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.
It does not include the Touch Cover keyboard, which sells separately for $120, or the Type Cover, which has depressible keys, for $130.
The price includes the Surface Pen, which allows users to write or draw on the device.