Microsoft Surface to help shoppers navigate at AT&T stores

Microsoft won genuine "wows" from technology enthusiasts when it unveiled a touch-controlled computer embedded in a sleek coffee table 10 months ago.

Bill Gates has demonstrated the device, called Surface, at marquee company events, and Microsoft's partners have had warm receptions for their prototype applications.

While the combination of cameras, projectors and computers is impressive, questions remain about the marketing and business models for Surface — a new and as-yet unproved category.

"The product is absolutely stunning," said David Daoud, an analyst with IDC. "Microsoft certainly deserves applause for all of that. Going to market is a different ballgame."

Surface will be released into the wild April 17 as a point-of-sale display for handsets at five AT&T stores, the companies plan to announce at an industry event in Las Vegas today.