Microsoft Surface 2 Windows RT 8.1 Tablet Review
Introduction and Specifications
The first generation of Microsoft’s homegrown Surface RT tablet delivered mixed results. The hardware was solid and well built, but the OS and software ecosystem left a little something to be desired. Many thought pricing was a bit on the high side as well. Finally, competition at the time was also quite fierce, to say the least and still is, of course.
Undaunted and still hungry for a chunk of the tablet market, Microsoft recently revealed its second generation of Surface tablets, the Surface 2 Pro, which runs the full version of Windows 8.1, and the Surface 2 (that we’re reviewing here today), which runs Windows RT 8.1.
Microsoft really needs its Surface 2 tablets to do brisk business, because other manufacturers have been bailing, or at least souring, on the Windows RT platform. And not without good reason; Windows RT didn't quite live up to expectations. In this case, though, slightly missing the mark is not like falling short and ending up with something that’s still pretty great. It’s more like jumping between two cliffs and not quite making it.
The second-gen specs inside the Surface 2 are appropriate for a generational bump, including the NVIDIA Tegra 4 chip (with 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4), an impressive hi-res (1920x1080) 10.6-inch display with 5-point multitouch, and rear 5MP and front 3.5MP 1080p HD cameras, all of which are notable improvements over the Surface’s Tegra 3 processor, 1366x768 screen resolution, and 720p HD front and rear cameras. There’s still a full-size USB port on the tablet itself, but this one is USB 3.0 instead of USB 2.0, and the Surface 2 is slightly taller than its predecessor (6.81 inches to 6.77) and a hair thinner (0.35 inches to 0.37 inches).
The Surface 2 also features 2GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of storage, two microphones, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, HD video out, a microSDXC reader, and a Cover port (for accessories), and the list of sensors includes an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a magnetometer. We should also note that the Surface Pen is not supported on the Surface 2.
Windows RT 8.1 is on board, and Microsoft includes its spate of Office 2013 RT apps--Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Outlook--as well as Skype with unlimited minutes to landlines and free calls over WiFi for a year and 200GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.
Undaunted and still hungry for a chunk of the tablet market, Microsoft recently revealed its second generation of Surface tablets, the Surface 2 Pro, which runs the full version of Windows 8.1, and the Surface 2 (that we’re reviewing here today), which runs Windows RT 8.1.
Microsoft really needs its Surface 2 tablets to do brisk business, because other manufacturers have been bailing, or at least souring, on the Windows RT platform. And not without good reason; Windows RT didn't quite live up to expectations. In this case, though, slightly missing the mark is not like falling short and ending up with something that’s still pretty great. It’s more like jumping between two cliffs and not quite making it.
;)
The Microsoft Surface 2 tablet with Windows RT 8.1 and the Type Cover 2 in Magnesium
So yes, there’s been a software problem, but things haven’t been all bad by any means. The Surface hardware was good from the get go. The touch UI was built specifically for tablets and touchscreens and it’s nice having the option to pop over to a more familiar desktop environment when you need it. There are (free) Microsoft Office 2013 RT apps (as well as built-in Skype and SkyDrive), which are a huge value-adds. And for what it’s worth, the look and feel of the original Surface was pleasing as well, including the handy kickstand.
But let's take a look at the new Surface 2 and see how Microsoft has advanced the platform and offering.
But let's take a look at the new Surface 2 and see how Microsoft has advanced the platform and offering.
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| Software: Exterior: Storage: Memory: Display: CPU: Wireless: Battery Life: Cameras, Video, and Audio: Ports: Sensors: Warranty: In the box: Price: |
Windows RT 8.1, Microsoft Office 2013 RT Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.35 in Weight: 1.49 lbs Casing: VaporMg Color: Magnesium 32 GB 2 GB RAM Screen: 10.6 inch Resolution: 1920 x 1080 Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen) Touch: 5-point multi-touch Durable display NVIDIA Tegra 4 (1.71 GHz) Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n) Bluetooth 4.0 technology Up to 10 hours 7-15 days idle life Charges in 2-4 hours with included power supply Two video cameras on front and back 3.5 megapixel front-facing camera 5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera Two microphones Stereo speakers Full-size USB 3.0 microSDXC card reader Headphone jack HD video out port Cover port Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer 1-year limited hardware warranty Surface 2 with Windows RT 8.1 24W power supply Quickstart guide Safety and warranty documents $449 MSRP ($579 with Type Cover 2) |
;)
The Surface 2 also features 2GB of RAM, 32GB or 64GB of storage, two microphones, stereo speakers, a headphone jack, HD video out, a microSDXC reader, and a Cover port (for accessories), and the list of sensors includes an ambient light sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, and a magnetometer. We should also note that the Surface Pen is not supported on the Surface 2.
Windows RT 8.1 is on board, and Microsoft includes its spate of Office 2013 RT apps--Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and now Outlook--as well as Skype with unlimited minutes to landlines and free calls over WiFi for a year and 200GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.
