Microsoft Announces the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2

Today Microsoft announced the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, it's new Window 8.1.tablet.  The new Surface 2 is based on Windows 8 RT, and Surface Pro 2 based on Windows 8 Professional.

New features of the devices include:

• A new fingerprint resistant magnesium-based case.
• Faster processor:
• Surface 2: 1.7 GHz quad-core Tegra 4 ARM chip. (w/ 2GB of RAM)
• Internal storage: From 32GB or 64GB configurations.
• Surface Pro 2:  1.6 GHz Intel Core i5 Haswell processor. (w/ 4-8GB of RAM)
• Internal storage: From 64GB to 512GB configurations.
• USB 3.0 port, and Bluetooth 4.
• Surface 2 has a 3.5MP front-facing camera, and a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera.  While the Surface Pro 2 only has a 720P front-facing camera.
• High resolution 1080P display (1920×1080)
• Thinner and lighter case.
• Surface 2: 0.35 inches thick, and weights under 1.5 pounds
• Surface Pro 2: 0.53 inches thick, and weights under 2 pounds
• Enhanced kickstand (2 positions, 20 and 40 degrees for better viewing)

Both Surface devices will be available for pre-order starting September 24, 2013, and will be available for purchase on October 22, 2013 (in select markets). Visit www.surface.com/pre-order to learn more. 

New Accessories:

• The Surface Remix Project, which is a new purpose-built music kit that attaches on to the Surface 2, Surface Pro, and Surface Pro 2 and works with a new music remix app. 
• New keyboard covers (i.e. the Touch, Type and Power Cover 2) with back-lit keys and extended battery (extends usage up to 10 hours).  Features vary between the different products
• New docking station.
• New active pen.

More information: 

• Article: Surface 2 declassified: How Microsoft made Surface into the tablet the world said it wanted
• Surface web site: www.surface.com.