In addition to all the bells and whistles included in Microsoft’s Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2 tablets, the company also took the wraps off a wide array of accessories designed to enhance the overall functionality of the upgraded tablets.
Perhaps the most interesting of the new accessories is the Docking Station for the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2. Acting as a kind of all-in-one feature booster for the tablets, the Docking Station allows users to connect to up to three USB 2.0 ports and one USB 3.0 port, offers a connection for an external monitor, and includes built-in speakers, Ethernet and its own power supply. Offered for $199.99, the device could serve as a relatively affordable way to turn the tablet into a new kind desktop-style computer.
SEE ALSO: Microsoft Reveals the Surface Pro 2
Another nod toward using the Surface tablets as desktop stand-ins is the special edition Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition ($69.99), which was reportedly designed to match the aesthetic of the Surface, but could easily be mistaken for a Star Trek: Next Generation phaser (and that’s a good thing).
But for Microsoft the real stars of the show today, aside from the tablets themselves, were the Type Cover 2 ($129.99) and Touch Cover 2 ($119.99) upgrades. Both offer backlit keyboards and a significantly thinner form factor (in the case of the Touch Cover, the device is now just 2.75 mm thick). The Type Cover will also come in a variety of colors including Cyan, Magenta, Purple and Black.
Microsoft also managed to throw in a few other new accessory goodies that add value to the new tablets including the Power Cover, a keyboard that contains a powerful battery component that has the potential to increase the battery life of your Surface tablet by up to 50%, according to the company’s test results. Unfortunately for Surface powers users, the $199.99 device won’t be available until early 2014.
Other accessories built to extend the Surface’s mobile reach and functionality include a Bluetooth wireless adapter for typing covers ($59.99) available on Tuesday, and a car charger with USB ($49.99) scheduled to be released in early 2014.
Microsoft unveils the new Surface Pro in New York City.
Press awaits access to Microsoft's Surface Event in New York City.
The audience awaits the unveiling of the Surface Pro 2 in New York City.
Faster than 95% of all ultrabooks on the market, Surface Pro 2 is a 75% improvement in battery life.
"The point of this product is to work fast. The need of this product is to work all the time."
Getting the entire, proper Office suite on the Surface is a big deal -- this was one of the biggest things holding it back.
The new Surface 2 comes with 200GB of free SkyDrive storage.
Image: Mashable