Microsoft Announces Surface Windows 8 Pro Availability

Today Microsoft announced the availability of their Surface Windows 8 Pro (Really? This is the best name a $68 billion company can think of?). This will be the upgraded version of their Surface with Windows RT with the difference mainly being the ability to install third-party applications on the Pro version. If you’ve been dying to get your hands on this version, your wait is almost over. You will be able to purchase one starting Feb 9 at all the Microsoft stores, their online store, Staples, Best Buy and a number of locations in Canada.

The Surface Windows 8 Pro is powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, comes in 64GB and 128GB versions and a Surface Pen, which is basically a fancy stylus. If you’re looking to get the entry level version of the Pro, be ready to fork over $899 (without the keyboard cover). The Surface Touch Covers go for $119 by the way so you’re looking at around $1,100 for the whole package. In addition to the availability of the Pro, the RT will be available in 13 new markets with a new standalone 64GB version available without the Cover for $599. Mark your calendars and empty your savings account, Microsoft is ready to double theirs come Feb 9th.

Microsoft Surface Tablet Priced At $200, Slated To Release On October 26

According to an inside source who attended Microsoft's recent conference where talks surrounding the launch details of the much anticipated Surface tablet pointed towards a groundbreaking, and very much affordable $200 price point for Microsoft's 32GB Surface RT tablet, and an October 26 launch date. At that kind of low-balling price point, Microsoft's Surface tablet will directly compete against Google's and Amazon's Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire tablets, if not completely annihilating them altogether.

Nir Schneider

Editor-in-Chief

Microsoft Surface Windows 8 Tablets Announced: Everything You Need To Know

Microsoft has unveiled its new Surface tablet today. The new tablet will come in two flavors running a version of Windows 8. The first is a 10.6-inch, 9.3mm thick Surface tablet powered by Windows 8 RT and equipped with an ARM processor made by Nvidia. It features front and back HD cameras, a tough Gorilla Glass 2 made ClearType HD capacitive touchscreen display, built-in kickstand, an all-magnesium VaporMg-made Liquidmetal chassey construction. The Surface tablet with Windows 8 RT will come in 32GB and 64GB capacities.

Microsoft's second Surface tablet model will by powered by Windows 8 Pro, boasting a nearly identical design albeit with a thicker profile at 13.5mm-thick with an Intel Ivy Bridge Core i5 processor, a full 1080p HD 10.6-inch display and a bigger battery under the robust magnesium enclosure. Also, it'll come in larger storage capacities than the Surface tablet running Windows 8 RT, with 64GB and 128GB capacities. 

Microsoft has also managed to pull of an Apple move in introducing some Smart Cover-like accessories for its two Surface tablets while improving greatly on Apple's magical tablet cover. The Touch Cover is a 3mm thin, pressure sensitive cover that doubles as a fully functioning Multi-Touch keyboard and trackpad. It magnetically connects to the Surface tablet ala-Smart Cover, with a single magnetic clicking connection. And what do you know, it'll come in five vibrant colors. And if you prefer a more traditional, clicky keyboard cover, Microsoft gottchya back with its Type Cover. It's slightly thicker at 5mm thick, and also features a Multi-Touch trackpad. Microsoft hasn't announced any details on pricing or availability yet. Full Surface tablet spec lists, video and more tablet goodness after the break!

Read More