Microsoft’s Surface 2 With Faster and Better Battery Life Release Date, Price, Spec

Microsoft announced a pair of new tablets in its Surface range, Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. Microsoft describes it as “the most productive tablet ever built”, while noting that the second generation Surface tablets are the product of over 18 months of development work. Microsoft has updated the screen, cameras, better audio, faster processor and longer battery life on the Surface 2. It is thinner, lighter and faster than the original Surface slate. Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 has upgrades the processor from the first generation’s Nvidia Tegra 3 into Tegra 4 and also upgrades the 1366×768 screen to 1920×1080 with better color accuracy.

Key Specifications for Surface 2:

• 0.35 inches thickness with an under 1.5 pounds weight.
• Full HD display together with a 10.6 inch screen.
• Tegra 4 Processor with 1.7 gigahertz quad-core ARM chip. Microsoft expect users can get a roughly 60% faster CPU and greatly improved graphical performance.
•  2GB RAM and 3.0 USB support.
• Camera: 3.5 megapixels and 5 megapixels for front and rear camera respectively. The front facing camera was built to accept more light than the rear facing camera and allowing for improved video chatting in low light situation.
• The built in kickstand now adjust to two different angles, making the system easier to see from different positions. The new added 40 degree setting allows for improved on-lap usage of the Surface.
• Microsoft has upgraded the audio by adding built-in Dolby Digital sound.
• Battery: Up to 10 hours “active use” battery life. Microsoft claims around a 25% improvement in the Surface 2.

The Surface 2 is a device totally designed for students, parents and anyone else who moves around and wants a computer that they can take with them and still can handle lightweight work.

Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will be available starting October 22. The Surface 2, with Windows RT, starts at price $449, but the previous model Surface RT, will still be available for $349. Pre-order is available starting today at online Microsoft Stores or from select retailers including John Lewis.