Microsoft Sends Out Invites to Surface 2 Event

All eyes might have been on Apple today San Francisco, but Microsoft is having a party of its own. The company yesterday sent out invitations to an event later this month where it plans to announce the next generation of Surface.

Though it hasn't yet been a year since the original Surface, Microsoft is preparing to announce the new Surface and Surface Pro on September 23. With Windows 8.1 due in October and the current generation of Surface Pro on permanent discount, the invitations are no surprise to anyone. While full specs are not yet known, the Surface is rumored to pack Intel's Haswell (Core i5), Windows 8.1, 8 GB of RAM, and an improved kickstand. The company is also expected to announce a brand new 'Power Cover' that will include both a keyboard and an external battery.

Interestingly, Microsoft is said to be ditching the 'RT' branding for the budget Surface. Instead, the version running Windows RT will simply be called "Surface 2." Windows RT hasn't exactly taken off the way Microsoft had hoped. While the company isn't quite ready to give up on the ARM-powered version of Windows 8, the decision to drop the 'RT' from the name is pretty telling.

No word on pricing just yet, but we'll keep you posted!

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23 Comments Comment from the forums

jhansonxi

RT -> 2? There will be many buyers surprised by the lack of x86 application support. With the current naming scheme they at least know what to avoid.
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teh_chem

Yes Microsoft, now that everyone knows that windows RT is cut-down tablet-version, please, by all means, change the name yet again.

I have high hopes for the surface 2. TBH, the only real reason I use an android tablet is because I don't like iOS. If MS can produce a competent tablet that isn't laggy due to the crappy tegra3, and is of comparable form-factor, weight, and battery life, I'd probably ditch my nexus 7. Maybe...depends...
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m32

You know people are going to be ticked off when they can't install their x86 apps.
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lpedraja2002

I hope the Surface Pro drops in price even further, it is really an amazing all in one product. I desperately want it after learning it has a Wacom digtizer but I can't spend that much money while my laptop still lives.
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frankpakdmys

I can't want for Pro 2!
I was playing with the Pro in the store and it was absolutely gorgeous (bit heavier but it's ok) and extremely responsive!

I want something that plays flash (it's important to me) without having to download things and use other applications and it was perfect for me.
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jimmysmitty

11516399 said:
Yes Microsoft, now that everyone knows that windows RT is cut-down tablet-version, please, by all means, change the name yet again.

I have high hopes for the surface 2. TBH, the only real reason I use an android tablet is because I don't like iOS. If MS can produce a competent tablet that isn't laggy due to the crappy tegra3, and is of comparable form-factor, weight, and battery life, I'd probably ditch my nexus 7. Maybe...depends...

This is a Haswell based Surface (Pro 2) so the battery life will probably jump a lot since that was one f the biggest things Intel worked on. Some laptops were showing 9 hours of average use, the new Haswell MacBook Air is about 13 hours of average use. Its about the same as a Tablet in most other areas.

Depending on which chip it is as well, it will have decent graphics. I am assuming its a BGA based chip so it will have the Iris Pro on higher end CPU models which is roughly equivalent to a GT640/GTX650 in some cases (HD5200).

Now all they need is a 1080p OLED screen.
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JD88

I just don't get it. The lower priced Surface just needs to be powered by one of Intel's new Atom chips or an AMD Temash running full Windows. Keep everything else exactly the same and this thing would be a winner.

Instead, it's going to be another epic fail. I don't understand how releasing the exact same product with a slightly faster chip is going to change that. Save Windows RT for something like 8" tablets or merge it with windows phone for everything under 10" and use all the arm chips you like. It's not like legacy Windows apps would really be usable at those screen sizes anyway.
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back_by_demand

It's unfair to say Surface RT can't run x86 programs, because neither can Apple or Android, all 3 have Apps specially made for it and despite the overhype on how many more Apps they have over RT, there are only so many people actually use and they nearly all match up - seriously, has anyone got more than 1000 apps installed? There are 160 fart apps, how many of those does anybody have?
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portentous

Agree with JD88. I do like my current Surface RT and would go for the next Generation Surface Pro if it has the Haswell. While the Surface RT is great and has replaced my iPad and Nexus 7, having Atom and running legacy full fat Windows would make it unbeatable.
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w8gaming

11516710 said:
I just don't get it. The lower priced Surface just needs to be powered by one of Intel's new Atom chips or an AMD Temash running full Windows. Keep everything else exactly the same and this thing would be a winner.

Instead, it's going to be another epic fail. I don't understand how releasing the exact same product with a slightly faster chip is going to change that. Save Windows RT for something like 8" tablets or merge it with windows phone for everything under 10" and use all the arm chips you like. It's not like legacy Windows apps would really be usable at those screen sizes anyway.

The only way I see Surface 2 (RT model, not Pro) will ever fly is to priced it below $200 and lower. Now almost after a year, the app situation in Windows Store is still disappointing. Sure, they now have some social networking app now. But still, one of the most popular app in Android, Whatsapp is only made for Windows Phone, not RT. Most likely due to lack of 3G/4G support. Even video players are few in selection and unable to playback many formats. The app situation is bad beyond descriptions. But still, HP managed to sell out their tablets with a price tag of $100 and no future upgrade and support. So that proves low price does sell. And Surface RT can run Office at least.

As for legacy app not usable at 8" screen size, actually the first netbook had an 8" screen, way underpowered CPU, and sold like hot cakes. Some people might find use for it. But it will never be mainstream though.

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