"Microsoft was the first (I think) to use an extremely very flat keyboard that doubles as a screen cover on a tablet."

Microsoft introduced tablets way before than Apple too. Sometimes been the first is not a guaranteed of success.

Although I with Microsoft on this, we desperately need a productive tablet and not just a consuming device. Let's see if that comes, and if it is MS who brings it, let's see if they can take advantage of the innovation this time.