Microsoft unveils Surface laptop running Windows 10 S - strictly tied to Microsoft's own Windows app store

Microsoft's first steps to taking full control of the Windows eco-system?

Despite plunging sales of its Surface tablet computer, Microsoft double-downed on the brand by unveiling a new Surface Laptop - just hours after the first images of the new device leaked online.

Panos Panay, head of Microsoft's Surface division, enthusiastically brandished the laptop at the company's education-focused event on Tuesday.

Confirming the rumours, Panay revealed that the Surface Laptop will come in at just 14.5mm thick, will pack a 13.5in PixelSense display complete with Surface Pen support, and will be available in four colours (Platinum, Burgundy, Cobalt Blue, and Graphite Gold) at launch.

"This product is so meticulously crafted," Panay claimed, "every single detail has been thought through. It's meant to be silent to the eyes, that's critical."

However, not only is the Surface Laptop running Microsoft's newly-announced Windows 10 S operating system, a stripped-back, education-focused version of Windows 10, it will also only enable users to download and run apps from the Windows Store.

While this means that users have no choice but to use Microsoft's unpopular Edge browser, and will put many independent software vendors on edge, it should also make it a more secure environment, according to the company.

Terry Myerson demoed the operating system and showed that the software will log-in for the first time in less than 15 seconds, more than twice as fast as Windows 10 Pro.

Under the hood of the Surface Laptop, you'll find a choice of Intel's latest Core i5 and i7 processors, which Panay claimed would provide the device with 14-hours of battery life. He also said that the device will outperform Apple's Core i7-powered MacBook Pro, thanks to the stripped-back operating system onboard.

The device, as today's leak suggested, is somewhat lacking on the port front though, and arrives equipped with just one USB 3.0 port, a DisplayPort connector, a headphone jack, and a Surface Dock connector.

Microsoft is clearly aiming the Surface Laptop at the richer kids in the school, too, having announced that it will cost a hefty $999 - probably about £999 when it reaches the UK.

It can be pre-ordered from today and will start shipping on 15 June.