On September 23rd, Microsoft announced two successors to its Surface line of tablets: the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. Both models will have form factors similar to the first-generation Surface products presented last summer. Both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will have metallic body, angular design and the trademark kickstand, which has been updated and now supports 2 positions.
Before we get to the review of both devices, let’s compare their Microsoft Surface 2 vs Surface Pro 2 features in a tablet.
Microsoft Surface 2 vs Surface Pro 2 Specs
Features |
Surface 2 |
Surface Pro 2 |
Display |
10.6” ClearType Full HD | 10.6” ClearType Full HD |
Processor |
Tegra 4 | Intel Haswell |
Battery |
25% more life | 75% more life |
Configuration |
32GB/64GB | 64GB/4GB of RAM, 128GB/4GB of RAM, 256GB/8GB of RAM, 512GB/8GB of RAM |
Ports |
microSD, USB 3.0, HD video out | microSD, USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort |
Includes |
Office PT apps: Oylook, Best of Skype, SkyDrive 200GB | Best of Skype, SkyDrive 200GB |
Price |
$449 | $899 |
Pre-order/Launch |
Sept. 24/Oct. 22 | Sept. 24/Oct. 22 |
Let’s start with pros and cons of Microsoft Surface 2
Pros
- Longer battery life
- Bigger screen
- Better chipset
Cons
- Not plenty of storage
- Comes in one color option only
The new Surface 2 is an upgrade to the last-year’s Surface RT tablet. The device now includes a better Tegra 4 processor, instead of Nvidia Tegra 3, and 25% more battery life. Microsoft new tablet Surface 2 is both lighter and thinner than the RT tablet. The release comes pre-loaded with full Office Software.
The Surface 2 tablet now gets a 1920×1080 display with better color accuracy instead of the Surface RT 1366×768 one. The tablet will be available in ‘bare metal’ color only, with the black front panel and the rest of the case being white/silver.
Microsoft Surface 2 cost will make up $449. Pre-orders start on September 24th already. Microsoft Surface 2 release date is scheduled for October 22nd.
The Surface Pro 2, in its turn, is an upgrade to the current Microsoft Surface Pro tablet. It boasts the Intel Haswell processor, instead of the Ivy Bridge in the previous model, and boosts battery life by 75%. The Surface Pro 2 comes in 64GB/128GB/ 256GB/512GB storage options. The 64GB and 128GB models come with 4GB of RAM, while the 256GB and 512GB models will have 8GB of RAM.
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 release date is set for October 22nd, with pre-orders starting on September 24th. The Surface Pro 2 price makes up $899.
Alongside with unveiling two new tablets, Microsoft presents two new cases that boast advanced characteristics. The first on the list is the new Microsoft Type Cover 2 priced at $119. The case gats additional sensors, new gestures, backlighting as well as thinner design. Microsoft Type Cover 2 is available in four color options; pink, blue, purple, and black.
Another new case is Microsoft Power Cover, which costs $150-$200. The new offer was designed to add battery life to both the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2. According to Microsoft. “This will add 2.5x the battery life of the original product.” Microsoft Power Cover includes three USB 2 ports, a mini-DisplayPort output, and a gigabit Ethernet port.