New Surface Tablets from Microsoft

When Microsoft first unveiled their new Surface tablets last year, they were received with middling reviews, especially the lower-end Surface RT. Less than a year after the original release, Microsoft has already announced the next generation of Surface tablets. The “RT” designation has been dropped and the new tablets are now the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2.

The technical specs for both devices have been significantly upgraded and the performance gap between the two remains about the same as before. However, the real innovation with Microsoft’s next round of tablet wars comes in the accessories:


Users of the original Surface tablets complained of low battery life and limited options for recharging. Microsoft listened very well and in addition to more than doubling the included battery’s life, provided users with three accessories specifically for battery life. The first is the power cover, which Microsoft claims will extend the battery life by up to 10 hours. Microsoft also released a car charger for the device, which pulls more power than a standard USB car charger provides. The third accessory not only plugs the device into the wall, but into just about everything else as well. The docking station plugs into the bottom of the Surface Pro or Surface Pro 2 and connects it to a power outlet and has a display connector, four USB connectors, Ethernet, and audio I/O.

Microsoft also released a number of other “smart covers” for the Surface. The original Touch Cover with a touch-sensitive flat keyboard has been upgraded to be more sensitive and thinner. Users can also perform touch gestures on the keyboard, like panning and zooming. A surprise announcement also came in the form of the remix cover, co-designed by producers Linkin Park. It provides the user with DJ controls for mixing their own music.

Also announced were wireless adapters for the Touch and Type covers, a special Arc Mouse for Surface, and an upgraded kickstand for improved lap and desk viewing. Rumors have been circling for months concerning a “Surface Mini” with a 7.5” screen, although the device did not show its face at Microsoft’s event.

The Surface 2 will retail for $449 and the Surface Pro 2 for $899. Pre-ordering is available now and the tablets will ship on October 22nd. The Surface 2 includes Office 2013 and all Surface tablets come with free international calling via Skype.