Microsoft unveils Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and a host of accessories

Microsoft has now added to its Surface family with two new models, the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2, as well as a range of new accessories for the tablet duo.

The first tablet on the list is the Surface 2 . The new tablet comes with a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display that sports 1080p resolution. The tablet has also upgraded to USB 3.0 that will give up to four times faster file transfers, according to the company. Internally, the new tablet will come with a NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. 

Microsoft has unveiled the new Surface 2

Surface 2 has also seen an upgrade in the photography department as compared to the Surface RT, which will also be in stores. It has a 3.5-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel rear camera. Both cameras can shoot 1080p video and also feature improved low-light performance. The new tablet will come with Windows RT 8.1. The new OS has improved the overall functionality of the tablet in areas like personalisation, search, multitasking, built-in apps and cloud connectivity.

Thrown into the package is the new Xbox Music, which allows users to stream millions of songs for free as well as an updated Video app. The Surface 2 will also come pre-loaded with Microsoft Office 2013 RT, including Outlook RT. The tablet will come with 32GB and 64GB internal storage variants and will start at $449 (Rs 28,100 approx) in the market. Pre-orders for the Surface 2 start from September 24.

Here’s a quick look at the specifications of the Microsoft Surface 2:

• 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display with 1080p resolution
• 5-megapixel rear camera, 3.5-megapixel front camera
• 32GB/64GB internal memory variants

The other tablet on the list, the Surface Pro 2 , also has the same 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display. This one too comes with USB 3.0 ports, a microSD slot as well as a mini DisplayPort. The Pro comes with Windows 8.1 Pro running the show. While we don’t have any information about the connectivity options of the Pro 2, it can be safe to assume that latest Wi-Fi tech will be packed in. The company has said that it is capable of running virtually all Windows software including the full Microsoft Office suite as well as apps from the Windows Store. Microsoft has announced that the Windows Store has 100,000 apps in all.

Internally, the tablet is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor which will deliver increased performance and up to 60 percent longer battery life than Surface Pro.  The tablet is available in 64GB and 128GB variants with 4GB of RAM and 256GB and 512GB configurations with 8 GB of RAM. Like the Surface 2, the Surface Pro 2 will be available for pre-order from September 24 on the official Microsoft online store starting from $899 (Rs 56270 approx).

The Surface Pro 2, Microsoft’s successor to the Surface Pro

Here’s a quick look at the specifications of the Microsoft Surface Pro 2:

• 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display
• 64GB and 128GB internal memory variants with 4GB of RAM, 256GB and 512GB variants with 8 GB of RAM

And the announcements don’t end there. The company has also announced seven new accessories for the new Surface lineup. The first on the list is Touch Cover 2, which measures 2.75 mm in thickness but has 1092 touch sensors to deliver a great typing experience. The Touch Cover 2 will come with an estimated retail price of $119.99 (Rs 7510 approx).

Next on the list is the new Type Cover 2, featuring the same super-thin design of the orginial but only now it’s thinner and has backlit keys. The estimated retail price of this accessory stands at $129.99 (Rs 8130 approx) and will be available in Cyan, Magenta, Purple and Black avatars. The third on the list is a new Power Cover that comes with a 30Wh battery inside. The Power Cover comes with an estimated retail price of $199.99 (Rs 12,510 approx) and should be available in markets next year. 

One of the most intriguing accessories on the list is the Docking Station for the Surface Pro. It will basically let users connect the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 to desktop PC peripherals in a single step. While the tablets are docked, the station can connect with an external monitor, Ethernet, speakers and power supply. Peripherals will be connected via its single USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports. The estimated retail price for the Docking Station stands at $199.99 (Rs 12,510 approx) and has a projected release date next year.

Other accessories include a Bluetooth Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers at an estimated retail price of $59.99 (Rs 3750 approx). There is also a Car Charger with USB for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (Rs 3120 approx) and an Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition available for an estimated retail price of $69.99 (Rs 4380 approx).

Both the new Surface tablets and the accessories will be available in 22 initial markets with other markets to be announced in the coming months. The company will be offering free Skype calling to landlines in more than 60 countries for one year, unlimited Skype WiFi on the Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2 for one year, as well as 200 GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.