Microsoft has introduced two new Surface tablets at an event in NewYork – Surface Pro 2, starts at $899, and which is a professional model that allows people to use it more like a laptop or a desktop computer, and Surface 2, which starts at $ 449.
The Surface Pro 2 comes with battery-life improvements and according to Microsoft it will last a full workday. The battrey life is further extended with a Power Cover – a new cover accessory that provides the same great typing experience as Type Cover along with a built-in extended battery that charges while you’re working or while it’s connected in your bag – Surface 2 lasts more than more than 10 hours. With the Docking Station for Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2 can be the first device that is a tablet, a laptop, AND a high-powered workstation.
Docking Station for Surface Pro lets you quickly click-in and connect, turning your device into a full workstation.Docking Station for Surface Pro includes Mini DisplayPort video output, three USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, an Ethernet port, and 3.5mm audio in and out. It supports WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0
Surface Pro 2 is the successor to Surface Pro and, like its predecessor, is a true laptop replacement, capable of running virtually all your Windows software including the full Microsoft Office suite, as well as apps from the Windows Store.It is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processOR, and will be vailable in 64GB and 128GB configurations with 4 GB of RAM and 256GB and 512GB configurations with 8 GB of RAM.It has a 10.6 inch full HD screen with 1080 p screen resolution, and will run Windows 8.1 Pro.
The Surface 2 – According to Microsoft, Surface 2 is the most productive tablet for personal use. Surface 2 is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, and will give increased battery life of up to 10 hours for video playback. The 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display now renders 1080p video for enjoying shows and movies, and its full-size USB port has been upgraded to USB 3.0 for up to four times faster file transfers. It comes with a 3.5-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel rear camera, both capable of capturing 1080p video and featuring improved low-light performance. Surface 2 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
Surface 2 will ship with Windows RT 8.1, and built-in apps like new Xbox Music, which allows you to stream millions of songs for free, and an updated Video app and great games from the Windows Store such as “Halo: Spartan Assault”. Surface 2 is also pre-loaded with Office Home & Student 2013 RT and Outlook 2013 RT.
Surface 2 is available in 32GB and 64GB configurations.
Microsoft is also offering few freebies for these two tablets. They are : free Skype calling to landlines in 60 countries and free Skype WiFi at over two million hotspots for a year, as well as 200GB of SkyDrive storage for two years.
Microsoft has also announced seven new accessories available at an extra cost and these are: Touch Cover 2,Type Cover 2,Power Cover, Docking Station for Surface Pro, Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers,Car Charger with USB and Arc Touch Mouse.
Both Surface devices will be available for pre-order on September 24, 2013 and will go on sale on 22nd October in select markets.
Microsoft could not sell successfully its earlire version of Surface tablet and it will be seen with lot of interest how these two new devices fare. As a matter of fact, customers across the globe has not shown much interest in Windows based tablets and lot will depend how Microsoft can change this perception.
