Microsoft has officially unveiled its Surface Pro 2 tablet, which runs Windows 8.1 and brings several improvements over its predecessor.

Unlike the Surface 2, which runs the stripped down version of Windows called Windows RT, the Surface Pro 2 is a professional tablet running the full desktop version of the latest Windows 8.1.

The second-generation Surface Pro maintains the same overall design as the original tablet, but comes with some new accessories. A two-stage kickstand, for instance, allows users to hold the tablet at two different viewing angles for more convenience.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 sports a 10.6-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 display. According to the company, the new display delivers roughly 50 percent more color accuracy than the one found on the original tablet.

The new-generation Surface Pro also boasts an upgraded Intel Core i5 Haswell processor clocked at 1.6GHz, delivering a 20 percent faster performance compared to the original Surface Pro. The new processor also brings along improved graphics performance and its battery-saving technology adds 75 percent more battery life to the new Surface Pro compared to its predecessor.

Microsoft emphasized that its new Surface Pro 2 is not just a tablet, it is a full-power PC boasting the portability of a tablet and the power of a desktop, offering the best of both worlds.

In terms of connectivity, the Surface Pro 2 sports a USB 3.0 port, mini DisplayPort, Ethernet and audio in/out. The slate also comes with a stylus and some new accessories.

A new Power Cover, for instance, not only adds a keyboard but also brings a standalone battery that provides up to 2.5x more juice over the Surface Pro 2's battery. A new Type Cover 2, meanwhile, is now backlit for more convenience.

The new Surface Pro 2 tablet will go up for pre-order on Microsoft's website starting on Sept. 24 and will go on sale on Oct. 22. The basic model comes with 64GB of internal storage and 4GB of RAM and will retail for $899. Microsoft is also offering configurations of up to 512GB of internal storage capacity and 8GB of RAM, but it won't be cheap.