The Microsoft, Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) Surface tablet, which will be released on October 25 with Windows 8, has an impressive array of specifications and features designed to compete with tablets by Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google, Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN).

But who really wants another tired recap of specs and features when the most exciting thing about the Surface tablet is its potential for market penetration?

That’s the consensus of market analysts who have been asked about the sales prospects of the Surface.

Most analysts believe that the Surface would be competitive largely because of Windows 8, Microsoft’s newest operating system (OS) for desktops and tablet computers. Rarely did these analysts try to compare screen sizes or resolution or try to get too “geeky” as far as which tablet is capable of doing this or that.

It is as simple as Windows 8, and the fact that personal computer (PC) or desktop sales aren’t getting better could allow Microsoft to hedge its bets more on the Surface than any other device. This is especially possible if you consider how tablet computers and other consumer electronics devices have successfully challenged the PC in terms of market penetration.

According to Microsoft Chief Executive Steven A. Ballmer, Microsoft would ideally be a “devices and services” company in about five to ten years from now. That’s a bold prediction from the venerable executive, but if there is anybody who can do it, it’s Microsoft.

And the Surface should play a vital part in making Microsoft become more visible as a manufacturer of quality hardware.