Microsoft has launched its Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 tablets. We've rounded up all details on the Surface 2 tablets release date, price, specification and accessories..

Microsoft has unveiled the Surface 2, which replaces the Surface RT, and launched the Surface Pro 2, the Surface Pro's successor. Rumours of a Surface mini turned out to be just that: both tablets have the same 10.6in screen as their predecessors.

See also: Microsoft Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 benchmarks and hands-on.

The Surface Pro 2 now has a dual-position kickstand so you can place it at different angles, and also comes in silver.

See also: Microsoft to update Surface tablets and introduce price cut.

Surface 2: Release date

The Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will be available through Microsoft stores on 22 October in the UK and 21 other countries, and you can pre-order a Surface 2 from 1pm on 24 September. China will have to wait until early November.

The launch is just a few days after Microsoft releases Windows 8.1 on 17 October.

Surface 2: Price

The Surface 2 will cost £359 for the 32GB model, and there's also a pricier 64GB version. Microsoft is planning to carry on selling the first generation Surface tablets alongside their successors.

Meanwhile, the Surface Pro 2 will start at £719 for the 64GB model, which will have 4GB of RAM. There will also be a 128GB version, also with 4GB of memory. 256GB and 512GB versions will each be offered with 8GB of RAM.

Storage	Surface 2	Surface Pro 2
32 GB	£359	n/a
64 GB	£439	£719
128 GB	n/a	£799
256 GB	n/a	£1,039
512 GB	n/a	£1,439

Surface 2: Specs

In terms of specifications, the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 will use the same 10.6 in and will offer the same number of USB ports. They will, of course, come pre-loaded with Windows 8.1. Here's a rundown of the key points:

Surface 2

•    OS: Windows RT 8.1
•    Screen: 10.6 in ClearType Full HD (1920 x 1080)
•    Processor: nVidia Tegra 4
•    Storage: 32/64 GB
•    Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, USB 3.0, micro-SD expansion (up to 64GB), HD video-out port.
•    Battery: Up to 10 hours.
•    Dimensions: Thinner and lighter than Surface RT.

Surface Pro 2

•    OS: Windows 8.1 Pro
•    Screen: 10.6 in ClearType Full HD (1920 x 1080)
•    Processor: Intel Core i5 (Haswell)
•    Storage: 64/128/256/512 GB
•    Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, USB 3.0, micro-SD expansion (up to 64GB), HD video-out port.
•    Stylus: Digital Pro Pen.
•    Battery: 75 percent more than Surface Pro.

Surface 2: Accessories

You might be more interested in the Surface 2 accessories than the tablets themselves.

Chief among these is the new 'Power Cover' which has not only a keyboard but a battery too.It will arrive early 2014 with a price of $199.

There's also a docking station for the Surface Pro 2 which has connectors for an external monitor, Ethernet, audio out, USB 2 and 3. This will be released in 'early 2014' with an estimated price of $199.

Microsoft has also updated the Type Cover ($129) and Touch Cover ($119). The former is now backlit and has a more rigid structure while the latter is thinner and lighter and is also backlit.

Other accessories include a Wireless Adapter ($59) for the Type and Touch covers for remote typing, a Car Charger with USB and a Surface Edition Arc Touch Mouse ($69). Lastly, there will be a Surface Music Kit focused on musical use.

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