Microsoft May Spruce Up the Surface Pro with a Docking Station-Sources Say

Sites such as Windows SuperSite and Neowin.net report that Microsoft is planning to release a docking station for the Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 tablets. Sources indicate that the new tablet add-on is most likely going to be released on or sometime around October 18, 2013, the date when Windows 8.1 would become generally available and the projected launch schedule of the next-generation Surface, including the Surface Pro 2 powered by NAVIDIA and Intel Haswell chips.

The dock is said to be equipped with several USB ports - one USB 3.0 and three USB 2.0 ports. It will also contain a rechargeable power source and a video port that enables connection to an external monitor. And while docked, the Surface tablet will charge automatically.

In August, Microsoft was faced with a class-action lawsuit over the company's alleged misleading of investors regarding Surface RT sales. The release of new Surface peripherals may help Microsoft increase its tablet sales.

Over at Channelnomics, Larry Walsh writes that a docking station can boost the channel sales of Microsoft Surface as it will turn the Windows 8 tablet into a channel-ready PC stand-in. And over at Network World, Tim Greene says that the next-generation Surface is more suitable for business use than the earlier models. The upcoming Surface offerings will have longer battery life and Ethernet connectivity when used with a docking station.

Earlier reports from Windows SuperSite and Neowin.net indicate that Microsoft has also been working on a keyboard/cover combination for Surface devices. The keyboard/cover currently under development would have a built-in battery. The so-called Power Covers are touted to extend the battery life of the Intel-Haswell-based Surface 2 Pro, existing Intel-based Surface Pro, and the forthcoming ARM-based Surface 2.

Meanwhile, the availability of both the Microsoft Surface RT and Pro has been expanded to channel partners in 17 countries along with the U.S. commercial channel. (KOM) Link. Link.