The first generation Microsoft Surface tablets isn’t really
what you would call the game changer that Microsoft has imagined it to be and
yet the Redmond company is still placing its bets on its Surface line of tablets as it released
two new models – the Surface 2 and
Surface Pro 2 in an event in New York City.
Both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 have almost identical looks
including the magnesium body and form factor from the previous generation. But in terms of performance and other stuff
under the hood, the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 are distinctly different from
their predecessors.
For starters, the Surface 2, which replaces the Surface RT
now packs a high-resolution 10.6-inch 1080p ClearType display as well as a
two-stage kickstand that is said to make the tablet more comfortable to use as
a laptop. It also now has an Nvidia Tegra 4 chip over the Tegra 3 on the
Surface RT. It also now has a USB 3.0 port and according to Microsoft should
run three to four times faster than the original and should last up to 25
percent longer.
The Surface 2 also comes equipped with a 5MP rear snapper
and a 3.5MP front-facing, which are both capable of recording 1080p videos. The
tablet will run on Windows RT 8.1 and promises improved performance, usability
and personalization. Microsoft is also adding 200GB of SkyDrive storage, free
for two years.
The Surface Pro 2 on the other hand will replace the
original Surface Pro as the flagship tablet of Microsoft. The tablet still comes
with a stylus and the same 10.6-inch 1080p display.
Microsoft has equipped the Surface Pro 2 with Intel’s new Haswell
processors, which reportedly increases performance by 20% and battery
efficiency by a whopping 75%. The tablet will have at least 64GB (up to 512GB) of
on-board storage and 4GB of RAM (up to 8GB).
In terms of connectivity, the Surface Pro 2 will have three
USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, a mini Display port, Ethernet, audio in/out, a
charging port and the same two-stage kickstand found on the Surface 2.
It will also be
compatible with a number of accessories including the improved Microsoft Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2, which now have backlit keys, a docking station that transforms the Surface 2 into a full-fledged
desktop complete with the ability to connect with an external monitor, Ethernet,
speakers and power supply and the Power
Cover which increases the tablet’s battery life with its 30-watt built-in
battery.
The Microsoft Surface 2 will retail for $449 while the
Surface Pro 2 will sell for $899. Both models will be available for pre-order
starting tomorrow and will hit store shelves by October 22 in 21 markets.
