Microsoft Announces Two New Surface Tablets

Microsoft introduces the next generation of Surface in NYC.

Microsoft didn't exactly get off to a great start with the Surface RT and Surface Pro, but Redmond isn't ready to give up just yet. Microsoft just announced two brand new Surface models at an event in NYC this morning.

The company is ditching the 'RT' branding and instead just calling the next iteration of Surface RT 'Surface 2.' This laptop will run Windows RT 8.1, and boasts a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display and comes with support for microSD, USB 3.0, and HD video out. The tablet comes in two varaitions, 32 GB or 64 GB, and ships with Office 2013 RT and 200 GB of SkyDrive storage (for two years). It's priced at $449, the same money customers were asked for when the original Surface RT launched.

The brand new Surface Pro 2 packs a full version of Windows 8.1 Pro, a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display, support for microSD, USB 3.0, and mini DisplayPort. Both 64 GB and 128 GB capacities are available with 4 GB of RAM. The 256 and 512 GB capacities will each have 8 GB of RAM. The Surface Pro 2 will start at $899 and will include 200 GB of SkyDrive storage (again, for two years). Pre-orders for both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will start tomorrow, September 24, and availability in 21 markets is expected on October 22.

Stay tuned for our hands on!