Microsoft makes official the second Surface iteration as it announces a pair of Windows tablet additions-- the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, both promising "significant" updates on processors, batteries and displays.
The Surface 2 is technically a sequel to the Surface RT, the ARM-powered sibling to the first Surface. It features an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, higher resolution (1920x1080) ClearType display, USB 3.0 port and either 32 or 64GB of storage inside a thinner (8.9mm) and lighter (676g) silver magnesium body.
The Windows version of choice is the 8.1 update on Win RT.
Meanwhile the Surface Pro 2 is the Windows 8.1 Pro option powered by a 1.6GHz Intel Haswell Core i5 processor. It retains the 10.6-inch 1920x1080 display of the original, together with 4 USB ports, mini DisplayPort and Ethernet ports, and a battery promising a 75% boost in longevity.
Both Surface versions feature an improved kickstand-- a two-way number offering more comfortable display angles.
Also seen at the launch are a number of updated Surface accessories, including the backlit Touch Cover 2, Type Cover 2 (backlit with magenta, cyan, purple and black colour options), a typing cover wireless adapter (allows Surface control from a distance via Bluetooth), a special edition foldable Arc Touch Mouse and Docking Station turning the Surface Pro into what Microsoft claims is a "full power PC" complete with 3840x2160 video output.
Both Surface sequels and companion accessories should be available in a number of European territories from October 2013, with additional market to follow on a later date.
