14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft will launch the second-generation Surface tablet on September 23, as part of an event held in New York City and supposed to bring updates for both the RT and the Pro models.
Just like it did with all the other products released lately, Microsoft has remained completely tight-lipped on its new Surface product family. And still, lots of details reached the web via unofficial channels, most of them coming from insiders who confirmed recent speculations and revealed some very interesting bits about the new models.
SPECIFICATIONS
Microsoft watcher Paul Thurrott of WinSuperSite.com claims that the new RT tablet will be simply called Surface 2 and will feature a Tegra 4 processor specifically optimized for longer battery life and increased performance.
In addition, the device will be equipped with a ClearType full HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080, which is exactly the same screen already available on the current Surface Pro model. It will measure 10.6 inches.
While the battery will be enhanced to provide an autonomy of up to 8 hours, weight and thickness will remain the same: 1.5 pounds (680 grams) and 0.37 inches (9.3 mm), respectively.
Both 32GB and 64GB versions will continue to be offered for the Surface RT, but the tablets will feature a new two-position kickstand supposed to enhance productivity in both landscape and portrait mode.
Other features include the same Vapor Magnesium case, front- and rear-facing cameras, Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, microSD card support, HD video-out port. Windows RT 8.1 and Office Home & Student 2013 RT will be pre-installed.
The new Surface 2 will also be available in a new white version, while pricing will remain basically the same as for the current model: $499 (€369) for the 32GB package and $599 (€442) for the 64GB one. If Microsoft keeps its discount active, the entry-level model will be available for $349.99 (€260).
• Chipset: Nvidia Tegra 4 • Display: 10.6-inch, ClearType Full HD (1920x1080) • Battery: up to 8 hours • Weight: 1.5 pounds (680 grams) • Thickness: 0.37 inches (9.3 mm) • Connectivity: USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, HD video-out, Bluetooth 4.0 • Card support: microSD up to 64 GB • Cameras: front and rear • Colors: black, white • Storage: 32GB and 64GB • OS: Windows RT 8.1 • Software: Office Home & Student 2013 RT, Outlook RT, Bing apps • Pricing: $499 (€369) for the 32GB model and $599 (€442) for the 64GB version
The Surface Pro, on the other hand, which is likely to be called Surface Pro 2, will come with the fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor and the same 10.6-inch, ClearType full HD 1920x1080 processor. The battery will be upgraded to last for up to 7 or 8 hours, but the available RAM memory will be significantly increased. Word is that Microsoft will allow customers to choose how much RAM they want, with the top-of-the-range model to boost 8GB of RAM.
In addition, it will feature the same two-position kickstand, front- and rear-facing 720p cameras, Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, microSD card support, HD video-out port, and a digital Pro Pen.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer two new versions of the Surface Pro, with 256 GB and 512 GB of storage space, respectively.
• Chipset: Intel Core i5 • Display: 10.6-inch, ClearType Full HD (1920x1080) • Battery: up to 7 or 8 hours • Weight: 2 pounds (907 grams) • Thickness: 0.53 inches (13.4 mm) • Connectivity: USB 3.0, Wi-Fi, HD video-out, Bluetooth 4.0 • Card support: microSD up to 64 GB • Cameras: front and rear, 720p support • Colors: black, white • Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB • OS: Windows 8.1 Pro • Software: Bing apps, no Office version included • Pricing: $899 (€665) – 64GB, $999 (€740) – 128GB, $1,299 (€960) – 256GB, $1,699 (€1255) – 512GB
AVAILABILITY
It's not yet confirmed, but it turns out that Microsoft is planning to launch the new-generation Surface tablet soon after Windows 8.1, just to make sure that it supports the new wave of devices supposed to promote the new operating system.
Sources close to the matter hint that the new Surface is likely to go on sale on October 22, which is only four days after the debut of Windows 8.1.
What's more, Microsoft is said to be preparing a new Surface Mini tablet, specifically created to compete against the iPad mini and Nexus 7, with the official launch expected to be announced by year-end.
The new Surface tablets will be available both online and in retail stores across the world, as Microsoft is planning to use the already established channel to make sure that its new device is much more successful than the previous version.
ACCESSORIES
Both Touch and Type Covers will continue to be offered, but Microsoft is also preparing some new accessories for the refreshed Surface range.
The company is reportedly working on a new docking station that will work with both Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, but also with the existing Pro model. Unfortunately, the existing RT flavor won't support the new accessory, people close to the matter indicated.
Pricing and availability details for the Power Cover are not yet available, but it might seem like the device will work with all Surface tablets, except for the first-generation Surface RT.