Microsoft launched its own family of Windows 8 tablets dubbed “Surface” at an event in Hollywood Monday evening.

The Surface family of tablets will have two lines: one geared for consumers while the other targeted towards professionals. According to a published spec sheet, the consumer line of tablets – available in 32GB or 64GB versions – will have an NVIDIA Tegra processor and Windows RT whilst the professional line – available in 64 GB or 128GB – will have Intel Core i5 chip and an x86 version of Windows 8.

These tablets will include a kickstand for mounting the device to view content, as well as a cover that also doubles as a keyboard and touchpad. A “TypeCover”, designed to replicate a full sized keyboard, will also be available.

According to Microsoft’s spec sheet, the tablets come in at 9.3mm and 676g for the Windows RT edition and a slightly thicker 13.5mm, 903g for the x86 edition.

Both models will include an HDMI port.

Microsoft’s Steven Sinofsky, who directed the design of the device, said the Core i5 processor will be sufficiently cooled by the device’s heatsink and vents to the point that the user “won’t even feel it”.

Mr. Sinofsky also mentioned that the professional model of Surface will support digital inking.

The man in charge at Microsoft said their OEM partners were well briefed on the company’s intent to launch the Surface tablet.

“With Windows 8, we did not want to leave any scene uncovered,” Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer said at the event. “It’s an important companion to the whole Windows 8 story, it’s an important piece. It’s not the only piece.”

“Much like Windows 1.0 we wanted to give Windows 8 our own companion hardware,” he continued referring to the company’s decision to go on its own instead of working with OEMs.

Microsoft has yet to release details on pricing and availability.