Phenquestions
The second generation Surface tablets are here. Microsoft today at an event in New York announced two new tablets, Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. Surface 2 is as you would expect is a low-priced ARM machine. Whereas, Surface Pro 2 is the high-end, premium and flagship device which is running on Windows 8.1 Pro. The question remains the same, will this be able to compete with its alternatives such as New Nexus 7 and iPad Gen 4? Let's find out.
Surface Pro 2 specs
First of all, the device resembles very closely, its older versions, with exact chassis measurements. Neither of the devices have under went a makeover, hence the zest of Surface has been kept intact.
Similar to its predecessor, Surface 2 Pro has a 10.1 inch large screen and 0.53 inch thickness. The Nvidia Tegra 3 processor has been upgraded to Tegra 4, which elevates the screen resolution to full 1080p HD. Inside the tablet, you will find one of Intel's newer fourth-generation i5 processor Haswell which has been overclocked at 1.6 gigahertz, making a swift device, even swifter. Notably, the original version had “Ivy bridge” chips running at 1.7 gigahertz.
Surface 2 pro comes in four variants - 64 GB, 128 GB, 256GB and 512 GB SSD storage options. The first two are laced with 4 gig of RAM, whereas the gigantic memory devices sport 8 GB of RAM.
Improvements
The battery of Surface 2 Pro is supposedly 75% better than its first generation device - which could only last 3 hours on heavy usages. Microsoft is claiming that the new tablet cites over 50% improvements from graphics standpoint.
“We improved the performance on this product by 20 percent,” says Panos Panay, Microsoft's VP of Surface.
Microsoft claims that the new display produces 46% more accurate colors.
Cover Keyboard
Surface 2 Pro comes with an astounding keyboard and docking stations which use very less power, and adds 2 hours + battery life to the tablet. It is now more responsive, thinner and comes in many colors. It also has backlighting with proximity sensors which makes the lights glow when your hands are over the keyboard. The keyboard itself costs $119. Along with that, the useful Arch Touch mouse can now be connected over Bluetooth, no cabling hassles anymore.
With either of the new tablets, you will be getting 200 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage and a year of Skype subscription (International calling plans).
If you are an audiophile or a DJ, the Surface Remix Project is a nice surprise for you which lets you easily mix, match and then share the music with your friends. Along with that, the tablet is fully compatible with the upcoming OS of Windows, Windows 8.1. The device also banks on its Pro pen feature that lets you draw, write anything on your tablet.
Surface Pro 2 availability & price
Preorderring for both the devices will kick off today on Microsoft's official website with availability in around 21 markets for the price of $899. The device will be shipped with Windows 8.1. Overall the device looks refreshing and features some great add-ons. It is worth telling that the first generation tablet did not do so well, and cost Microsoft heck lot of money. The new device looks awesome, and is expected to do well.
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