Microsoft unveils Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and new accessories

From the beginning, we’ve had an ambitious vision to make Surface the most productive tablets on the planet – for personal and professional use. We strongly believe that many people need great devices for play and getting things done.

So it gives me great pleasure to announce two brand new Surface models – Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 – which will be available in Australia and 21 other markets from October 22. An expanded portfolio of new Surface accessories, such as new Touch and Type Covers, a Power Cover and a Docking Station for the Surface Pro, were also announced.

I have used the Surface Pro as my daily device for a long time now, and have found it to be the perfect companion both in and out of the office. Surface Pro 2 is a very significant upgrade, including meaningful battery-life improvement so it lasts nearly a full workday, a dual-stage kickstand that works great on your lap, and even faster performance.

On the other hand, Surface 2 is the most productive, personal tablet ever. It feels amazing to hold and use, and is even lighter, thinner and with longer battery life than ever before (up to 10 hours with our all new Power Cover  – a new cover accessory that provides the same great typing experience as Type Cover along with a built-in extended battery), and with an enticing new Magnesium colour – it is beautiful! It’s also even more productive, now featuring Outlook RT, which is how I do email.

The accessories announced make the devices even better – the Touch Cover 2 is even more responsive, and the Type Cover 2 is quieter and now available in multiple colours to personalise the experience. Both are even thinner and more rigid, and have backlighting with proximity sensing to light up when your hands approach the keys. The new Docking Station for Surface Pro also lets you quickly click-in and connect, turning your device into a full workstation – I can’t wait to get my hands on one! For those of you on the go, there is also a new car charger.

A new Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers connects magnetically to any Touch or Type Cover, letting you type from anywhere in the room using Bluetooth technology, so it is even easier to connect Surface to a TV or monitor4 and type from another location.

In Australia, the new models and select accessories will be available at MicrosoftStore.com, via retailers Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi, and from authorised Surface commercial resellers.

In addition, enhancements in Windows RT 8.1 and Windows Pro 8.1 make Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 even more powerful and customisable.

Local pricing (incl. GST) for the Surface 2 is:
• Surface 2 32GB – AU$529 RRP*
• Surface 2 64GB – AU$639 RRP*

Local pricing (incl. GST) for the Surface Pro 2 is:
• Surface Pro 2 64GB + Surface pen – AU$1019 RRP*
• Surface Pro 2 128GB + Surface pen – AU$1129 RRP*
• Surface Pro 2 256GB + Surface pen – AU$1469 RRP*
• Surface Pro 2 512GB + Surface pen – AU$2039 RRP*

Customers purchasing either device will also 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 at more than 2 million hot spots worldwide for one year, and 200 GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.

Pre-order Surface

Customers can pre-order Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 starting at 10 p.m. AEST on Sept. 24, 2013, at MicrosoftStore.com and via Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.

For additional details on the expanded Surface family, you can find out more at the Surface Blog, and find Surface on Facebook or follow Surface on Twitter.

*Recommended retail price. Actual price is set by the retailer. All prices in Australian dollars and inclusive of GST.

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