Surface 2 lands in Australia October 22

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news Technology giant Microsoft has revealed the second versions of its Windows 8-based Surface tablet will land in Australia from October 22, with prices to be similar to the cost of the devices when sold in the US.

A number of enhancements have been made to the Surface family of tablets for their second major launch. According to a statement issued by Microsoft globally, both the Surface 2 and the Surface 2 Pro tablet “each benefit from significant updates, including improvements to processing power and battery life, to display and camera resolution, and to the Kickstand, now with dual angles, so it’s more comfortable for you to use your Surface on your lap or at your desk.” The Surface 2 will ship with Windows RT 8.1, while the Surface 2 Pro will ship with Windows 8.1

According to a blog post this morning by Tina Flammer, Microsoft Australia’s Windows Business Group Lead, the devices will hit Australia from October 22, at the same time as they will launch in a number of other first-world countries. Accessories such as new ‘Touch and Type’ covers, a ‘Power Cover’ and a Docking Station for the Surface Pro are also to be made available.

“In Australia, the new models and select accessories will be available at MicrosoftStore.com, via retailers Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi, and from authorised Surface commercial resellers,” wrote Flammer. “Customers can pre-order Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 starting at 10 p.m. AEST on Sept. 24, 2013, at MicrosoftStore.com and via Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.”

Local Australian recommended retail pricing (including GST) for the Surface 2 is: $529 RRP for the 32GB version, and $639 for the 64GB version. Local pricing (including GST) for the Surface Pro 2 is: Surface Pro 2 64GB + Surface pen – AU$1019; Surface Pro 2 128GB + Surface pen – AU$1129; Surface Pro 2 256GB + Surface pen – AU$1469; and Surface Pro 2 512GB + Surface pen – AU$2039.

According to analysis of the pricing conducted by Lifehacker, there isn’t any ‘Australian technology tax’ added to the prices.

opinion/analysis
I haven’t seen a lot of interest from individuals in Microsoft’s Surface line, but I have seen a great amount of interest from corporate buyers. Massive kudos to Microsoft for ramping up its manufacturing and getting the new line to Australia at the same time as it launches in the US, and at the same price. That’s not something we could say about the previous Surface launch Down Under.

Image credit: Microsoft

11 COMMENTS

  1. Just in time was about to order a surface pro to replace my laptop. Been looking at a windows 8 tablet or hybrid as a laptop replacement and it looks like there are some good improvements.
    As good as a Ipad is there are still some things you just can’t do on iOS.

  2. I notice Microsoft almost dropped the letters “RT” altogether from their keynote. Given the first Surface and WindowsRT in general have been such a failure, its hardly surprising I guess. It makes more sense to focus on the Surface branding moving forward. I wonder if we will see any more RT devices from anyone but Microsoft/Nokia?

    I am a little surprised to still see the Surface 1 remain on sale, given its Tegra3 performance is so awful (it was bad at release, let alone a year on) however I guess they still have a lot of stock left to move. I genuinely feel sorry for anyone that buys one.

    The new Haswell-powered Surface Pro 2, on the other hand looks really nice, if you are prepared to pay the cash for a tablet that can also function as full Windows8 computer. Quite expensive though, when you consider the types of laptops/tablets/convertibles you can get for the same price.

    I imagine the Surface Pro 2 will sell pretty well, but until the ecosystem of ‘Modern UI’ apps greatly expands, there’s still not much the regular Surface 2 offers consumers over the competition (unless you really need Microsoft Office on a tablet).

  3. Pricing seems about right to me. The RT models are cheaper than the equivalent iPad sure you can android tablets for less but you can also get android tablets for more.

    As for the surface pro it is really competing in the ultrabook and hybrid space, as it is a full desktop OS price seem comparable to similar products it comes down to the features you are willing to pay for.

  4. there’s a youtube vid of a guy with 4 external monitors hooked up to his surface pro ..

    i might see if i can arrange one for work as a “project” …

  5. Ah, dammit. I initially thought it said ‘Scarface 2’ but then I click in and find it is just the surface.

    • I hear Microsoft are considering Tony Montana for their next CEO (a much calmer and more refined boss than Ballmer ;) )

  6. does anyone notice that in america it cost $404 while in australia it cost $530…. i can’t justify living in australia anymore

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