Microsoft Surface 2 Review

Introduction

It’s always scary getting into some sort of new venture. Like seriously, some gambles pay off instantly – while others require some time to mature. Although they were somewhat late to the party, Redmond-based Microsoft finally took the plunge late last year with the Surface, the first commercial tablet to run Windows RT – an operating system designed to compete with Android tablets and the iPad. Sales figures didn’t quite pan out for this first-generation model, but seeing that Microsoft is one of those companies sitting on a pile of disposable cash, they’re quickly moving forward with its successor. Armed with some significant upgrades, this year’s Microsoft Surface 2 is hoping to be a more well-rounded offering in the hopes that it can tangle with the greats in the space.Note that what we're dealing with here is the $450 Surface 2, which runs Windows RT (meaning there's no support for legacy Windows software), while the similarly named Surface Pro 2 (starts at $899) has desktop-class hardware and runs full-blown Windows 8 Pro.

The package contains:

• Wall Charger
• Documentation information

Design

There’s nothing to this one, as the Surface 2 largely remains the same as the first generation. Quite a distinctive looking thing, it has a prevalent modern edge with its design – thanks in part to the angled cutouts around its edges. Admittedly though, those angled cutouts make it feel rather sharp when it’s held in the hand. On paper, it’s bit thinner and lighter (0.35” profile & 676 gr) than its predecessor, but it’s barely noticeable holding and seeing it.

This time around, it’s available in an additional silver color, which is a nice departure from the sole black slate offering. Oh yeah, its chassis is also constructed from the same magnesium “VaporMg” material, which so happens to give it a solid build quality.

Taking a look around the Surface 2, it features the same ports and buttons from before – like its distinctive power button, dual speakers, 3.5mm headset jack, volume control, USB 3.0 port, magnetic power connection port, microHDMI out port, and a magnetic connection port that allows us to attach the optional Touch and Type 2 covers.

Call it a kind gesture, but Microsoft is nice enough to upgrade the cameras on this, as it now features a higher count 5-megapixel rear camera, and a front-facing 3.5-megapixel one.

A rarity amongst tablets, the Surface 2 once again packs along a kickstand, but this new model has an additional wider angle that allows us to better use it in our lap. There’s also a microSD card slot in the underside of the tablet that’s accessible only when the kickstand is lifted.

Display

One of the most disappointing things with the original Surface was its low resolution display, which was significantly under matched when compared to the higher-res panels employed by its rivals at the time of its release. Fortunately, Microsoft remedied the issue this time, seeing that the Surface 2 is packing along a 10.6-inch 1920 x 1080 IPS LCD panel, giving it a higher pixel density count of 208 ppi. All told, it’s significantly more detailed and sharper than its predecessor!

Other aspects of the display also shine, since it features wide viewing angles, punchy colors, and handles outdoor usage quite well. Overall, we’re extremely glad that Microsoft has given the Surface 2 something more rewarding!

Interface and Functionality

We have the updated Windows RT 8.1 experience on the Surface 2, which finds many of the same updates and enhancements found with the full-blown Windows 8.1 experience – like improved organization with the Start screen, the return of the Start button in desktop mode, and better “snapping” between apps that are simultaneously on screen.

We can’t complain about the dynamic look of the platform, of course, but the biggest difference between this and the full blown Windows 8.1 experience, is the lack of being able to run legacy software in the desktop mode. No surprise there, right? Therefore, Windows RT 8.1 is merely nothing more than a “lite” version of Microsoft’s desktop OS.

We were baffled why simple organizer apps like the Alarm or Calculator were blatantly omitted with the Surface last year, but this time, Microsoft includes several of them from the get-go. On top of the usual People and Calendar apps, Windows RT 8.1 adds in Alarm, Calculator, and Sound Recorder apps.

Even though you can churn out some additional money to pick up the optional Touch or Type 2 covers, the on-screen landscape keyboard proves to be especially usable thanks to its responsiveness, spacious layout, and fantastic auto-correct feature. Alternatively, the Surface 2 also boasts a split style keyboard, which is especially useful with portrait usage, and a hand writing recognition one that doesn’t seem as practical when compared to the other options.

Processor and Memory

In the last year alone, it seems as though Qualcomm’s chips have been the preferred choice amongst most flagship devices in the space. So it’s safe to say that everyone was taken by surprise when Microsoft made it known that the Surface 2 is powered by the quad-core 1.7GHz NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM. It’s been a while since we’ve checked out something with NVIDIA’s silicone, but we’re glad to see that it gives the Surface 2 a solid performance. As expected, it’s fast, responsive, and barely stutters, so we’re pleased with the results.

Yet again, the Surface 2 is available in 32GB and 64GB capacities – with ability of its being supplemented thanks to its microSD card slot. Pricing stands at $450 and $550 respectively, which are pretty competitive when you think about it.

Internet and Connectivity

Whether it’s the touch friendly or desktop mode version of Internet Explorer, the web browsing experience is what we expected all along with the Surface 2 – fantastic! Boasting speedy page loads, fast page rendering, and buttery smooth navigational controls, it’s everything we’d want with the experience, so there are no complaints from us whatsoever.

Considering sales weren’t too great with the original Surface, it doesn’t surprise us that there are no plans for cellular enabled versions of the Surface 2. As for what it’s packing along, it features Bluetooth 4.0, dual-band 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, USB 3.0, and a microHDMI port for video-out.

Camera

The camera app is still pretty barren, but luckily it packs some new enhancements – like the ability to adjust exposure, this new spot adjustment mode, and a 360-degree panoramic mode. Still, knowing what some other tablets have to offer, the new offerings are pretty much a paltry bunch.

Being terribly disappointed last year with the Surface’s camera quality, we’re pleased to say that there’s a significant improvement with its successor – albeit, it still isn’t as good as other tablets. Armed with a higher 5-megapixel rear camera, the Surface 2 snaps some pleasant photos. First and foremost, details are significantly sharper, which is an expected benefit from a higher count camera. However, we’re baffled as to why in the world it doesn’t have auto-focus! In lower lighting situations, its quality diminishes of course, partly because of the heavy presence of noise.


The same results persist with its 1080p video recording as well, so therefore, the results are better this time around, but not entirely all that great when compared to the competition. We naturally see a huge improvement with details, but it’s still flawed by its artifacting elements, lack of continuous auto-focus, and lower capture rate in low lighting situations.

Multimedia

Knowing that Windows RT 8.1 sees many enhancements, it’s nice to find some of it in the music player, which is now referred to as XBOX Music. On top of accessing local content, we can also use the XBOX Music Hub to purchase additional songs. Outfitted with two speakers, its volume output is ample, but never enough to be too commanding.

Likewise, the XBOX Video hub enables us to view local content and purchase additional ones too. Now that it’s sporting a snazzier looking 1080p display, the Surface 2 is more ideal for watching high-definition videos – more so with that useful kickstand in tow.

Battery

We’re happy to report that battery life has been improved with the Surface 2, even more knowing it’s packing an even faster processor and higher resolution screen. Using it lightly and as a secondary device, we’re able to get close to 2.5 days of battery life, which is pretty damn good. On the flip side, using is as a primary daily driver, something more akin to power users, we’re able to achieve a battery life of 12 hours from a full charge.

Conclusion

Let’s cut to the chase here folks! The Microsoft Surface 2 starts out at $450 for the base 32GB Wi-Fi version, which no doubt is pretty darn competitive . At that price point, we find it to be a more valuable offering compared to last year’s model, even more knowing it’s packing significant hardware upgrades over its predecessor.

Nonetheless, that nagging feeling in the back of our mind continues to pulsate the more we try to elevate the Surface 2’s better offering. For starters, we truly wonder why there’s even a need to have to have Windows RT 8.1 tablets in general, seeing that throughout the last year alone, we’ve seen a handful of Intel Atom based Windows 8 tablets that prove the point that they’re far more versatile than this. Like seriously, there are even some Windows 8 tablets that are cheaper – and actually running the full Windows experience!

At the end of the day, it’s really a tough sell for the Surface 2. Sure, you can spend double the money to pick up the Surface Pro 2, but at the same time, you can dish out less and snag a deal for the original Surface! Frankly speaking, we’d hold out and wait to see what the Windows RT competition will have to offer, seeing that we’re just at the tip of the iceberg right now.

Of course, you can always go for the latest iPad, which has a much richer application ecosystem, though it is slightly more expensive. When it comes to Android – you won't be getting that many tablet-optimized programs there, but you'll still have one pretty extensive catalog to choose from, and those Android tablets come in all shapes and sizes, so it's definitely worth it to check them out before making the purchase.