Microsoft has started taking pre-orders for its Surface Power Cover accessory in the US. Customers' orders will start to ship from 19th March onwards. Priced at $199.99 the accessory combines the functionality of a type-cover with a battery expansion which "extends the battery life of your Surface up to 70 per cent". It is also useful as a screen cover. At the time of writing the accessory isn't listed on the UK Microsoft Store.
We first learned of Microsoft's Surface Power Cover accessory in early September last year. It was said to combine a type cover and a battery which would give a significant stamina boost over the using the built-in Surface battery cells on their own. The boost really is significant as it provides Surface 2 users with 70 per cent more wall-wart free time. Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 battery life increases by up to 60 per cent. Unfortunately the new Power Cover accessory won't work with the Surface RT.
Surface Power Cover Tech specs
- Dimensions: 188mm x 277mm and 9.75 mm thick
- Weight: 250g
- Compatibility: Surface 2, Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2
- Available colours: Black
- Keys: • Activation: Moving (mechanical) keys • Layout: QWERTY, full row of function keys (F1 – F12) • Dedicated buttons for Windows shortcuts and media controls
- Interface: Magnetic
- Sensors: Accelerometer
- Warranty: 1-year limited hardware warranty
ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley notes that the desirable new Power Covers lack the backlighting of the new Surface Type 2 and Touch 2 covers. There is no word yet on UK pricing or availability. In related news some Microsoft Stores are said to be receiving their first stocks of Surface 2 tablets with LTE.
