The new Apple Smart Case may have been causing a buzz, but Microsoft definitely made sure that the attention would shift quickly. Recently announced were a Touch Cover and Type Cover for the new Surface.

Both Microsoft's Touch Cover and Type Covers are magnetic and also feature keyboards, which is a great idea for using in conjunction with either of the Surface tablets to provide a more laptop-like experience.

The Touch Cover is capacitive, is 3mm thick and the flatter of the two and the keys are described as having a "slightly scratchy surface." Five color options will be offered and it will also feature an accelerometer (which can tell the key being hit, how fast and how much power is behind the hit and also implies that when the keyboard is folded back against the Surface, the keyboard powers down-you have to admit that's pretty neat). Also, the magnetic connector makes it easy to attach to the Surface tablet. Overall, the cover gives the tablet valuable protection.

As for the Type Cover, it is 5mm thick and features moving keys for a more traditional typing experience. The keys have been described as tightly packed with "flat keycaps almost blending into one another." This cover also features an accelerometer as an added interest point and it is imagined that it will be more expensive than the Touch Cover.

Microsoft's Touch Cover and Type Covers present themselves as very attractive prospects. Both will become available when the first of the Surface tablets is released, which will be the Windows RT version.