At its press event today, Microsoft unveiled the second generation of its Surface tablets. As rumoured, the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will succeed the original models with Windows 8.1 and improved specifications as well as new accessories.
Billed as a true laptop replacement, the Surface Pro 2 has not changed much in terms of overall form factor. It retains the original’s 10.6-inch display but promises much improved colour accuracy. But there are a number of other changes. It now comes with a Haswell Intel Core 5 processor and promises a battery life that is 75 percent better. It will come with either 4GB of RAM with 64GB or 128GB of onboard storage or 8GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB of line storage.
Like the Surface Pro 2, the Surface 2 does not change much physically from the original Surface RT. Most of the changes are again under the hood although it also benefits from a redesigned kickstand that now supports two positions. Powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 and Microsoft Windows RT 8.1, it will come with a 10.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) display, a 5MP rear camera, a 3.5MP front camera and a full USB 3.0 port. It will also come with Office Home & Student 2013 RT and Outlook RT preloaded. Available with either 32GB or 64GB of onboard storage, it will also be slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
As for new accessories, Microsoft unveiled a number:
- Touch Cover 2: A more rigit, lighter and thinner version of the origial Touch Cover. Now with backlit keys (US$119.99)
- Type Cover 2: Now backlit, more rigid, quieter and to come in Cyan, Magenta, Purple and Black (US$129.99)
- Power Cover: Similar to the Type Cover 2 but with a built-in battery. Coming in early 2014 (US$199.99)
- Docking Station for Surface Pro: Provides connection to external monitor, Ethernet, speakers and power supply. PC peripherals connect via its one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports. Coming in early 2014 (US$199.99)
- Wireless Adapter to Typing Covers: Attaches magnetically to any Touch or Type Cover for Bluetooth connection ($US59.99)
- Car Charger with USB. Coming in early 2014 (US$49.99)
- Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition (U$69.99)
The Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 along with accessories will launch in both Canada and the U.S. on October 22nd. Pre-orders will begin on September 24th. Pricing for the Surface 2 will start at $449 while that of the Surface Pro 2 will start at $899.
Source : Microsoft