X

Microsoft Surface 2 event (pictures)

The next generation of Microsoft's Surface tablets were unveiled at an event in New York on Monday. Here are the pictures live from the event.

David Katzmaier
David reviews TVs and leads the Personal Tech team at CNET, covering mobile, software, computing, streaming and home entertainment. We provide helpful, expert reviews, advice and videos on what gadget or service to buy and how to get the most out of it.
David Katzmaier
c9d119a6-01f0-4185-95fc-5b2d5fd1d065.jpg
1 of 28

Surface Pro 2 introduced

Microsoft's Panos Panay holding the new Surface Pro 2 tablet. It will sell for $899, and hits 21 markets on October 22.

Surface 2: Read CNET's First Take

Surface Pro 2: Read CNET's First Take

SuperficiesPro2_05.jpg
2 of 28

Surface Pro 2 specs

The Surface Pro 2 has a large 10-inch screen, a full Intel Core i5 processor, and a 1,920x1,080-pixel-resolution display -- all specs you might find in a high-end ultraportable laptop.
4b83a5a9-eccd-4acb-83da-2c7bbfa65d58.jpg
3 of 28

New Surface 2

Microsoft also revealed the Surface 2, the less expensive version of the Surface Pro 2 and a step up from the Surface RT (which remains in the lineup). It has the same 1,920x1,080 screen as the Surface Pro 2. The Surface 2 starts at $449.
aa119ac6-6424-47af-bc7a-a4cce1ce2c62.jpg
4 of 28

Surface 2

It's a lighter color now to show the "true color" of the magnesium.
66f3fe1c-2247-4fde-a3bd-906bc7c34e92_(1).jpg
5 of 28

Surface 2

It's thinner and lighter than the RT, and battery life is 25 percent longer. It also has an updated 1.7GHz Nvidia Tegra 4 processor.
df329160-bee3-4ba7-b295-56682f65a50c.jpg
6 of 28

Integrated kickstand

Both of the new Surface tablets feature an improved version of Microsoft's integrated kickstand. Panay says it's "the evolution of the kickstand." The new version opens into two different positions, to accommodate different heights of user.
f041d63e-dd7d-4280-8d33-decf500dd451.jpg
7 of 28

Kickstand detail

The two-position kickstand mechanism.
9358d2fc-7811-4b81-bdd1-5a14db68b696.jpg
8 of 28

Lap in action

The new version is more lap-compatible.
3802a81e-dfd7-47e1-af10-98b173cce11b.jpg
9 of 28

Accessories

A range of new accessories was also introduced.
72d23828-0b8b-4a98-bce8-b85fcacb8032.jpg
10 of 28

Power cover closed

A new keyboard cover with integrated battery extends battery life by 2.5 times. Here it is closed...
87acdc73-d3f5-4b18-a851-ddb3f0e101fb.jpg
11 of 28

Power cover open

...and open.
2d9beffc-86dc-4342-9fab-613dda00e265.jpg
12 of 28

Docking station

Another important new accessory is a docking station, which will sell for $199.
a97bd872-ebe0-47be-82ce-42b5f52a9efb.jpg
13 of 28

Docking station specs

The station can connect to numerous accessories, including high-resolution desktop monitors.
61abcffd-8aff-4867-b9e9-839a85bac035.jpg
14 of 28

New color Type Covers

The new version of the Type Cover (without an integrated battery) is now available in multiple colors for $129.99.
54bdae0d-005c-477b-bc2b-2f8924e1244c.jpg
15 of 28

Color Type cover

The new version is thinner...
c4e78cd7-8947-4a6c-9ac2-7980abafa785.jpg
16 of 28

Now with a backlight

...and now includes backlighting. Finally.
touch_cover.jpg
17 of 28

New Touch Cover

Microsoft also unveiled a new Touch Cover ($119.99), which supplies a full touch-sensitive keyboard but lacks the discrete keys of the Type Cover.
touch_cover_backlit.jpg
18 of 28

Touch with backlight

Just like the Type Cover, the Touch's keys are backlit.
touch_cover_sensors.jpg
19 of 28

More sensitive to Touch

The new version of the Touch Cover has more sensors, so it should help eliminate typing errors and dropped keys.
b275bb14-e9b3-4a57-ba49-e06a16020f81.jpg
20 of 28

Surface apps

Last year there were 10,000 apps in the Windows Store. There are 100,000 apps now.
gaming.jpg
21 of 28

Gaming

Microsoft's demo also included gaming using an Xbox 360 controller.
office.jpg
22 of 28

Office

Office is free on the Microsoft Surface.
skype.jpg
23 of 28

Skype

Here's a Skype call in action using a Surface.
free_int_skype.jpg
24 of 28

Free service on Surface

Microsoft is also throwing in free international calling from Skype, and free hot-spot Wi-Fi access for a year.
skydrive_cloud.jpg
25 of 28

SkyDrive could service

File saves on Surface automatically default to Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud service.
skydrive2.jpg
26 of 28

SkyDrive

Microsoft says everything syncs seamlessly with the cloud, which is great if the Surface gets lost or stolen.
sky_200gb.jpg
27 of 28

200GB SkyDrive free

Microsoft is offering 200GB of storage free for the first two years to people who buy a Surface 2.
lineup.jpg
28 of 28

Surface lineup

Here's a summary of the new Surface lineup. See the links below for more information.

Surface 2: Read CNET's First Take

Surface Pro 2: Read CNET's First Take

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos