Microsoft Surface tablet dated, two versions coming out

Microsoft's Surface tablet will be launching October 26 alongside the new Windows 8, a company report revealed. Previously, Microsoft did state that the tablet would be "available the same time that Windows 8" launches, but now we've got a solid confirmation with an actual date.

Here's the relevant excerpt from their report filed earlier this week with the US Securities and Exchange Commission:

"The next version of our operating system, Windows 8, will be generally available on October 26, 2012. At that time, we will begin selling the Surface, a series of Microsoft-designed and manufactured hardware devices."

Note that this pertains to just one version of the tablet, featuring an ARM chip set. A second version, the Surface Pro, is expected to arrive 90 days after the first and boasts an Intel-based processor.

Previously, Microsoft also announced that Halo 4 would include Surface support of some kind, most likely related to SmartGlass. Details on that are a bit scant right now, but it doesn't look like the Surface Pro will be out in time for the new Halo.