This week Microsoft officially unveiled its 2nd generation Windows 8 tablets, including the new Surface Pro 2. As expected, the successor to last year's Surface Pro is a 10.1-inch tablet running a full version of the Windows desktop operating system, and features a number of hardware upgrades.
Consistent with previous reports, the Surface Pro 2 utilizes a new Intel Core i5 Haswell processor. Microsoft claims that the Pro 2 is 20 percent faster than the original that there is a 50 percent increase to graphics performance.
Microsoft also equipped the new Surface Pro tablet with an improved battery, with the company stating that battery life has been improved by up to 60 percent — we found battery life to be a major problem with the original Windows 8 tablet, so it'll be interesting to see if the Pro 2 can live up to the claims.
Like the first Surface Pro, the new model also features a digitizer pen. A dual-stage kickstand has also been introduced, which should please those who experienced issues with the limited-use kickstand that came with the original Pro.
Aesthetically, the Surface Pro 2 very closely resembles its predecessor, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Microsoft has retained what appears to be the same magnesium alloy, VaporMg casing and dark finish that came with the previous Surface tablets, as well as optional covers that double as keyboards. This time around, though, the company will offer more than just the Type Cover and Touch Cover.
Surface Docking Station
A fabric-wrapped Power Cover was unveiled, which is said to extend battery life of the Surface Pro 2 by up to 50 percent. A Surface Docking Station was also introduced, which adds a number of additional ports, making the tablet more like a full-fledged laptop. The Docking Station is equipped with four USB ports, a Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio in and out, and a power port. The new Type Cover, aptly named the Type Cover 2, will be offered in a number of different colors, is thinner than the previous model — almost as thin as the original Touch Cover — and is now backlit.
Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 will start at $899 and will be offered in 64GB and 128GB configurations with 4GB of RAM. 256GB and 512GB versions with 8GB of RAM will also be sold. Pre-orders for the Surface Pro 2 will start on September 24th through Microsoft's online and physical stores, and Best Buy in the United States and Canada. Both the Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 will be available starting October 22nd.
The Docking Station and Power Cover will cost $199.99 each, and both are expected to launch at the beginning of next year.
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