Microsoft has unveiled Surface - its own-brand family of tablets.
The touchscreen computers will be powered by its upcoming Windows 8 system and contain either an Intel or ARM-based processor.
The company's chief executive, Steve Ballmer, said it had wanted to give the software "its own companion hardware".
However, the move puts it into competition with other manufacturers who will also be releasing tablets designed for the system.
The devices have a 10.6 inch (26.9cm) display, are 9.3mm (0.4 inches) thick, have a built-in kickstand and are housed in a magnesium case - which the company described as the first of its kind.
