Microsoft announces Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets, read the details here

Microsoft has just announced the new Windows powered tablets today at an official event held in New York City. The new tablets include the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, which will be replacing the Surface RT and Surface 2 respectively. Both of these new tablets have been released with improved hardware specs, design and features from their predecessors. In this post we will take a look at both of these new tablet competitors that will be competing with the likes of Apple iPad and others.

Microsoft Surface 2

The Microsoft Surface 2 is the 2nd generation model of Surface RT. In this new iteration of the tablet Microsoft has not only changed the name of the device but has also brought some pretty notable features that make Surface 2 a much better and desirable gadget than the older version. It is an ARM-based device that features NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip, which provides better graphics and speed.

Hardware wise the Surface 2 is quite refreshing. It features a new look than the older model complete with its silver magnesium case that is capable of resisting fingerprints and is more durable. The device has an improved kickstand that now features a second angle that is deeper than the previous one allowing users to easily use the device by placing it on their lap. Surface 2 now supports external keyboards that can be attached with the device easily. Surface 2 also has better resolution of 1920×1080 pixels.

One of the most important and useful improvement Surface 2 brings over the Surface RT is that it has a battery life that is 25 percent better over the previous model. This is a change that will be much appreciated by the users.

Other features of Microsoft Surface 2 include 1080p playback and better front cameras that perform good in low light conditions, USB 3 slots. The device has been designed to run Windows 8.1, which will be released in next few months.

Overall Surface 2 is a great improvement and is a must have for those who like Windows based tablets. It is priced at $449 for the 32GB model, which is $50 cheaper than the original price of Surface RT, which is another welcomed change. Microsoft has also announced a 64GB model of Surface 2.

Microsoft Surface Pro 2

Along with the Surface 2 tablet Microsoft also unveiled the Surface Pro 2, which is the successor to Surface Pro. Surface Pro 2 as its name suggests is the bigger and better model of the Surface tablet line up with more powerful specs and larger design. In the second generation model Microsoft has included some big changes that will surely make Windows tablet users want it. The biggest improvement Microsoft has added in Surface Pro 2 is battery life. Microsoft acknowledged that the first model of Surface wasn’t very good when  it comes to battery so it has worked hard in the second model to improve in that area.

According to the company the Surface Pro 2′s battery performs 60 percent better than the battery found on the older model, which is a huge difference and something that will make Surface Pro 2 very popular among buyers. Battery isn’t the only notable aspect of this new Windows based tablet by Microsoft. The Surface 2 Pro also features the Haswell chips from Intel, which may have played a role in boosting the battery life. The device has 8GB of DDR RAM that consumes low power. For storage it has 500GB SSD drive. Just like Surface 2 it also features a new angle for its kickstand for user’s convenience.

Microsoft also announced a new docking station for Surface tablet that adds more ports to the device that include 4 USB ports, a mini DisplayPort, audio in and out, power port and Ethernet.

The changes to Surface Pro 2 are mostly internal and physically it looks similar to its predecessor. The device has same size and weight however it now has ‘Surface’ written on its back – so everyone would know you are not using an iPad. The price of the device has also reminded the same and it will be available from $899.