Surface Power Cover to Ship This Year

Neowin reported today that Microsoft will ship a new Power Cover accessory for Surface Pro, Surface 2, and Surface Pro 2 this year, after the launch of its second-generation tablets. The device will provide a Type Cover-like typing experience and "significantly" enhance the battery life of compatible devices.

This is the second time this week that information about the coming second generation Surface devices has leaked. Please refer to Surface Pro 2 Details Emerge for more information.

Neowin again has the scoop: Power Cover: Microsoft's keyboard cover for the Surface with a built-in battery.

Here's what I know about Power Cover.

Compatibility. It will work with Surface Pro, Surface 2, and Surface Pro 2, but not the original Surface RT.

Typing experience. The Power Cover uses the same type of keyboard as the original Type Cover. That is, it is a real keyboard and not a flat Touch Cover-type keyboard.

Surface charging. Like any external power supply, the Power Cover will charge the Surface while in use.

Battery charging. It charges while the Surface is charging.

Battery life. No word yet on the actual battery life gain, though I suspect it varies from device to device. My sources say that it "significantly" extends the battery life of compatible Surface devices.

Weight. 1.1 pounds (520 grams), compared to .55 pounds (250 grams) for the current-generation Type Cover. (There will be a new Type Cover. The Power Cover is a separate accessory, not a replacement for Type Cover.)

Thickness. .38 inches (9.75 mm), compared to .21 inches (5.33 mm) for today's Type Cover.

Availability. Power Cover will ship this year, but after the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 launch.