Talk about future forward! Microsoft launched its new Surface computerized tabletop in 2007, and you will soon be able to find it in certain commercial settings, including restaurants, hotels, retail stores and public entertainment venues. This coffee table-like "smart" surface can recognize objects placed on it, like drinks, for example, and can interact with the users in a natural way, using gestures and touch. Unlike a click and drop-type action with a mouse, people simply touch the photos, video clips, or cards that they want to manipulate on Microsoft Surface and drag them across the screen. Organizing and enlarging items is done with the pull of your finger. OK, and this is where it gets even easier. Simply place your digital camera on Surface and the photos magically fall onto the table top. How can it get any easier than this?

Microsoft Surface is not available for consumer purchase at this time. However, it would not come cheap. Each unit runs approximately $10,000. Pretty expensive for a fancy table. The technology was under development at the Redmond, Washington campus of Microsoft for over 5 years - code name, Milan - before Surface was unveiled in May 2007 by the corporation.

Although it is a computer, the Surface does not operate like Microsoft Windows at all. No start menu, no mouse, no files and no folders. The Surface runs on a Vista personal computer, projectors and cameras positioned inside. Astoundingly, 52 people can manipulate images and items on the Surface at one time!

You really need to see this, in order to believe it. So, watch the following video, and then read more:

The Surface was originally going to be launched at T-Mobile stores, Starwood Hotels and Resorts and in Las Vegas at Harrah's Entertainment, in late 2007. They're a bit behind schedule though, but expect to find the tables in place by Spring 2008. It is sure to be a big hit among guests. Sitting with friends and trying to decide how to divide up the bill? Its easy with Surface - just drag and drop the portion of the bill you're going to pay in front of you. Then, place your credit card on top and - voila! You're done! Need to waste some time? Paint on the Surface with an on-screen paint palette.

The Surface can scan bar codes and get hotel room information, too. Makes the whole "charge it to my room" bit, that much simpler. Want to catch a movie after dinner? Simply browse the internet from Surface. When you've found the show you want to watch, you can buy tickets with your credit card again. No clicks. No log-in information. No lines.

When you place your phone or MP3 player on the Surface, you'll be able to add photos or songs from the Surface directly to those devices. The intuitive operation is incredible, and is a huge stride forward in computer technological advances. Personally, I can't wait for these to come down in price and become available for regular consumers. In the meantime, I may just have to plan a trip to Vegas to check out the real thing in action.