As Microsoft (News - Alert) struggles to maintain relevance in a mobile device world, the company sent out invitations to a Sept. 23 event in which it is expected to unveil new Surface tablets.

E-mail invitations to the “Surface NYC event” gave few details, giving only a date, time and place with an image of a Surface tablet.

The Surface 2 Pro, which runs full Windows 8, while the Surface 2 runs a stripped-down version of Windows 8, formerly called Windows RT, ZD Net reports.


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Of course, many rumors are circulating about the new tablet, from its processor down to its accessories. Word on the street is that the Surface 2 Pro will be powered by a fourth generation Intel Corse i5 Haswell processor and boast 8GB of RAM (News - Alert).

A new docking station for the Surface Pro line of tablets will also be launched. Only the Surface Pro and upcoming Surface Pro 2 will work with the new dock; the Surface RT isn't compatible.

The resurfaced Surface is not an announcement anyone was looking for or expected. Microsoft reported a loss for its June quarter, taking a $900 million charge to write down the value of unsold Surface RT tablets. Microsoft had to cut the price of the Surface since not enough people were buying the RT.

Many analysts are chiming in on the upcoming unveiling, saying that the new Surface is already dead on arrival, however Microsoft is still keeping on with the keeping on. The company teamed up with third-party sellers before expanding to 17 new commercial markets in North America and Europe to boost its tablet sales.

The dismal start to the original Surface tablet makes it an uphill battle for Microsoft to win. Despite a year of Surface ads and middling reviews, customers may just see this as an incremental update – not a brand new product.

It is not known how long before these new tablets will go on sale, but with months before the holiday shopping season, there is hope for Microsoft’s success.