Microsoft Surface 2 release date last month showcased the successor of the Microsoft Surface RT tablet, that for many reviewers and tech watchers, is more of a “nice try” by the Redmond tech giant than a runaway success.

The new entry-level tablet of Microsoft, designed to compete with Apple’s iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tabs and most recently, the latest range of Android-powered tablets by Dell, addressed some of the biggest complaints of it’s predecessor.

The new Microsoft Surface 2 has a faster NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor and twice the ram of its predecessor, Design and Trend noted. Many consumers have complained about the Surface RT being too slow to start up and launch apps.

According to Design and Trend, while Microsoft Surface 2 is still withholding full desktop functionality, it will be based on Windows 8.1 for a much needed speed boost.

Microsoft described the new Surface 2 as a “thin, light tablet with up to 10-hour battery life.” It is also being offered at the MicrosoftStore.com with 200GB of SkyDrive and unlimited Skype minutes.

Microsoft Surface 2 has been receiving pre-orders since it was announced and will officially be shipped on October 21, a day before it’s official October 22 release date. In a recent blog post from Microsoft, it says that the pre-order stock of Microsoft Surface 2 and it’s higher-end counterpart, the Microsoft Surface Pro and it’s accessories are almost out of stock.

Microsoft Surface 2 is being offered at the price tag of $449.00 for its 32GB version and $549.00 for its 64GB model.