14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft only recently announced the Surface Power Cover, but the device is apparently selling very well, so it’s no longer in stock at Redmond’s online store.
As Neowin wrote, the accessory, retailing for $199.99 (€150), is exclusively available via Microsoft’s store and will start shipping on Wednesday if all goes well, the company announced.
The Power Cover, which was officially announced in October 2013 when Microsoft officially introduced the second-generation Surface tablet, is an accessory that can recharge the tablet itself and up to 70 percent more battery life, according to preliminary specs.
This is only available on the Surface 2, which is powered by Windows RT 8.1, but the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 are also said to get a battery increase of 60 percent based on video playback energy consumption.
“Work with the speed and functionality of a classic laptop keyboard while extending the battery life of your Surface up to 70% with the Power Cover. It also recharges your Surface's battery while you work. You'll have plenty of juice to stay unplugged all day in the office, during a full day of classes, or on a cross-country flight,” Microsoft says.
Just like the Type Cover and the Touch Cover, the Surface Power Cover plays the role of a protective cover, while also serving as a keyboard that comes in handy whenever you want to turn your tablet into a laptop with enhanced mobility characteristics.
“Fold the Power Cover back like a book cover to get the full touchscreen experience—the keys are disabled when the cover is flipped back. When closed, the Power Cover shuts down your display to preserve battery life, and helps protect the screen from bumps and scratches when you’re on the move,” the company says.
The Power Cover has all the features of a regular QWERTY keyboard and comes with both function keys and media controls. It provides support for the Surface Pro, the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2, so you won’t be able to use it with a Surface RT.
It weighs in only 535 grams and is only available in black, but Microsoft is very likely to release more color options sometime in the coming months.
The Power Cover also requires some Windows updates before being used for the first time, so in case you ordered such an accessory, make sure that you deploy the released firmware updates before starting using it.