New Surface Pro Power Cover Tipped To Have Built-In Battery

Despite Microsoft's Surface tablets, both RT and Pro, garnering mixed, if not mostly negative, reviews, the company seems to be intent on continuing the line, with rumors of a next generation Surface Pro tablet in the works. If so, Microsoft seems to be learning from its and others' mistakes and is planning to release a detachable cover that not only provides a keyboard but an extra power source as well.

Microsoft's Windows 8 tablets currently have two keyboard cover options available. The Touch Cover is a touch-sensitive surface that offers minimal typing feedback while the Type Cover gives a more authentic haptic experience without sacrificing the extremely thin profile. While both covers have found their respective fans and believers, they suffer from noticeable flaws such as lack of rigidity and even a lack of weight that makes the setup quite top-heavy and unusable on uneven surfaces.

Despite an initial phase of popularity, the Surface tablets, especially the Surface RT, fared poorly, resulting in Microsoft making permanent price cuts on the tablets. But almost immediately, rumors started to come out about Microsoft working on an improved version of the Surface Pro that will feature an Intel Haswell processor, upgraded RAM, and a still unknown refined kickstand.

It seems that there will be an improved cover for this new Surface Pro 2 as well. Dubbed as the Power Cover, this new accessory will still provide a keyboard but will also acts as an extended battery when the Surface Pro is connected. As a result of the built-in battery, the Power Cover is expected to be twice as heavy, at 1.1 pounds against the Type Cover's 0.55 pounds, and just slightly thicker, standing at 9.75 mm versus the 5.33 mm of the Type Cover.

It seems that the Power Cover will come much later than the release of the Surface Pro 2 and that the new cover will only be compatible with Surface Pro, both old and new, tablets, leaving the Surface RT behind. Considering the almost unanimously negative feedback on the tablet and Windows RT itself, it might not come as a surprise if Microsoft decides to drop it altogether.

VIA: Neowin, WinSuperSite