Introduction
There is a tall task ahead of the Microsoft Surface 2. The first generation of the Microsoft tablet arrived with much fanfare but had little success, and the newcomer has to entice new customers, proving along the way that Redmond can be a factor in the consumer tablet marketplace and, more importantly, that Windows RT has a future as a platform.
Microsoft Surface 2 official photos
To make a case for itself, the Microsoft Surface 2 comes with an OS update. Windows RT 8.1 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, which includes welcome UI tweaks, better integration of Microsoft services, as well as a broader choice of third-party apps compared to a year ago.
In addition to the updated OS, the Surface 2 comes packed with some seriously capable hardware, including an NVIDIA Tegra 4 SoC, a 10.6" FullHD display, a 5MP camera, and a long list of connectivity and storage expansion options. Here goes its full list of talents.
Key features
- 10.6" FullHD LCD touchscreen, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
- NVIDIA Tegra 4 T40 SoC with Quad-core 1.7GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, ULP GeForce 72-core GPU
- Windows 8.1 RT with deep Microsoft service integration
- 32/64GB of in-built storage; 200GB of free SkyDrive for 2 years
- Micro SD card slot, up to 64GB supported
- Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity with Wi-Fi Direct
- Standard USB port, USB 3.0 host functionality
- Bluetooth 4.0
- HD video out
- Accelerometer, compass and three-axis gyro-sensor
- 5MP main camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps video
- 3.5MP front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps videoSuperb build quality and finish
- Built-in two-stage kickstand
- Built-in stereo speakers
- Full version of Microsoft Office available out of the box
- A year's worth of free Skype Out calls to sixty destinations worldwide
- Duo of available keyboard covers (sold additionally)
- Impressive battery life
Main disadvantages
- Windows RT app availability is still confined to the Windows Store
- Limited amount of good-quality apps available
- Heavy compared to most other 10" tablets
- Awkward to use in portrait mode
- Display resolution falls below the competition in the same price range
- There're options with the full-blown Windows 8.1, some at a lower price
At a quick glance, the Microsoft Surface 2 is a worthy successor of the original. It boasts beefed up specs and slightly improved ergonomics, while retaining the same signature design and dimensions, which have become a family staple. The same goes for its additional Touch and Type covers - they offer better experience and ergonomics than their respective predecessors.
The biggest question mark hanging upon the Microsoft Surface 2 concerns its OS. Windows RT has been abandoned by most major players in the industry, with Microsoft and Nokia left as the only manufacturers to go forward making devices to boot the OS. As a result, developers aren't exactly gushing over the prospect of creating cool apps for the platform, thus putting its very future in question.
There is also the matter of the competition which the Microsoft Surface 2 has to face. In addition to a duo of brand new iPad models and a host of premium Android offerings, the tablet has to deal with a few lower-priced Intel-powered tablets running full Windows 8.1.
Microsoft Surface 2 live photos
We will kick off our Surface 2 review with the usual unboxing session, followed by a look at the design and build. Read on to find out what Microsoft's latest and greatest slate looks and feels like in the flesh!
Editorial: You might notice that this review is shorter than usual and doesn't include some of our proprietary tests. The reason is it has been prepared and written far away from our home office and test lab. Still, we think we've captured the essence of the device in the same precise, informative and detailed way that's become our trademark. Enjoy the good read!
Basic retail package
The Microsoft Surface 2 ships in a relatively modest retail box. Inside, you will find the slate, a charger, as well as some booklets.
A look at the proprietary Surface 2 charger
A Touch or Type cover would have certainly been a welcome sight inside the retail package of the Surface 2. Users who would like to get them, will need to spend an additional $119.99 on the Touch cover, and $129.99 for the Type cover.
Type Cover 2
Alongside the Surface 2, we also got to test out the optional Type Cover 2. The optional accessory offers a full-blown backlit keyboard / magnetic screen cover.
A closer look at the Type Cover 2
The keyboard attaches firmly to the Surface 2 via a magnetic mechanism on the tablet's bottom. That, combined with the two-stage kickstand, transforms the slate into a lightweight laptop.
The attachment mechanism works like a charm
The Type Cover 2 keys are well-proportioned and offer great tactile feel. The touchpad on the other hand, is nowhere nearly as good, though considering the touchscreen on hand, we don't think it will see much action.
The touchpad
Our biggest complaint about the Type Cover 2 is related to its price. At $129.99, it adds significantly to the bottom line of the Surface 2.
We reckon that the Type Cover 2 is more capable than its Touch Cover 2 sibling and therefore worth the extra $10 in retail pricing. It offers actual keys, as opposed to the Touch Cover 2, thus requiring practically no time to get used to.
Design and build quality
There is nothing revolutionary about the design of the Microsoft Surface 2. Save for the gray color scheme, which accentuates its body's magnesium finish, the tablet looks exactly the same as its predecessor.
The Surface 2 sports the same looks as its predecessor
We were split in our feelings towards the design of the Microsoft Surface 2. While it is undoubtedly handsome, we do believe that even a mildly refreshed look would make the slate attract more attention. Owners of the first generation would have been particularly thankful for one.
We admit, the build quality of the Microsoft Surface 2 is nothing short of exceptional. The tablet is extremely well put together using metal for the body and Corning Gorilla Glass for protection of the screen. It looks and feels ready to tackle plenty of daily use and abuse.
The tablet's measures are 274.6 x 172.5 x 8.9 mm, while its weight tips the scale at the rather hefty 675.9 grams. The aforementioned numbers make the tablet one of the bulkiest 10" offerings around, especially when compared to the iPad Air and the latest Android tablets. The screen bezel is simply enormous by today's high-end standards.
Surface 2 sized up against the iPad Air
Display
The Microsoft Surface 2 sports a 10.6" ClearType display of FullHD resolution (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) and pixel density of 208ppi. The screen is a massive improvement over the unit of last year's Surface RT in terms of resolution, thus decidedly better to look at.
The Surface 2 sports a quality display
The contrast and viewing angles of the screen are quite good, as is its outdoor visibility. In short, the display of the Microsoft Surface 2 is a fine unit to live with on a daily basis.
A closer look at the display
One shortcoming of the device's display that we couldn't overlook is its relatively low resolution for a top-end tablet. The iPad Air and the latest crop of high-end Android tablets offer a lot more pixels for the money, thus significantly better image sharpness.
Controls
Above the display is where the front-facing camera, an ambient light sensor, and a microphone reside. Below the screen, there's nothing but the capacitive Windows home button.
The view above and below the display
On the left side of the tablet, you will find one of the stereo speakers, a volume rocker, a 3.5mm audio jack, as well as the latch for opening the kickstand.
The left side of the Microsoft Surface 2
The right side of the slate is just as busy. It hosts the other stereo speaker, as well as a mini HDMI port, full USB port, and the tablet's proprietary charging port.
The right side of the Surface 2 is quite busy
The power/lock key is the only thing you will find on the top of the tablet. The keyboard connector sits alone at the bottom.
A look at the top and bottom of the slate
The back of the tablet is home to the 5MP camera and an additional microphone.
The back of the tablet • the kickstand mechanism
The two-stage kickstand is there too, sporting a large Surface sign.
The two-stage kickstand
The microSD card slot is located underneath the kickstand.
The microSD card slot
Curiously, Microsoft is coy about the exact battery capacity of the Surface 2. The manufacturer promises up to 10 hours of video playback time and 7-15 days of standby.
We put the tablet's battery through its paces and here is what it had to offer.
Handling
Thanks to its solid build quality and high-end finish, the Microsoft Surface 2 offers a pleasant tactile feel when handled. However, the slate is not the most comfortable to hold, particularly in portrait mode. This is due to its prominent edges - they look good, but are the main reason for the questionable ergonomics.
Handling the Surface 2
Overall, the Microsoft Surface 2 deserves nothing but high marks for its build quality and battery life. Its design could have certainly used a refresh though - the tablet doesn't feel new at first glance. The tablet-only ergonomics are also a little iffy.
Following next is a look at the Windows RT 8.1 experience which the Surface 2 delivers.