Apple’s iPad has dominated the tablet market for years, but people forget that Microsoft had tablets a long time ago, they just weren’t awesome. But now that the iPad has broken the mold, the behemoth from Redmond has fired back with the Microsoft Surface, a touch-screen tablet that’s oh so much more.
Chances are good that you’ve seen the Surface RT out and about. They’ve sold quite a few versions of that tablet, and understandably so. It features all of the great things that you can do with a PC, such as email, the Microsoft Office Suite and a full Windows desktop, but in a smaller and lighter package. Combine it with the very cool Touch Cover and you’ve got a pretty solid work machine.
But the RT was just what was sitting on the surface. (See what I did there?) The Pro model is where the big boys will come to play, as it’s got more power at its disposal. Sporting an Intel Core i5 processor, Windows 8 Pro and full 1080 HD resolution, the Pro can function as a desktop or laptop replacement. Don’t believe us? Then plug in the Surface to a monitor using the included Mini DisplayPort and run Windows 8 on a screen with up to 2560×1440 resolution (ironically enough, the same resolution as Apple’s popular Thunderbolt display).
So how much does it all cost? The 64GB Surface Pro is $899 and the 128GB version $999. You’ll want to get either the Touch or Type Cover with it too, so expect to spend another $119.99 to $129.99, respectively. Of course, you can still get the RT if you don’t need the power of the Pro, and that goes for $499 for the 32GB model, $699 for the 64GB with the black Touch Cover.
The RT is available right now at Microsoft stores, online and select retailers, and the Pro will be available in January.
