Microsoft has revealed the Surface Pro 2, its latest attempt to challenge Apple and Android in the tablet arena.
Unveiling the device at a New York press conference, Microsoft VP of Surface Panos Panay described the Surface Pro 2 as "one of the best products Microsoft has built... What I believe is the most powerful tablet for professional use in the world".
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Surface Pro 2 is expected to ship on 22 October in "selected markets", with prices starting at $899, according to Microsoft.
The device features a 20 per cent improvement in speed as well as a 50 per cent boost in graphics, according to Microsoft, with Panay boasting that "Surface Pro 2 is literally faster than 95 per cent of laptops today", adding that it has 75 per cent more battery life than Microsoft's original Surface tablet.
The Surface Pro 2's Docking Station features four USB connectors, a Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet connection as well as , Audio in, Audio Out and Power sockets. Surface Pro 2 will also run on Windows 8.1.
The Surface Docking Station is designed to encourage users to treat the Pro 2 as a desktop replacement system.
Microsoft also revealed a new Surface keyboard, Type Cover 2, which it said allows for faster, more comfortable typing – although it won't be available until next year.
Microsoft also revealed Surface 2, what appears to essentially be a revamped version of Windows Surface RT, which will run on a new version of the OS dubbed Windows 8.1 RT. The device is reportedly lighter and faster than the previous incarnation.
