal computer.

The arrival of the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT is concurrent with the release of Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8.

The Microsoft Surface is expected to sell out quickly as Microsoft has had its first batch of Microsoft Surface with Windows RT sold out on preorder.

Price for the new tablet starts at $499 for the base model while Microsoft’s Touch Cover – a flexible keyboard that acts as a cover for the Surface – sells for $119.99 and the Type Cover – a hard traditional keyboard that also acts as a cover – sells for $129.99.

Here is the Microsoft Surface with Windows RT specifications sheet:

“SURFACE WITH WINDOWS RT

Operating System: Windows RT, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT Preview

Exterior: Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37 in, Weight: Less than 1.5 lbs, Casing: VaporMg, Color: Dark Titanium, Physical buttons: Volume, Power

Storage: 32 GB / 64 GB

Display: Screen: 10.6″ ClearType HD Display, Resolution: 1366 x768, Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen), Touch: 5-point multi-touch

CPU Chip: NVIDIA T30

System memory: 2 GB RAM

Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 4.0 technology

Battery: Up to 8 hours mixed activity, 7-15 days idle life

Cameras: Two 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing

AUDIO: Two microphones, Stereo speakers

Ports: Full-size USB 2.0, microSDXC card reader, Headphone jack, HD video out port, Cover port

Sensors: Ambient light sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Magnetometer

Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty

Apps (included): Mail, Messaging, Word, Power Point, Excel, OneNote, SkyDrive, Internet Explorer 10, Bing, Music, Video, Games, and more.”

Meanwhile, the full Microsoft Surface with Windows RT announcement follows after the break.

“Microsoft Surface Now Available at Microsoft Retail Stores

With the global availability of Windows 8 and Windows RT, customers can buy Microsoft Surface at 27 retail and 34 holiday stores in the U.S. and Canada.

NEW YORK — Oct. 26, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that its new PC, Microsoft Surface, is now available for purchase at all Microsoft retail, holiday and online stores in the United States and Canada. Designed to be the ultimate stage for Windows RT, Surface is unique and represents exceptional value, providing an immersive entertainment experience and a foundation for getting things done. With a starting price of US$499,* Surface will be available online at http://www.microsoftstore.com in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States. In China and Hong Kong, Surface will be available online at Suning. More details are available at http://www.surface.com.

A variety of Surface accessories are also available for purchase, including Touch Covers in five vibrant colors — black, white, magenta, cyan and red — priced at US$119.99, so customers can express their personal style.** Customers also have the option to purchase a Type Cover in black for US$129.99, which adds moving keys for a more traditional typing feel.

At all Microsoft retail and holiday store locations, knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and help with Windows RT and Surface setup, so customers can have a great out-of-the-box experience and walk out the door with a product that is personalized for them. Customers can visit http://www.microsoftstore.com to find a Microsoft retail store nearest them.

First unveiled in June, Surface represents an extension of the Windows experience, letting customers work, play and connect with others. From its ultralight durable casing, integrated kickstand and Touch Cover, which allow customers to be productive anywhere, to a full-sized USB port, 16:9 widescreen, high-definition display and 22-degree angle that make it optimal for viewing and sharing content easily, Surface lets customers seamlessly transition between entertainment and creation.

A complete list of Microsoft retail store and holiday store locations is available at http://content.microsoftstore.com/home.aspx?WT.mc_id=onlinestore_footertray.

Those interested in learning more can visit http://www.Surface.com or follow Surface on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/Surface and on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/surface.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.”

About Solon Harmony Dolor

A passion for technology and journalism makes this upcoming writer very interested in social media and technology news. Fresh from finishing an English and Journalism degree from the University of the Philippines Diliman, he aims to bring interesting news to our readers .