Microsoft unveils next-generation Surface pricing

Windows 8 Pro devices to start from $899 when they are released in January

Just over a month after Microsoft launched its Surface RT tablet, the vendor has now unveiled US pricing for the Windows 8 Pro version, which is set for release in the new year.

The device, which has been touted by some channel onlookers as the only Microsoft tablet offering which is enterprise-ready, will start at $899 (£561) for the 64GB model, while the 128GB version will set customers back $999. No UK pricing has been revealed yet.

Both versions are able to use the Touch or Type Cover, although these are sold separately. The devices will include a Surface pen with Palm Block technology, which prevents handwriting being interrupted if a hand is placed on the screen by mistake.

It also includes Intel's next-generation Core i5 processor, which Microsoft claims gives the tablets a graphics boost for the 10.6in display.

The Windows 8 Pro devices will include a full-size USB port and can run existing Windows 7 applications as well as weighing less than two pounds and measuring just under 1.5cm in thickness.

Despite the new functions included in the Windows 8 Pro, Microsoft insisted it is "excited about both Surface with Windows RT and Surface with Windows 8 Pro" on its official blog.

At a Windows 8 press event earlier this month, Microsoft executives claimed the Surface RT was enterprise-ready, and said it was "very similar" to the upcoming Windows 8 Pro device.

Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it has sold 40 million Windows 8 licences since its October release.