In response to heightened interest of Malaysians over the Surface brand of tablets, Microsoft Malaysia unveiled the Surface 2 today. The launch was a glitzy media and partners affair which included the exclusive premiere of the movie ‘Need for Speed’, held at GSC Signature Cinemas, The Gardens in Kuala Lumpur.
I had a chance to meet Rukmani Subramaniam, incoming Chief Marketing and Operations Officer, Microsoft Malaysia who said in her opening keynote, “We’re incredibly thrilled with the enthusiastic response that Malaysians have towards our Surface line of tablets thus far. The launch of Surface 2 continues this momentum in bringing a new category of devices that have transformed the way Malaysians work and play.”
READ ALSO: Microsoft announces Surface 2 prices ahead of 14 March launch in Malaysia, starting from RM1,399
The most productive tablet on the planet, now even better
The Surface 2 builds upon the strengths of the Surface value proposition – a single device for work and play.
The Surface 2 features a new dual-angle kickstand, much improved battery life with up to 10 hours of video playback and is now powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor. The 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display is great for movies and games. The tablet also features a USB 3.0 port for super fast file transfers.
The Surface 2 also have improved optics – 5MP rear camera and 3.5MP front camera, both capable of 1080p video and improved low-light performance.
The Surface 2 runs the latest Windows RT 8.1, and comes pre-loaded with Microsoft Office Home and Student 2013 RT and Outlook 2013 RT.
What hardware without apps? The Windows Store now has over 140,000 apps with recent marquee additions including Air Asia, Facebook, Flipboard for Windows as well as new games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Avengers Initiative, Frozen Free Fall by Disney and LEGO Hero Factory Brain Attack.
Sweet freebies
To sweeten the deal even more, new customers will receive free Skype calling to landlines in more than 60 countries for one year, unlimited Skype Wi-Fi available at more than 2 million hot spots worldwide for one year, and 200 GB of free OneDrive storage for two years. Incredible value.
New accessories
Microsoft has also enhanced accessories for the Surface 2 including the new Touch Cover 2, Type Cover 2 and Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition.
The new Touch Cover 2 is thinner, lighter and now with backlit keys. Microsoft has increased the number of sensors on the cover – from 80 to 1,100 for better overall typing experience. The cover supports touch gestures across keys and touchpad.
The new Type Cover 2 is super-thin, super-light and measures just 2.75mm thin, and now comes backlit. Available in Cyan, Magenta, Purple and Black, it also includes a pressure-sensitive touchpad that supports touch gestures.
With the new Surface 2, Microsoft is introducing the new Surface Edition Arc Touch Mouse, an innovative mouse that conform’s to users’ hands. It flattens for easy storage. The new mouse connects to the Surface via Bluetooth.
Full price list
32GB Surface 2 – RM1,399.00
64GB Surface 2 – RM1,699.00
Touch Cover 2 – RM379.00
Type Cover 2 – RM409.00
Surface Edition Arc Touch Mouse – RM219.00
Oldies but goodies
Microsoft is also making available previous generation Surface devices and accessories until stocks dry up.
Surface RT 64GB – RM1,199.00
Surface Pro – RM1,899.00
Surface Touch Cover (Black, White, Red, Cyan and Magenta) – RM279.00
Surface Type Cover – RM319.00
Microsoft Wedge Mouse – RM219.00
Surface 2 reaches further
Along with Malaysia, Surface 2 is coming to five other new markets on 14 March 2014. This means the Surface 2 will be available in 29 total markets worldwide: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Catch the Surface 2 at these roadshows
- Mid Valley Megamall: 10-16 March 2014
- Sunway Pyramid: 19-23 March 2014
- Plaza Low Yat: 17-13 April 2014
If you haven’t, read up on my initial thoughts on the Surface 2.
