Last fall, Microsoft promised to deliver a 4G LTE-enabled version of the Surface 2 tablet early this year. That time is now upon us as the Redmond-based tech giant has announced the cellular slate will arrive on March 18 priced at $679 for the 64GB model.
The $679 price tag is certainly a lot to swallow, especially when you consider the fact that it doesn’t include a keyboard cover. On the lower end, you’re looking at another $80 for a touch cover or up to $200 more for a power cover. With a power cover, you’re at around $900 which could buy a respectable Ultrabook.
The same Surface 2 without LTE is priced at $549 which means you’re paying an extra $130 for wireless connectivity. That just happens to be the same premium that users pay for a cellular iPad over a Wi-Fi model which probably isn’t a coincidence as Microsoft is positioning the Surface 2 as a competitor to the iPad Air and the MacBook Air.
Microsoft is working with AT&T for wireless service. It’s worth pointing out, however, that the device is unlocked and can in theory be used on any GSM network.
The Surface 2 with LTE is essentially no different than the standard Surface 2. If you recall, the machine features an Nvidia Tegra 4 processor and a 10.6-inch, 1,920 x 1,080 resolution display. It weighs 1.49 pounds without a keyboard cover (less than 1.51 pounds with LTE) and runs Windows 8.1 RT.
