Microsoft unveils first online Surface ad

Software giant focuses on snap-on keyboard in ad and inadvertently releases RT pricing as well

Microsoft has released its first online ad for its much vaunted Surface tablet.

Due to launch at the same time as its Windows 8 operating system, the Surface has been the subject of much channel chatter, as it is tipped to be a real challenge to the domination of Apple.

The vendor also accidentally revealed the first pricing guidelines for its RT Surface range according to Stuff magazine, with a 32Gb Surface (no Touch Cover) costing around $500 (the same as a 16GB iPad). The price increases to around $600 for 32GB and a Touch Cover, and for a 64GB model the price is around $700.

The thicker Type Cover (which is featured in the advert) is priced separately at around $129.99.

Of course no pricing information for the UK market has been released as yet and the Windows 8 pricing is not yet out there and is expected to be significantly higher.

The ad itself (see below), which was released to a US audience, focuses mainly on the click-in keyboard rather than the touch capabilities of the tablet.

It is the second Surface video released this month. The first video is a moody number featuring little metal balls. See first video here.

Microsoft is rumoured to be spending up to $1.8bn on marketing its tablet.