It's been a over a month since Surface with Windows RT hit the market and Microsoft is gearing up to release Surface with Windows 8 Pro in January 2013.
In January, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions: a 64GB standalone version at $899 and a 128GB standalone version at $999.
Both versions will both include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology and include the ability to use a Touch Cover or Type Cover (sold separately). The Touch Cover with keys printed on it costs $120, while the Type Cover with depressable keys is priced at $130.
Surface with Windows 8 Pro uses the same familiar design principles as Surface with Windows RT including the Dark Titanium VaporMg casing, dual 2x2 MIMO antennas designed specifically for Surface and of course the kickstand.
On the inside, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will come with Intel's next generation Core i5 processor. This chip will give Surface with Windows 8 Pro a graphics boost for its 10.6" 16:9 ClearType display that runs at a 1920x1080 full HD resolution. Surface with Windows 8 Pro also includes a full-size USB 3.0 port. Its Mini DisplayPort can drive an external display up to 2560X1440 resolution. Surface with Windows 8 Pro will also support Pen input. This is a feature for note-takers or document editors, especially since it has expanded capacitive and digitizing technology Microsoft is calling "Palm Block" that will prevent your handwriting from getting interrupted if you accidently place your palm on the screen as you write.
Surface with Windows 8 Pro will run the current Windows 7 desktop applications.
The device will weigh less than two pounds and be less than 14 millimeters thick.
Below you see a comparison among Surface RT, Surface with Windows 8 Pro and Apple's new iPad.
| |
Surface RT |
Surface Pro |
Apple iPad 4 |
| Processor |
NVIDIA Tegra 3 |
Core i5 with HD4000 Graphics (Ivy Bridge) |
Apple A6X |
| Connectivity |
WiFi |
WiFi |
WiFi , Optional 4G LTE |
| Memory |
2GB |
4GB |
1GB |
| Storage |
32GB or 64GB |
64GB or 128GB |
16GB - 64GB |
| Dimensions |
10.81 x 6.77 x 0.37" |
10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53" |
9.50 x 7.31 x 0.37" |
| Display |
10.6-inch 1366 x 768 PLS |
10.6-inch 1920 x 1080 PLS |
9.7-inch 2048 x 1536 IPS |
| Weight |
1.5 lbs |
2.0 lbs |
1.44 lbs |
| Battery |
31.5 Wh |
42.0 Wh |
42.5Wh |
| Price |
$499 |
$899 and $999 |
$499 up to $699 |
The Surface Pro has four to five hours of battery, since it is not powered by latest low-power Atom/Clover Trail CPU and has a higher 1920 x 1080 full HD resolution touchscreen display. This half the battery life offered by the Surface RT (eight to ten hours.)
In comparison, the third- and fourth-generation iPad with Retina display can get 10 hours of battery life despite pushing more pixels.