Microsoft has confirmed that its Intel-powered Windows 8 Pro Surface tablet will launch on February 9, 2013.
The device – which is equipped with a Core i5 processor – starts at $900 and will be available at a number of retailers, including Microsoft’s official store, Staples and Best Buy.
Unlike Microsoft’s $500 ARM-powered Surface RT, the Surface Pro can run all Windows 7 desktop software – in addition to the current generation of Windows 8 apps.
The Surface Pro will be available in 64GB and 128GB configurations. Both models are packaged with a Surface pen built around Block technology, which allows users to edit, collaborate and “get things done.”
Additional accessories, such as the Touch Cover and Type Cover, carry a price tag of $120 and $130, respectively.
Microsoft also announced a slew of new accessories for its tablet lineup, including three touch covers (red, magenta and cyan) for $130, along with a Wedge Touch Mouse for $70.
It remains unclear if Microsoft’s Pro tablet will be more popular than its RT counterpart, which likely sold fewer than 1 million units, at least according to some estimates.
Analysts at UBS believe Microsoft will sell a total of 2.5 million Surface Pro tablets for all of fiscal 2013.
