Microsoft today introduced the Surface Pro 2, the successor to the Microsoft Surface Pro for Windows 8. The updated model shares many of the same aspects as the previous model, including a focus on the professional user who needs full ultrabook capabilities like compatibility with programs used on other laptops and desktops.

The Surface Pro 2 has a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor, 4-8 GB of system memory, the same 10.6-inch full HD 1080p 10-point touch screen, and up to 512GB of SSD-based storage. The base system with 4GB of system memory and 64GB of SSD storage will start at $899.

At first glance, the Surface Pro 2 looks and feels just like the model introduced early in 2013. It's still got the same black painted magnesium exterior, single USB 3.0 port, mini-DisplayPort, 0.53-inch thickness, and the same roughly two pound system weight. Also like its predecessor, the Surface Pro 2 feels comfortable in the hand, and is easy to stow and deploy for use.

The kickstand has been tweaked with one additional, more horizontal setting. The two-stage lean on the kickstand allows for tabletop seated use, standing tabletop use, and on-the-lap use. We found the new kickstand a lot easier to use in the standing position on the various Surface models in the hands-on room. The edge of the kickstand will still press into your legs if you're wearing shorts, but the kickstand's angle is now much more conducive to on-the-lap use. You'll still see the cooling vent channel cut around the outer edge of the system, and the same Surface Pro stylus is included in the package, with its digitizer and built-in 10,24 levels of pressure sensitivity.

The new features are concentrated within the chassis and on all the new accessories to which you can connect your Surface Pro 2. The Surface Pro 2 comes with an Intel Core i5-4200U processor, up a generation from the Intel Core i5-3317U processor found in the older Surface Pro. The i5-4200U has improved Intel HD Graphics 4400, which leads to better 3D gaming performance on the World of Warcraft demo that was playing on the preview unit (8GB memory, 256GB storage, $1,299) we tried out. Switching back and forth between Office apps and the game was snappy. We didn't get a chance to try out the new system's battery life, but Microsoft is claiming a 75 percent jump in battery life, which takes it from just under five hours (measured on our tests of the original Surface Pro) to just under nine hours.

The hot accessory is sure to be the new Power Cover ($199.99), which has a built-in battery that will increase overall battery life by a combined 2.5x. Assuming that's 2.5x of the new system, this would bring the battery life to a truly all-day/night 22 hours. When we tried the Power Cover out at the Surface event, we could feel the 1mm shorter key travel compared to the old Type Cover.

The Power Cover and new Type Cover 2 ($129.99) both share the new shorter throw key switches and a subsequently tighter typing feel. The stiffer springs and key travel on the Power Cover and Type Cover 2 allowed for speedy typing, with less key clack noise than the previous version. The Power Cover has two new contacts that match the extra contacts we saw in the magnetic connector, ostensibly to provide power transfer to the Surface Pro 2. The Power Cover is slightly thicker than the old Type Cover, and the new Type Cover 2 is just a smidge thicker than the older Touch Cover.

We also got to try out a purple Type Cover 2, which had a nice and even backlight. The Type Cover 2 and Touch Cover 2 ($119.99) are both backlit. Color choices have moved to the Type Cover 2, with purple, cyan, magenta, and black as choices. The Touch Cover 2 and Power Cover are both black with the dark grey felt-like texture on the back. The Type Cover 2 and Touch Cover 2 are expected to be available in October 2013, with the Power Cover following on later in early 2014.

The Surface Pro 2 comes with Micorsoft's updated Windows 8.1 operating system, 200GB of SkyDrive cloud-based storage (for two years) and Skype with international calling to landlines and Skype Wi-Fi hotspot subscription (for one year). Unlike the Windows 8.1 RT-based Microsoft Surface 2, you'll still have to source a copy of Office separately on the Surface Pro 2.

Overall, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 improves the features of the original Surface Pro. If you've been waiting for the fourth-generation Intel Core i5 (Haswell) to get the Microsoft Surface Pro, now may be the time to get off the fence. Stay tuned for our full review of the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, Microsoft Surface 2, and their shared accessories in the coming weeks on PCMag.com

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