Well, this is awkward. On the same day that Microsoft is releasing its Surface 2 tablet, Nokia has announced a competing product in the Lumia 2520.


Of course, it'll all be okay once Microsoft swallows Nokia whole, but for now these are separate companies, and Nokia apparently has no problem stealing Microsoft's thunder with its own 10-inch Windows RT tablet. So let's take a look at how they compare.



The short version: Nokia's Lumia 2520 is lighter than Microsoft's Surface 2, and it supports wireless charging and 4G LTE, but it's $50 more expensive and lacks an integrated kickstand. (Microsoft says it will release an LTE version of the Surface 2 next year, but hasn't given a timeframe or price.) There are some other minor differences in tech specs that you can see in the included chart.


Things get more complex when you consider accessories. Nokia is offering a $150 Power Keyboard, which props the tablet upright and includes a trackpad. It also has a built-in battery that adds 5 hours of juice. Microsoft's battery-boosting Power Cover won't be available until next year, and it'll be more expensive at $200, but if you don't need the extra battery you can get a Surface Touch Cover for $120 or a Type Cover for $130, saving even more money over Nokia's tablet.


For now, the Surface 2 has one other advantage: You can actually buy it. Nokia hasn't given a specific release date for the Lumia 2520, but says it'll launch later this year, and AT&T has already pledged its support.


Updated at 9:10 a.m. PT to include a video report from IDG News Service.








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