World's first as Surface family launches in NZ

Kiwis will head the queue to check out Microsoft's new Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 this month - in a world's first launch in New Zealand on October 22.

Beating our friends in Redmond and the rest of world thanks to that beautiful thing called 'time difference', New Zealanders will get first glimpses of the growing Surface family.

With both devices each benefitting from significant updates, Microsoft says they have "definitely gotten a year smarter" with the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 models.

As reported by TechDay last month, the Surface 2 is a “complete revamp” of Microsoft’s first tablet, which debuted a year ago - encompassing an improved camera, new kickstand and the same HD screen as the Pro 2.

In terms of the Surface Pro 2, the device now boasts 75 percent more battery life, a new docking station that converts it to a powerful workstation and a kickstand that you can use on your lap.

Encouragingly for Microsoft, with less than two weeks to go until the official release, pre-order stock is close to selling out.

“It looks like pre-order stock of the Surface 2 (64GB) and Surface Pro 2 (256 GB and 512GB) are close to selling out,” Microsoft said on the company’s official blog site earlier this week.

“We’re pretty happy about this of course given we just unveiled Surface 2, Surface Pro 2 and the new accessories to the world only a week or so ago.”

TechDay will be taking a review units home on the day of the launch - so stay tuned for our expert opinions on the products.

Will you be in line for the new Microsoft Surface range?