Surface Pro 2 Pictures

By Brandon Widder Published September 23, 2013

Following months of previous rumors and insider speculation, tech giant Microsoft has announced the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets at a media event in New York, ditching the former RT branding and moving forward with the successors of its two flagship tablets.

Microsoft’s Panos Panay began the event with a quick look at the Surface Pro 2, touting the device as “faster than 95 percent of laptops today.” Equipped with a new 1.6GHz Core i5 Haswell Intel processor, Microsoft claims the new device sports a 20-percent speed increase and a 50-percent graphics boost over its predecessor, while increasing battery life by about 75 percent. Additionally, each tablet will ship with Windows 8.1 RT, providing access to more than 100,000 apps available through the Windows Store, and dons a 10.6-inch, 1080p display consistent with the original Surface Pro.

The slim, magnesium body features improved front and rear cameras, a built-in kickstand adjustable to two different angles, and the word “Surface” sprawled upon the back of the tablet in lieu of the former Microsoft logo. Although the Surface 2 will be available sporting a silver-white exterior, the Surface Pro 2 will retain the “dark titanium” color of its predecessor. The device is also equipped with three USB 2.0 and one USB 3.0 ports in addition to those for Ethernet, audio in/out, charging and a mini DisplayPort.

Pre-orders for the Surface Pro 2 begin on September 24 at 8 a.m. EDT through Microsoft’s online and retail stores, as well as several third-party stockists, with a tentative release date slated for October 22 in most major markets. The Surface Pro 2 starts at $900 for the 64GB version.

Senior Editor, Living Articles

Brandon Widder is a multimedia journalist and a staff writer for Digital Trends where he covers technology news, how-to…

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Computing

Microsoft won’t back down on Windows 11’s biggest hurdle

The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window.

Microsoft has reaffirmed that it will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, solidifying the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and a compatible CPU. This decision leaves many older PCs ineligible for the upgrade. Microsoft emphasizes that these standards are vital for improved security and performance.

As per a recent blog post titled “TPM 2.0 – a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11,” Microsoft reaffirmed its decision not to relax Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature that protects sensitive data and ensures secure boot processes. Microsoft argues that such measures are nonnegotiable as the company continues to address rising cybersecurity threats. The minimum requirements include a list of approved CPUs, starting from AMD Ryzen 2000 and Intel 8th Gen processors, that offer advanced security features and better performance efficiency.

Computing

Cyber Monday Strategy: Should you save the full $466 on a complete Microsoft Surface Pro 11 for Cyber Monday?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 front view in tablet mode.

A lot of Cyber Monday deals can give you a feeling of restriction. And by this, I mean there isn't a lot of room for the freedom to choose and build and tinker like there are at other times. "This is what you'll get, and you'll like it!" the world seems to say. And that's true of Cyber Monday Microsoft Surface deals, too (including the "you'll like it" part, they are pretty great deals and you will like them, go check them out!). But, if you go through Microsoft you can now get a Surface Pro 11 bundle with the works (including the critical keyboard and even a stylus pen) and get up to $466 in savings. It's one of the best ways to get the full Microsoft Surface Pro 11 experience out there. But how should you build your bundle? And is maxing out the savings really the best choice? Tap the button below to get started and we'll walk you through the five-step process in no time.

How to shop Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 Bundle offer
Microsoft's store lays this out as a five-step custom order, and there's no reason for us to do any differently:

Computing

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The ports shown on the side of the Surface Pro 11.

I loved the Surface Pro 11th Edition. In my review of it, I tell people to "just buy it." If you've ever been curious about the Surface Pro, the 11th-generation model feels like the version of this device that I've always wanted it to be. It's a true iPad Pro competitor in just about every aspect -- except that it runs Windows and is a much better laptop replacement.

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