Pretty much a year ago, Microsoft released their very own Windows 8 based tablets to the market. The original Surface and Surface Pro never gained much popularity among the generation public. Although the Surface was priced competitively with immensely successful Apple iPad, the Windows RT OS paired with Nvidia's Tegra 3 processor was a bit of a jerky mess and the App library was extremely limited. The battery life was not impressive as well. In fact, it was dreadful compared to competitors like the iPad, the Acer Iconia Tab, the Google Nexus 7, and the Lenovo IdeaTab.
Available through Microsoft Stores on October 22 of this year, Microsoft's improved Windows RT Surface is boasting the new updated Tegra 4 processor which is to improve graphics, CPU performance and a longer battery life. Other upgrades also include a two angle kick stand as opposed to the single setting in the first generation, a slimmer shell, and an upgrade to the same 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) display as seen in the Surface Pro. Both the front and rear camera (3.0MP Front, 5.0MP Rear) have been improved for better use for taking pictures or video chats with the seamlessly integrated Skype Messenger. Both shells of the RT Surface and Surface Pro are now mostly made of magnesium resulting in a lighter load to carry.
However, it's not just the RT version that's getting an upgrade. Surface Pro 2 is going to be shipped out with Intel's new Core i5 Processor. Code named Haswell, these new chips don't provide much of a CPU performance increase. What these chips do improve upon the outgoing Ivy-Bridge architecture is the power consumption has been lowered dramatically, thus solving the battery drain problem with the original Surface (Microsoft claims an up to 60% longer battery life). Intel's integrated graphics has also given an upgrade to further enhance the user experience.
Both Versions of the Surface will be rolling out with Windows newly updated OS, Windows 8.1. Needless to say, the RT Surface will be running on 8.1 RT and the Surface Pro will include a full fledged version of Windows 8.1 Professional. I've been testing out Microsoft's new update in Beta, and I've been impressed with many of the changes. But most of all, I'm extremely impressed by the new App store. With a cleaner design and a search function (yes it took them this long), finding applications will be more intuitive.
New touch covers and type covers for either Surface will be available. Both being thinner and now feature a backlit keyboard which is key for a product that is intended for use during travel. The touch will now feature multiple sensors under each key for better accuracy and Microsoft is to release a second type cover with a integrated extended battery for even longer battery life for the device. Other accessories including a dock is to be available as well.
Surface is expected to be available in stores on October 22; however, you can now pre-order your Surface online through your certified retailer. Prices will start at $449 for the RT model and $899 for the Pro. Prices will vary depending on the configuration you choose as the Pro will come with several different storage capacities up to a 512GB SSD.
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