Surface Pro 2 Tablet Announced: Here's Everything You Need To Know About Microsoft's New Tablet [VIDEO]

Microsoft officially unveiled their second-generation Windows 8 tablets, including the highly anticipated new Surface Pro 2. As expected the new Surface Pro totes a 10.1-inch display and is running a full version of the Windows desktop operating system. The new tablet also features a number of hardware upgrades. Mirroring previous reports, the Surface Pro 2 utilizes a new Intel Haswell processor. Microsoft states that the new tablet is 20 percent faster than the original and that there is a 50 percent increase to graphics performance.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 tablets also features an improved battery life, with the company stating the battery has is improved by 75 percent. The new model also features a digitizer pen and a dual-stage kickstand, which should please those who experienced issues with the original Surface Pro's kick-stand. Aesthetically the new Surface Pro resembles its predecessor. Microsoft also retained what appears to be the same magnesium alloy, VaporMg casing and dark finish that came with the original Surface Pro.

This time around however, Microsoft will offer more than the Type Cover and Touch Cover. After unveiling the new tablet the company also unveiled a fabric-wrapped Power Cover which is said to extend the battery life of the Surface Pro 2 by two and half times. A surface docking station was also introduced, which adds a number of additional ports, making the tablet more like a laptop.

The docking station features four USB ports, a Mini DisplayPort, Ethernet, audio in and out, and a power port. The new Type Cover will be offered in a number of different colors, is now backlit and is said to be thinner than the previous model.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 2 will start at $899 and will be offered in 64 GB and 128 GB configurations with 4 GB or RAM. The company will also offer 256 GB and 512 GB versions with 8 GB of RAM.

Pre-orders for the Surface Pro 2 will start September 24 through Microsoft's physical and online stores. You can also pre-order at Best Buy in the U.S. and Canada.

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