Surface Pro Available Starting Feb. 9

After months of speculation, Microsoft today made official the release date for the Surface Windows 8 Pro, big brother to the currently available Surface RT.

Starting Feb. 9 in the U.S. and Canada you’ll be able to get your hands on this Core i5-toting tablet at all Microsoft retail stores, the Microsoft Store web site, as well as Staples and Best Buy.

Pricing remains unchanged from what was announced in November: for $899 you get the 64GB model, including the digital pen. Adding $100 will get you the 128GB model.

The Surface Pro features a full version of Windows 8 Pro, contrary to Surface RT which comes with Microsoft’s tablet OS, Windows RT.  The Pro model allows users to install desktop applications like Photoshop or Steam, something the RT model is unable to do.

The Pro model, however, won’t include a version of Office 2013 like the RT version, though you will be able to install the full version of the new Office suite (or previous versions, for that matter) when it becomes available in the coming weeks. The Office version installed with Surface RT is limited in a few ways, and doesn’t include Outlook.

The Pro model also isn’t available in a bundle with either the Touch or Type covers like the RT version, meaning you’ll have to spring for the additional $119 or $129 for the covers. If you have a Surface RT, the keyboard covers are interchangeable.

As you would imagine, the Pro model is slightly heavier to allow for the bigger processor and cooling fans, but only to the tune of about half a pound. The Pro is also slightly thicker.

Microsoft also had a few other announcements today:

• The 64GB model of Surface RT will now be available as a standalone product without a cover for $599. Previously the top-line RT model was only available with the touch cover bundled.
• Three new limited edition touch covers will soon go on sale for $129 in red, magenta and cyan.
• A new Surface edition of the ultra-portable Wedge Touch Mouse will be available for $69.
• Surface RT will soon be available in 13 additional markets worldwide.