Microsoft has finally entered the tablet market with the release of their tablet called "Surface" which will have the Windows 8, the latest OS from Microsoft. Now that Microsoft has entered the market, will Surface be the best iPad challenger out there?

Before answering this question, it would be important to know first about the technical specifications of both Microsoft's Surface and Apple's new iPad.
Here are the technical specifications of each:

Microsoft Windows 8 Tablet Surface

Operating Software: Windows RT / Windows Pro

Processor: Nvidia ARM processor / Intel Core i5

Weight: 676g / 903g

Thinness: 9.3mm / 13.5mm

Display: 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display / 10.6-inch ClearType HD Display

Battery Life: 31.5 W-h / 42 W-h

Features: Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Touch Cover, Type Cover / Touch Cover, Type Cover, Pen with Palm Block

Connectivity: microSD, USB 2.0, Micro HD Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae / microSDXC, USB 3.0, Mini DisplayPort Video, 2x2 MIMO antennae

Storage: 32 GB and 64 GB / 64 GB and 128 GB

Accessories: VaporMg Case & Stand for both

Price and Availability: To Be Announced

Apple's New iPad

Operating Software: Apple's iOS

Processor: Dual-core Apple A5X

Weight: 652g - 662g

Thinness: 9.4mm

Display: 9.7-inch Retina Display

Battery Life: 342.4 W-h

Features: Built-in Apps

Connectivity: 30-pin dock connector port, 3.5-mm stereo headphone minijack, Built-in speaker, and Microphone

Storage: 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB

Price and Availability: Already available, starts at AU$429

ComparisonApple's New iPad and Microsoft's Surface tablets have similarities in terms of dimensions, weight, and battery life. The difference between the two is just a small one making it almost at the same league when it comes to these technical specifications. In terms of display, Apple has an edge due to its Retina display feature which makes images sharper and much clearer as compared to regular tablets. Surface tablets do not have this technology while although good is no comparison with the Retina display from the new iPad. As for features, Surface has listed down some interesting features but Apple has the advantage in terms of features since the App store offers a lot of Apps as compared to Windows. Storage for Surface tablets are much more as there is an option for 164GB as well as option for micrsoSD-something that Apple's new iPad has been lacking ever since it entered the market. Microsoft has not yet announced any official information as for the Surface's availability and price.

As seen from the comparison, Microsoft has noted some of the features that Apple's new iPad is lacking like the microSD function as well as the USB port. The lack of these features make it hard for some tablet users who are dependent on these features. Despite that, there are some features that Apple's new iPad remains dominant in like Retina display and features from the App store. The deciding factor left is price and availablity-something that Microsoft has yet to reveal to the public.