The two covers with the machine are called a Touch Cover an a Type Cover, with the latter offering a touchball experience and the ability to touch type with resistance. An accelerometer in the covers allows a user to never need to remove the covers to orient them for typing. Microsoft demonstrated how they can be attached and used, and offered reporters brief up-close demos.

Matt Hamblen covers mobile and wireless, smartphones and other handhelds, and wireless networking for Computerworld. Follow Matt on Twitter at or subscribe to . His email address is .

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