Microsoft Surface 2 A Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Microsoft Surface 2

The Microsoft Surface 2, launched in October 2013, succeeded the original Surface RT with improved specifications and performance. Its main goal was to provide a more portable and efficient device for users looking to blend the functionalities of a tablet and a laptop. While it did not offer cellular connectivity, the Surface 2 aimed to enhance productivity through its versatile design and robust hardware.

Design and Build

The Surface 2 features a sleek and modern design that appeals to both professionals and casual users. Its dimensions are 274.6 x 172.5 x 8.9 mm, making it easy to handle and carry. Weighing 675.9 grams, the device offers portability without compromising on sturdiness. The device is sin SIM card slot, which means it functions without any cellular capabilities, focusing instead on Wi-Fi connectivity.

Display

The Surface 2 sports a 10.6-inch TFT display that delivers a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The full HD screen ensures vibrant colors and crisp visuals, making it suitable for media consumption, browsing, and more. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 65.4% enhances the viewing experience, although the bezels could be considered thick by modern standards.

Performance and Hardware

Powered by the Nvidia Tegra 4 T40 chipset with a quad-core 1.7 GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, the Surface 2 offers a balanced performance for everyday tasks, from web browsing to multimedia playback. The inclusion of the ULP GeForce GPU (72 cores) ensures that the device can handle graphic-intensive applications better than its predecessor.

It comes with 2GB of RAM, adequate for multitasking between applications, ensuring a smooth user experience without substantial lag or delays.

Storage Options

The Surface 2 provides two storage variants: 32GB and 64GB. This storage, while limited by today’s standards, can be expanded via the dedicated microSDXC card slot, allowing users to increase their storage capacity as needed for files, media, and applications.

Camera Capabilities

The device features a 5 MP autofocus main camera with LED flash. It can capture 1080p videos at 30fps, delivering decent photo and video quality for casual photography. The 3.5 MP front camera also supports 1080p video, serving well for video calls and selfies, though it may not match the quality of dedicated cameras in modern smartphones.

Audio and Sound

The Surface 2 comes equipped with stereo speakers that offer clear and immersive sound quality. The inclusion of a 3.5mm audio jack is a convenient addition for users who prefer wired headphones.

Connectivity Features

Although the Surface 2 lacks cellular connectivity, it supports Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band) and Bluetooth 4.0, A2DP, ensuring reliable wireless communication options. A USB 3.0 port with OTG support further enhances its connectivity, allowing users to connect various peripherals and accessories.

Sensors and Other Features

To augment the user experience, the Surface 2 includes sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, and compass. However, it does not support positioning, NFC, or radio features, which may limit its functionality compared to tablets with more comprehensive connectivity suites.

Battery Life

Equipped with a non-removable Li-Ion battery, the Surface 2 promises decent battery life for typical daily use. While specific battery performance figures are not detailed, users generally found it adequate for standard tasks and moderate usage throughout the day.

Operating System

The device runs on Windows RT, a variant of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, which is optimized for ARM architecture. While it offers a familiar Windows experience with access to a variety of apps in the Windows Store, it lacks compatibility with traditional Windows desktop applications, limiting its functionality to some extent.

Market Position and Pricing

When launched, the Surface 2 was priced around 330 EUR, appealing to budget-conscious consumers seeking a Microsoft tablet with mid-range performance rather than premium laptop capabilities. Despite its discontinuation, the Surface 2 remains a noteworthy example of early hybrid tablets.

Conclusion

Overall, the Microsoft Surface 2 stands out for its robust design, higher resolution display, and practical performance suited for basic productivity tasks. Despite certain limitations, such as the lack of cellular connectivity and incompatibility with desktop applications, it serves as a practical device for users who appreciated the blend of a tablet's portability with the functionality often associated with laptops. Its design and features laid the groundwork for future advancements in Microsoft's Surface tablet lineup.