With the Microsoft Surface RT tablet released and doing fairly well at retail, the company figured that it is time for its bigger brother the Surface Pro to steal the spotlight in Jan. 2013.

The Surface Pro when compared to the Surface RT, is the better version of the two by a long shot. Users who are looking to perform the regular Windows tasks should look to the Surface Pro, since this Intel powered beast is running Windows 8 Pro. The Surface RT on the other hand, is equipped with Windows RT, a dumbed down version of the real thing.

"Today, I want to share a bit more detail about the growing Surface family of products and Surface with Windows 8 Pro, specifically around pricing. In January, Surface with Windows 8 Pro will be available in two versions and pricing will start at $899," stated Panos Panay, General Manager of Microsoft Surface on the company's official blog.

The 64GB and 128GB standalone versions will cost $899 and $999, respectively. Additionally, both versions will include "a Surface pen with Palm Block technology and include the ability to use a Touch Cover or Type Cover (sold separately)."

"Surface with Windows 8 Pro uses the same familiar elegant design principles as Surface with Windows RT including the Dark TitaniumVaporMg casing, dual 2x2 MIMO antennas designed specifically for Surface and of course the kickstand," noted Panay.

The price is in keeping with recent rumors of Surface Pro being expensive, more so now that it is confirmed that the Touch Cover will have to be bought separately. However, this device's lofty price tag may be justified as it packs a punch in the specs department.

Compared to the Surface RT and its low-powered ARM processor, the Surface Pro steps things up greatly with a next-generation Intel Core i5 processor. It includes a 10.6-inch display with 1920x1080 full HD resolution, support pen, full size USB 3.0 ports, and the ability to run all previous Windows programs.

Microsoft is yet to disclose the pre-order date yet for the Surface Pro tablet.