Microsoft Unveils Surface 2, Surface Pro 2

Microsoft announced two new Surface models ” Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 ” along with an expanded portfolio of new Surface accessories.

Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 include improvements to processing power and battery life, to display and camera resolution, and to the Kickstand, now with dual angles, the company says.

Customers purchasing either device will receive free Skype calling to landlines in more than 60 countries for one year, unlimited Skype WiFi on their Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2  for one year, and 200 GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.

Surface 2 is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, and has a battery life to up to 10 hours for video playback. The 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display now renders 1080p video, and its full-size USB port has been upgraded to USB 3.0 for up to four times faster file transfers. Camera resolution has also increased, with a 3.5-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel rear camera, both capable of capturing 1080p video and featuring improved low-light performance. It will ship with Windows RT 8.1.

Surface Pro 2 can run virtually all Windows software including the full Microsoft Office, as well as apps from the Windows Store. It is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor which, combined with other improvements, delivers increased performance and up to 75 percent longer battery life than Surface Pro, the company says.

Starting at $899, Surface Pro 2 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB configurations with 4

The new accessories include Touch Cover 2, Type Cover 2, and a new Power Cover. The Docking Station for Surface Pro lets users quickly connect Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 to desktop PC peripherals in a single step. While the tablet is docked, it can connect with an external monitor, Ethernet, speakers and power supply. PC peripherals connect via its one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports.

Microsoft also announced a wireless adapter for the typing covers, a car charger with USB, and Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition.

For more information, visit Microsoft.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.