Microsoft grows Surface family

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft says that the pro version of its Surface tablet will be available to purchase Feb. 9 in the U.S. and Canada.

Unlike the previous version that launched in October, the "Surface Windows 8 Pro" will use the full version of Windows 8, which is backward-compatible with programs that run on earlier versions of Windows.

The tablet will be priced starting at $899 for the model with 64 gigabytes of memory.

The price includes the Surface Pen, which allows users to write or draw on the device.

It does not include the Touch Cover keyboard, which sells separately for $120, or the Type Cover, which has depressible keys, for $130.

KIRO