Microsoft rolled out the second generation of its Surface tablets today. With Windows 8.1, faster processors, and improved graphics, the new tablets look to be a significant step forward. Pricing remains about the same.
There are two models and new accessories
1. Surface Pro 2
.. starts at $899 (4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage)
.. available Oct 22, pre-orders start Sept 24
.. models up to 8 GB RAM, 512 GB storage
.. Windows 8.1, runs any desktop app
.. Intel 1.6 GHz Haswell Core i5 processor is 20% faster
.. 10.6 inch, 1920x1080 screen has improved color accuracy
.. 5 megapixel rear camera, 3.5 megapixel front camera
.. full size USB 3.0 port, microSD slot, mini Displayport, port for covers
.. 42 Wh battery, battery life improved by 60%
.. includes a stylus for on-screen inking
.. two position "kickstand" for use on a desk
.. weight 2 lb without accessory keyboard
2. Surface 2
.. second generation of the Surface RT
.. starts at $449
.. Windows 8.1 RT
.. nVidia Tegra 4 quad core processor
.. "3 to 4 times as fast" as original Surface RT
.. 10.6 inch screen, same as Surface Pro 2
.. screen resolution increases to 1920x1080
.. thinner and lighter
.. battery life improved by 25%
.. one USB 3.0 port
.. two position kickstand
3. New accessories
.. Power Cover ($200) improves battery life by 50%, includes Type Cover keyboard
.. Surface Type Cover 2 ($130) is 1mm thinner, adds backlighting
.. Surface Touch Cover 2 ($120) thinner, lighter, backlighting
.. Bluetooth wireless adapter for either cover ($80)
.. Surface Pro 2 Dock ($200)
.. .. .. ports: 3 USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, miniDisplayport, 802.11 Ethernet, audio in/out
.. Arc Touch Mouse ($70), connects by Bluetooth
.. Surface Music Kit ($ ?) replaces keyboard cover, helps amateurs do remix of audio
4. Included at no extra cost
.. 200 GB of storage on Microsoft's Skydrive for two years
.. free Skype calling to land lines in 60 countries for one year
.. unlimited access to Skype WiFi at 2 million hotspots worldwide for one year
There are two models and new accessories
1. Surface Pro 2
.. starts at $899 (4 GB RAM, 64 GB storage)
.. available Oct 22, pre-orders start Sept 24
.. models up to 8 GB RAM, 512 GB storage
.. Windows 8.1, runs any desktop app
.. Intel 1.6 GHz Haswell Core i5 processor is 20% faster
.. 10.6 inch, 1920x1080 screen has improved color accuracy
.. 5 megapixel rear camera, 3.5 megapixel front camera
.. full size USB 3.0 port, microSD slot, mini Displayport, port for covers
.. 42 Wh battery, battery life improved by 60%
.. includes a stylus for on-screen inking
.. two position "kickstand" for use on a desk
.. weight 2 lb without accessory keyboard
2. Surface 2
.. second generation of the Surface RT
.. starts at $449
.. Windows 8.1 RT
.. nVidia Tegra 4 quad core processor
.. "3 to 4 times as fast" as original Surface RT
.. 10.6 inch screen, same as Surface Pro 2
.. screen resolution increases to 1920x1080
.. thinner and lighter
.. battery life improved by 25%
.. one USB 3.0 port
.. two position kickstand
3. New accessories
.. Power Cover ($200) improves battery life by 50%, includes Type Cover keyboard
.. Surface Type Cover 2 ($130) is 1mm thinner, adds backlighting
.. Surface Touch Cover 2 ($120) thinner, lighter, backlighting
.. Bluetooth wireless adapter for either cover ($80)
.. Surface Pro 2 Dock ($200)
.. .. .. ports: 3 USB 2.0, one USB 3.0, miniDisplayport, 802.11 Ethernet, audio in/out
.. Arc Touch Mouse ($70), connects by Bluetooth
.. Surface Music Kit ($ ?) replaces keyboard cover, helps amateurs do remix of audio
4. Included at no extra cost
.. 200 GB of storage on Microsoft's Skydrive for two years
.. free Skype calling to land lines in 60 countries for one year
.. unlimited access to Skype WiFi at 2 million hotspots worldwide for one year