Now, Microsoft wants a share of the action as sales of tablet pc are predicted to triple in the next two years.
Overnight in Los Angeles Microsoft launched the Surface.
It has a 27 centimetre 16-by-9 hi- definition touchscreen which will be powered by the new Windows 8 touch operating system on the premium version.
It also features a cover which when opened acts as a keyboard.
It also has a flip-out rear kick stand to prop it up like a picture frame.
Microsoft says it has designed the Surface to look and feel like a book weighing at 676 grams.
There is no release date or pricing just yet.
But given Microsoft's mixed history, it's successful XBox gaming console compared to its failed Zune music player will its latest tech gadget be a success?
