While there is much more to both Microsoft's new Surface tablet computer and Apple's iPad than pure specifications, the physical and technological differences between the two devices are likely to play a part in which device tablet PC buyers might ultimately favor.
Here's a look at how the market-leading iPad shapes up against the planned Microsoft Surface. Figures are taken from each company. Microsoft cautions that the physical dimensions of the Surface could change slightly from those announced Monday.
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Microsoft Surface, Windows RT edition
Weight: 676 grams
Thickness: 9.3 millimeters
Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display
Battery: 31.5-watt hour
Interfaces: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antenna
Storage: Configurable for 32GB, 64GB
Microsoft Surface, Windows 8 Pro edition
Weight: 903 grams
Thickness: 13.5 millimeters
Display: 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD Display
Battery: 42-watt hour
Interfaces: microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae
Storage: Configurable for 64GB, 128GB
Apple new iPad Wi-Fi
Weight: 652 grams
Thickness: 9.4 millimeters
Display: 9.7-inch Retina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution
Battery: 42.5-watt hour for up to 10 hours Web, video, music
Interfaces: 30-pin dock Apple connector port, headphone
Storage: Configurable for 16GB, 32GB, 64GB
Apple new iPad Cellular
Weight: 662 grams
Thickness: 9.4 millimeters
Display: 9.7-inch Retina display with 2048-by-1536-pixel resolution
Battery: 42.5-watt hour for up to 10 hours Web, video, music
Interfaces: 30-pin dock Apple connector port, headphone
Storage: Configurable for 16GB, 32GB, 64GB