Remember that coffee-table-sized tablet computer that Microsoft debuted in 2007 at the Consumer Electronic Show? Now those table sized computers are finally available for pre-orders from Samsung resellers in 23 countries, including the United States and Australia.

The Microsoft Surface 2.0, or "Samsung SUR40 for Microsoft Surface" as the model for pre-order is being called, is a giant-sized tablet that can be mounted on walls or installed into custom enclosures. The 40-inch touchscreen device will start shipping to customers in early January 2012 for the whopping prices of $8,400 dollars for the display unit and $9,049 for a unit with legs.

Unlike the first-generation Surface, the newer model will have a more powerful processor, new system software and a flat-screen panel from Samsung. The SUR40 runs Microsoft's Surface software and has a 1080p screen resolution of 1920x1080. The new Surface 2.0 will have a feature called PixelSense which according to Microsoft allows the LCD display to recognize fingers, hands, and objects placed on the screen, including more than 50 simultaneous touch points. It uses 2 million sensors built-in into the panel that will make the Surface more accurate. The pixels in the display sees what is happening on the screen and immediately processes that information.

The Surface 2.0 will also have an app for Microsoft's Bing search engine and a built-in web browser. Microsoft has already distributed tools to developers so that more apps can be created that will take advantage of the technology.

Given its size, the Surface is definitely not intended for the mass market. Microsoft and Samsung are targeting educational institutions and commercial businesses like retail stores, hotels, restaurants and other places with shared facilities.

"The Samsung SUR40 delivers a unique interactive experience that will significantly change the way companies engage with their customers," said Charles Park, vice president at Samsung Electronics.

The price alone would discourage ordinary customers from buying the Surface and most of these units will probably go to commercial establishments.

"This is a niche application that could be used for sales, design collaboration and gaming," Jim McGregor, chief technology strategist at In-Stat told TechNewsWorld. Haven't you sat at a bar in Vegas and played video poker? Well, you could do it on this."