NewsAssemblage: Microsoft Wants You To Ditch Your Tablet, Laptop

Today saw a revamp of the Microsoft Surface Pro and Microsoft was pretty clear about their intent to replace all your computing devices with just one; the new Surface Pro 2. Microsoft over emphasized the fact that the new Surface Pro is alot more powerful that 95% of devices out there, even taking a jab and Macs. The Surface Pro 2 spots a significantly improved battery life of 75% thanks to the improved Intel Haswell i5 processor and a 20% increase in power and a major bump in graphics capability. Not much has changed on the looks front. The device looks exactly the same with similar ports and dimensions as the initial Surface Pro and it still features the highly praised WACOM Digitizer pen. It does however feature a larger speaker grille. The Surface Pro 2 also features an updated 2 stage kickstand that makes it a lot more "lappable".

If the current Battery gain isn't sufficient enough for that 12hr business trip from New York to Tokyo, the company also announced the power cover that adds an addition 2.5 times more battery life to the device almost guaranteeing a significant bump up in battery. The power cover was announced along site a bevy of new Touch and Type covers all featuring a thinner profile, backlit keys and in the case of the Touch Cover, a new Music Cover.

The basics seem to address laptop needs somewhat but how does it replace your desktop or that workstation you have in your office? Microsoft also announced today the Surface docking station and although not stated during the event, Microsoft has also announced the wireless cover adapter. The docking station features 4 USB ports, 3 of them USB 2.0 and one with a 3.0 port. It also features an Ethernet port, Audio in and out plus a dedicated power output. Finally, it features a Mini Display port that can power 4K screens.

Customization wise, you can pick up the Surface Pro 2 starting at $899 with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage. The 4GB Ram model also comes with 128GB of storage. Two other device configurations exist with 256GB and 512GB storage and 8GB of RAM. The storage front also includes 200GB of free Skydrive for two years.

A lot coming from Microsoft today in the way of devices and accessories but it does beg to question; can a combination of a Dock, a Wireless cover and an improved Surface Pro 2 replace your iPad, Thinkpad and your DELL workstation at work? We will find out soon enough. Preorders for Microsoft's new products start September 24th and launch officially October 22nd.