Microsoft Surface 2 Release Date: New Tablet On Windows RT 8.1 And Powered By Nvidia Tegra 4 Processor, New OS Comes With Outlook RT And MS Office, Available Oct. 22

Microsoft Surface 2 launch date last Monday confirmed many speculations on the features of the new tablet. Although the new Windows-run device has dropped the RT branding, primarily due to negative perception on many things RT, the Microsoft Surface 2 runs Windows 8.1 RT. It will be available on the Microsoft retail stores, MicrosoftStore.com and 22 initial markets on October 22.

The Microsoft press release noted that Surface 2 comes pre-loaded with Office Home and Student 2013 RT and Outlook 2013 RT. It is also powered by NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, which the company writes is “making apps run faster and smoother and increasing battery life to up to 10 hours for video playback.”

According to Digital Trends, the launch of the Microsoft Surface 2 was very much targeted for personal users, as the Redmond tech giant introduced it as the “most productive tablet for personal use.” Microsoft has emphasized that Microsoft Surface 2 is great for gaming, entertainment and social networking.

The screen size of the Microsoft Surface 2 is 10.6-inch in ClearType Full HD Display and renders 1080p video. The tablet has a full-size USB port and has been upgraded to USB 3.0 for up to four times faster file transfers. Camera of the Microsoft Surface 2 is now at 3.5 MP front-facing and 5MP rear, both of which can capture 1080p video and features improved low-light performance.

In a review by Digital Trends, they noted that the Surface 2 comes with all the same Skype calling freebies as the Surface Pro 2 together with the two-stage kickstand. It is available in silver/white color and slightly thinner at 8.9 MM and weights a little less at 676 grams. The lighter weight is due to Microsoft using two pieces of magnesium in the construction instead of three.

The Microsoft Surface 2 is being offered at 64GB and 128GB configuration with 4GB of RAM and starts at $449.