Microsoft has started sending out invites for the launch of its new Windows 8.1 tablets coming 23 September. We expect to see the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2 officially launched with both being updated versions of the Surface RT and Surface Pro released mid-last year. There’s no word of any mini Surface though.
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The Verge notes that the Surface Pro 2 will have a two-stage kickstand with adjustable angles with the main design of both new Surfaces generally staying the same. Inside, the Pro 2 will have Intel’s latest Haswell CPU and 8GB RAM.
The Surface 2 will be launched with Windows RT 8.1 while dropping the RT from the name so not to scare people away too much. The Verge says that it’s expected to be a 1080p display with a much improved Nvidia’s Tegra 4 processor.
Given the updated CPUs, the battery life of both tablets are expected to be improved with to two hours. While the type colours are already available in different bright colours, the Surface 2 and the Surface Pro 2 are expected to be available in black and white. There are also some accessories that will be taking the stage in New York later this month.
The accessories include the Surface Docking Station that will only support these new tablets. The dock is designed to allow users to attach a keyboard and mouse via designated USB ports. It has three USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0. You can apparently slide in your Surface 2 which would then be held in place by two little arms.
Then there’s the Power Cover keyboard. It supposedly looks similar to the type cover but will boost the connected tablet’s battery life.
If you were rooting for the announcement of the rumoured Surface Mini you could start looking elsewhere. Though Toshiba has launched a new decent range of tablets and hybrids including an 8-incher that would work well as a nice alternative.
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