This morning via their press site, Microsoft officially released all details on the Surface. First of all pricing. Consumers will be able to pick up 3 different versions of Surface beginning October 26 at any Microsoft retail store, or for those of us living in areas not as popular through their website. The surface will launch running Windows 8 RT, which is the same as 8 barring a few feature exchanges. For example, RT will come with Microsoft Office RT for free, other versions of WIndows 8 will require that you purchase Office. RT will require a secure/signed kernel meaning on standard Windows 8 machines you can install whatever OS you’d like, with RT it must be MSoft signed. And lastly RT will not include the Windows Media Player bundle, I’m not incredibly concerned about that portion, provided I can download some form of VLC app, I’ll be happy.

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Ok, back to business. The Surface will be available in 3 price packages:

• $499.99 – 32 gig model running Windows 8 RT
• $599.99 – 32 gig model running WIndows 8 RT and a black touch cover
• $699.99 – 64 gig model running Windows 8 RT and a black touch cover

Those ready to jump on board can pre-order a limited quantity starting in about 15 minutes. This is the first of Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT tablets we’re seeing so far, and I’m truly impressed. The keyboard and memory set up alone is a value statement in direct comparison with an iPad. For $100 less you can snag their 32 gig model with keyboard, and judging by the video that keyboard tends to hang on for dear life.

Sound off below, is anyone ready to snag one of these yet?

Here is the production video also released this morning.