Microsoft to Release Windows 8 Pro in January

It looks as though Microsoft is pretty happy with the success of its Surface series of tablets and the Windows 8 operating system. This is evident with its announcement of the new Surface Tablet that carries the Windows 8 Pro Operating System. Microsoft has just announced that the new tablet will be available from January 2013.

Different avatars of the new tablet

Panos Panay, the general manager of Microsoft Surface announced that Redmond intends to offer two categories of Surface running on Windows and each will be priced higher than the ones running on Windows RT, ARM-based processors.

The Surface’s entry-level tablet comes with Windows 8 Pro that will ship with 64GB storage capability for $899. Another version with the same features and specifications will be out in the market for $999 with 128 GB of storage space.

In comparison to this, the latest Windows RT Surface with 32 GB storage capability is priced at $499 which is 44% less expensive than the entry-level Windows 8 Pro. The high-end Windows RT Surface tablet is bundled with Touch Cover which can be doubled as a keyboard. Neither of the Windows 8 Pro comes with a cover. Hence, if you want an independent keyboard, you might have to shell out an extra $120.

How will the Window 8 Pro machines fare in the market?

The high pricing of the new tablets raises concern over its competition in the market. As per Redmond’s claims, the new tablets are not just ordinary ones. The run on Windows 7 desktop applications integrate with the existing infrastructure. Redmond also claims that the new tablet is not a customer toy but a business device.

What makes the new tablets a business device?
The new tablets support office applications like Access, Outlook, SharePoint, Visio and so many other business-related components. On the other hand, the Windows RT Surface features only Excel, PowerPoint, Word and OneNote. Another major factor to be noted – Windows RT Surface comes bundled with the above mentioned Office applications at no additional cost even though it cannot support all the Office applications. The Windows 8 Pro tablet is not bundled with any application, so you will have to be ready to shell out some money on that as well.

Hardware Specifications
The hardware specifications of the new tablets are more powerful than the ones in the Windows RT tablets. The Windows 8 Pro tablet has a RAM specification of 4 GB, boasting a 3rd generation i5 processor instead of the Windows RT Tegra 3.
The new tablet has the same display size as the old one (10.6 inch). However, the pixel resolution is much better with its 1920-by-1080 reading when compared to the 1366-by-768 reading of the Widows RT. As a matter of fact, these displays are not competitive with the latest iPads. The Pro tablet also boosts a USB 3.0 port and a Mini Display Port. The new tablet also has an attached stylus. Microsoft also claims that the pen, thanks to the Palm Block technology, can prevent your handwriting from being disturbed by your palm.
Going by the claims of Microsoft and the promised specifications, one would think that the new Windows 8 Pro tablet computer will make a great new year start for Microsoft, keeping it in line with the success of the previous Surface tablets.

Carlene Masker is a technology enthusiast who is fond of writing helpful tips and fresh tidbits of information about the different fields in technology and innovation. She is currently working with Telco Services where you can find the latest information on Verizon FiOS deals.