Notebookcheck Logo

Microsoft Surface 2

Specifications

Microsoft Surface 2
Microsoft Surface 2 (Surface Series)
Processor
Nvidia Tegra 4 4 x 1.71 GHz, Wayne (Cortex A15), 5 Cortex-A15 Kerne
Graphics adapter
NVIDIA GeForce Tegra 4, Direct3D 9.1+, OpenGL ES 3.0, 72 Shader, Treiber: 9.17.13.2729
Memory
2048 MB 
Display
10.60 inch 16:9, 1920 x 1080 pixel, capacitive touchscreen (5 fingers), IPS, glossy: yes
Storage
32 GB eMMC Flash, 32 GB 
, 18 GB free
Connections
1 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, Audio Connections: combined stereo jack, Card Reader: Micro SD up to 64 GB, Sensors: ambient light sensor, accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, HD port
Networking
Marvell Wireless Avastar 88W8797 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0 + Low Energy
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 8.9 x 275 x 173 ( = 0.35 x 10.83 x 6.81 in)
Battery
Lithium-Polymer, Battery runtime (according to manufacturer): 10 h
Operating System
Microsoft Windows RT
Camera
Webcam: 3,2 MP (2.048 x 1.536 Pixel), Hautkamera: 5 MP (2.560 x 1.920 Pixel)
Additional features
Speakers: two stereo speakers, Keyboard: virtual, 24 Watts PSU (12 V, 2 A), Microsoft Office 2013 RT, 12 Months Warranty
Weight
643 g ( = 22.68 oz / 1.42 pounds), Power Supply: 136 g ( = 4.8 oz / 0.3 pounds)
Price
429 Euro

 

Pricecompare

Average Score: 73.36% - average
Average of 22 scores (from 33 reviews)
price: 71%, performance: 79%, features: 69%, display: 85% mobility: 84%, workmanship: 85%, ergonomy: 76%, emissions: 88%

Reviews for the Microsoft Surface 2

85% Review Microsoft Surface 2 Tablet | Notebookcheck
Regicide? The sales figures of the Surface RT were sobering, and a tablet revolution certainly looks different. But Microsoft did not stop its Windows RT project and now offers a successor. Is it enough to beat the self-declared rival from California? Find out in our in-depth review.
80% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: Expert Reviews English Archive.org version
With a far superior screen, more powerful internals and a more mature operating system than its predecessor, Microsoft has improved the Surface 2 in almost every area. For anyone looking for a cheap tablet or laptop solely for Office, then this is certainly a bargain, but the limitations of Windows RT mean most would be better off with a tablet running the full version of Windows 8.1, such as the Dell Venue 11, or finding a budget laptop like the Dell Inspiron 15 instead.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 05/09/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: Expert Reviews English Archive.org version
With a far superior screen, more powerful internals and a more mature operating system than its predecessor, Microsoft has improved the Surface 2 in almost every area. For anyone looking for a cheap tablet or laptop solely for Office, then this is certainly a bargain, but software limitations mean most would be better off with a budget laptop instead.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 04/10/2014
Rating: Total score: 80%
75% Microsoft Surface 2 review: Nice tablet, more apps please
Source: Zdnet.com English Archive.org version
The Surface 2 is a good tablet that's easier to use on the move than a similarly priced laptop, and equally capable as a device for use in the home or the office. It's worth stressing that some people just can't get along with Windows 8 as an OS, although that was not my experience. Perhaps a more pressing concern is that, while we wait for Microsoft to release a touch-optimised version of Office, you'll need to spend at least another £65 on one of the keyboard covers to properly use Office on the desktop.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 02/19/2014
Rating: Total score: 75%
Review: Microsoft Surface Pro 2 and Surface 2
Source: PC Authority English Archive.org version
All in all, the updated Surface range offers a balance that’s fit for business and play. With its revamped selection of keyboards and docks, the inclusion of a year’s worth of free Skype telephone calls, bundled Office apps (for the Surface 2) and a generous helping of SkyDrive storage, Microsoft’s platform is stronger than ever. It’s supported by an increasingly sophisticated selection of built-in and third-party apps, too.
Comparison, online available, Very Short, Date: 01/13/2014
70% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: Trusted Reviews English Archive.org version
If you use Office day in, day out and want a lighter, more portable alternative to a laptop then the Surface 2 is worth a punt. But the sad truth is that, despite the Surface 2’s many qualities, Office RT 2013 is its only true selling point. It’s the only reason to buy one. And, believe it or not, the large majority of the world doesn’t need Office that much, and those that do probably need other desktop apps as well.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 12/06/2013
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 60% performance: 80% display: 80% mobility: 80% workmanship: 80%
Video: Surface 2 review - 10in Windows tablet offers great build, but half an OS
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
Windows RT is very easy to use, I personally like the way it looks, and it is stable on this device. Microsoft has removed the pointless 'Desktop' tile from the Start screen, because when a Windows device is on ARM, it isn't full Windows 8. You can't install x86 software as you can on any other Windows device. It's the same situation with Android and iPad tablets, and it simply makes the RT more of a consumption device than a productivity tool, like tablets on those rival platforms.
video review
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/28/2013
70% Surface 2 review - Microsoft's latest RT tablet a stylish performer... but what's the point?
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
There's nothing wrong with the Surface 2, and there's a lot that is very right about it. But it's not a full Windows device, despite appearances. Given that, it's a well put together and stylish Windows consumption device, a tablet with some unique and cool features, and a powerful performer.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/22/2013
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 80% features: 80% workmanship: 90%
Microsoft Surface 2 Windows RT 8.1 Tablet Review
Source: Hot Hardware English Archive.org version
Microsoft's included applications and services, such as Skype, SkyDrive, and others, bring a huge value to the Surface 2 offering, and in addition to the Office apps present in the first generation of Surface RT tablets, Microsoft threw in Outlook for this go-around. We were also pleased to see that the app count in the Windows Store is growing, and we’re starting to be able to find more of the apps we want.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/14/2013
Surface 2 Review
Source: Slashgear English Archive.org version
Is the Surface 2 better than the original Surface RT? Certainly: the screen is a huge improvement, the processor faster, and Windows RT 8.1 has lost a lot of its rough edges. The third-party software issue remains, albeit abated somewhat, and we still admire the crisp design and excellent build quality. That’s overall a net win for Microsoft, arguably, but it leaves Surface 2 in a difficult position. What it does, it does well, but for the most part the other options out there are either cheaper or better.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/08/2013
60% Microsoft Surface 2 10.5-inch
Source: Comp Reviews English Archive.org version
On the hardware side, Microsoft have made some huge improvements to the Surface 2 tablet. It has a higher resolution display, better cameras, improved kickstand and even a full USB 3.0 port. The problem remains on the software side where the tablet uses the Windows RT software rather than a full version of Windows.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/05/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
83% Microsoft Surface 2 vs Surface Pro 2 review
Source: PC Pro English Archive.org version
All in all, the updated Surface range offers a balance that’s fit for business and play. With its revamped selection of keyboards and docks, the inclusion of a year’s worth of free Skype telephone calls, bundled Office apps (for the Surface 2) and a generous helping of SkyDrive storage, Microsoft’s platform is stronger than ever. It’s supported by an increasingly sophisticated selection of built-in and third-party apps, too. Neither Surface is the best tablet on the market; neither is the best laptop. They are, however, the best hybrid packages out there for people who can’t afford, or don’t want, both.
Comparison, online available, Medium, Date: 10/31/2013
Rating: Total score: 83% price: 83% performance: 100% features: 67% workmanship: 67%
Surface 2 Review
Source: Ubergizmo English English Archive.org version
I really like the Surface 2. It still has an excellent design and the Kickstand+keyboard improvements only reinforce my impression that the Surface 2 is a monster in terms of productivity. The high-resolution screen makes Excel that much better, and Office looks and feels like what you already have on the PC, and IE is nearly a desktop browser. If your life revolves around MS Office and Outlook this is one great option.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/31/2013
60% Surface 2 review: Cautious upgrades don't help a tablet in desperate need of relevance
Source: PC World English Archive.org version
Something. Anything. Give consumers a real reason to care, and not reach straight for a Surface Pro 2. But instead? We got a Surface RT redux, plus a couple of TV commercials that try to pass off a 40-degree kickstand angle as a major innovation.
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 10/29/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
70% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: Techradar English Archive.org version
Microsoft is making some of the best PC hardware around and Surface 2 is an even better example of the combination tablet-you-can-use-like-a-notebook than the first Surface. The new screen, the improved kickstand, the much-better battery life and software with far fewer rough edges add up to an impressive product. But Windows RT is still a problem. Things just aren't quite joined up yet because of the limited app support. However much you think you won't need desktop apps, you will undoubtedly find something that compromises your experience. And that's a real shame, as the hardware is superb.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 10/29/2013
Rating: Total score: 70% price: 70% performance: 70% features: 70% workmanship: 80%
60% Microsoft Surface 2
Source: Laptop Mag English Archive.org version
The Surface 2 improves upon Microsoft's original with a more colorful and sharper display, snappier performance and longer battery life. We also appreciate the multitasking improvements in Windows RT 8.1 and its enhanced search capabilities. Having both Office and Outlook on board certainly gives this slate some productivity chops.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/28/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
60% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: T3 English Archive.org version
The Microsoft Surface is a good tablet that improves on almost everything from the last model, however it is not a great tablet. The 16:9 aspect ratio makes it feel unwieldy when you pick it up and we barely used it except when the kickstand was flipped open and it was on a table. It’s just that the Surface 2 is lost in between laptop and tablet, doing neither as well as it probably could do. The keyboard cover is good, but it is nothing more. One day, hopefully, Microsoft will find a way to combine the Windows Mobile 8 OS and Windows 8.1 RT, so that apps will more freely available and you can buy once and use everywhere, but until then this just won’t be mainstream product.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/25/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
80% Microsoft Surface 2 review
Source: Stuff TV English Archive.org version
The Surface 2 is impressive. It’s fast enough for most jobs. The screen’s great, and so is the case that surrounds it. It’s now a very usable ad hoc laptop, thanks to the two-step kickstand and the fixes in Windows 8.1. There are even enough apps in the Windows Store to make life liveable, albeit on an app diet.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/25/2013
Rating: Total score: 80% performance: 90% display: 90% workmanship: 100%
80% Microsoft Surface 2 (32GB)
Source: PC Mag English Archive.org version
The Microsoft Surface 2's performance, the software, and the pricing are all of a caliber that—were this the public's first taste of Windows RT—it could do far better than the disappointing Surface RT did. Thanks to the Nvidia Tegra 4 processor, the 14+ hours of battery life, and the value offer of the lower price and expanded productivity, the Microsoft Surface 2 is the clear leader among Windows RT tablets, and thus our new Editors' Choice for that category. If you want Office and Skype on an affordable tablet—and don't require the full Windows experience—the Surface 2 is the best there is.
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 10/24/2013
Rating: Total score: 80%
80% Microsoft Surface 2
Source: Good Gear Guide English Archive.org version
I expected the Surface 2 to be a good tablet, but I did not expect to find it nearly as useful as I did. I have nothing against tablets as toys, entertainment devices, or productivity tools in very specific capacities. I did not, however, think that I could take a Windows 8.1 RT device and get through even a single workday without gravitating back to my laptop.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/23/2013
Rating: Total score: 80%
Microsoft Surface 2
Source: Engadget English Archive.org version
There were lots of ways we could have framed this review, but ultimately, the most pressing question seems to be this: Is the Surface 2 enough to help Microsoft avert another massive loss? And is it the best Windows tablet you can buy right now? It comes close. We'll admit, we like the Surface more than we did previously.
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/21/2013
Microsoft Surface 2 Windows RT preview
Source: Tech Advisor English Archive.org version
The Surface 2 boasts a full HD screen, features updated internals and has a new two-stage kickstand. Read our Microsoft Surface 2 Windows RT review to find out more.
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 09/27/2013

Foreign Reviews

88% Microsoft Surface 2
Source: SFT - Heft 3/2014 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 88%
86% Toshiba Satellite L50-A-10Q
Source: Chip Test & Kauf - Heft 2/2014 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/16/2014
Rating: Total score: 86%
82% Microsoft Surface 2
Source: Chip (Print) - Heft 2/2014 German
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 82% features: 82% display: 87% mobility: 84% emissions: 79%
Microsoft Surface 2 & Surface 2 Pro
Source: Allround-PC.com German DE→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/18/2013
80% Tegra-4-Tablet mit Top-Ausdauer
Source: Onlinekosten.de German DE→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2013
Rating: Total score: 80%
Microsofts Tablet Surface 2
Source: Focus Online German DE→EN Archive.org version
Positive: low price; high enduringness Negative: limited app variety; heavy
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/02/2013
Neuauflage mit Windows 8.1 RT
Source: Netzwelt German DE→EN Archive.org version
Negative: no recommendation
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/01/2013
60% [MAJ] Microsoft Surface 2 : elle garde ses défauts, mais avec la 4G en prime
Source: 01Net French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/11/2014
Rating: Total score: 60%
65% Microsoft Surface 2 : Nouvel essai
Source: Erenumerique French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/14/2013
Rating: Total score: 65%
60% Microsoft Surface 2 : forte en bureautique, médiocre en divertissement
Source: 01Net French FR→EN Archive.org version
Single Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/05/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Microsoft Surface 2 tablet: Windows RT második kör
Source: Prohardver.hu HU→EN Archive.org version
Positive: Excellent viewing angles, high brightness of the screen; comfortable backlit keyboard; multitasked OS; good sound system; quality camera.
Single Review, online available, Very Long, Date: 11/22/2013
平板电脑 iPad Air对比Surface 2
Source: enet.com.cn zh-CN→EN Archive.org version
Comparison, online available, Long, Date: 01/02/2014

Comment

Model:

The new Microsoft Surface 2 is here, and as with the old Surface RT it features one major problem. It runs Windows RT, which means regular Windows programs aren't compatible with it - one will be limited to the selections in the Windows app store, which is very sparsely populated. With the amount of new machines out there running Android or Windows 8.1 for a lower price, the Surface 2 has the odds stacked against it. Physically, the machine does not look too different from the old Surface 2, though the back is now a silvery-gray, and the dimensions are sleeker. One of the key points about the Surface 2 is the optional magnetic keyboard cover which makes this a great machine for productivity. This accessory will increase the price by a fair bit, which is a downside.

On a positive note, the user experience of Windows RT has been greatly improved, with tweaks and redesigns that those familiar with the OS will appreciate. The photo editing features might be some of the best one can find on a tablet, just the good old ability to enhance colors, select focus and adjust shadows. The power that comes from the 1.7GHz Tegra 4 SoC puts it just behind the forerunners in performance, but the smaller selection of apps makes the gaming possibilities limited compared to the forerunners. Other everyday tasks will run smoothly without issues and the full HD screen will not disappoint, with nice crisp colors and sharp images. The battery is suggested to last through a day of moderate use. The main choice one has to make before considering the Surface 2, will be regarding Windows RT.

Series:

Both the Microsoft Surface RT and the Surface Pro never really made it big and couldn't compete with its Android and iOs counterparts. A large reason for its low sales figures was due to the unpopularity of the tablet-notebook hybrid category itself. However it is important to note that the Surface Pro 2 is actually a full blown laptop acting as a hybrid. For a start, it comes with Windows 8.1 backed up with an Intel Core i5-4300U ultrabook class processor, 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB SSD. It looks and has the same dimensions as the first version making both their accessories compatible with each other. However, there's also the new optional Type Cover 2 which adds backlighting but is on the heavy side and is rather pricey.

The good thing about the surface is of course its ultra portability and undeniable performance. With its specs, it will quite likely outperform many other ultraportable laptops and hybrids. Also not to forget is the fact that it comes preinstalled with Windows 8.1 and has all the necessary built-in ports making it an actual laptop and not just a replacement. The primary I/O, the FHD screen is also accompanied with an included active stylus. The downside to all this is definitely the asking price for the tablet and detachable keyboard combination. There may be some serious competitors giving almost if not the same kind of specs for a lower price. Its kickstand, although improved, is still a letdown as it doesn't conveniently sit on a lap despite being a laptop. All in all, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is worthy laptop if budget is not an issue.

NVIDIA GeForce Tegra 4: Integrated graphics card in the Tegra 4 SoC with 48 pixel and 24 vertex shaders (no unified shader architecture).

Only some 3D games with very low demands are playable with these cards.

» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Graphics Cards and the corresponding Benchmark List.


4: 4-PLUS-1 Cortex-A15 processor part paired with a Geforce graphics cards with 72 cores.» Further information can be found in our Comparison of Mobile Processsors.


10.60":

This is a standard display format for tablet computers or small convertibles. You see more on the screen than on a smartphone but you can't use big resolutions well. On the other hand, mobility is not a problem.

» To find out how fine a display is, see our DPI List.


Microsoft:

Microsoft smartphones and tablets have been tested since 2012. There are many reviews with average ratings. The reader's interest is quite given, but the market share is not big enough for the Top 5 smartphone manufacturers (as of 2016).


73.36%: This rating is poor. More than three quarters of the models are rated better. That is rather not a purchase recommendation. Even if verbal ratings in this area do not sound that bad ("sufficient" or "satisfactory"), they are usually euphemisms that disguise a classification as a below-average laptop.


» Further information can be found in our Notebook Purchase Guide.

 

Please share our article, every link counts!

Devices with the same GPU

Gigabyte Tegra Note 7
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 7.00", 0.32 kg
NVIDIA Note 7
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 7.00", 0.353 kg
Advent Vega Tegra Note 7
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 7.00", 0.32 kg
Gigaset QV1030
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 10.10", 0.61 kg
HP Slate 8 Pro
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 8.00", 0.4 kg
NVIDIA Shield
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 5.00", 0.59 kg
Asus Transformer Pad TF701T
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 10.10", 0.584 kg
Toshiba Excite Write AT10PE-A-105
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 10.10", 0.63 kg
Toshiba eXcite Pro AT10LE-A-108
GeForce Tegra 4, Tegra 4, 10.10", 0.63 kg

Devices with Same Screen Size and/or Weight

Microsoft Surface Go 4
UHD Graphics Xe 750 32EUs, Alder Lake-N N200, 10.50", 0.512 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, i5-1245U
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Alder Lake-M i5-1245U, 13.00", 0.877 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, i5-1235U
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Alder Lake-M i5-1235U, 13.00", 0.879 kg
Microsoft Surface Duo
Adreno 640, Snapdragon SD 855, 8.10", 0.25 kg
Microsoft Surface Go 2 LTE
UHD Graphics 615, Amber Lake m3-8100Y, 10.50", 0.553 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 7, i5-1035G4
Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU), Ice Lake i5-1035G4, 12.30", 0.776 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 7, Core i7-1065G7
Iris Plus Graphics G7 (Ice Lake 64 EU), Ice Lake i7-1065G7, 12.30", 0.79 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 4, Core i5, 256GB
HD Graphics 520, Core i5 6300U, 12.30", 0.766 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
HD Graphics 4400, Core i5 4200U, 10.60", 0.915 kg

Devices from the same Manufacturer

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 3
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Alder Lake-M i5-1235U, 12.40", 1.112 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 RTX 4060
NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU, Raptor Lake-H i7-13700H, 14.40", 2 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13, i5-1245U
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Alder Lake-M i5-1245U, 13.50", 1.27 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13, i5-1235U
Iris Xe G7 80EUs, Alder Lake-M i5-1235U, 13.50", 1.29 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15, i7-1265U
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Alder Lake-M i7-1265U, 15.00", 1.56 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13, i7-1255U
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Alder Lake-M i7-1255U, 13.50", 1.29 kg
Microsoft Surface Studio 2+
GeForce RTX 3060 Laptop GPU, Tiger Lake i7-11370H, 28.00", 9.56 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, i7-1255U
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Alder Lake-M i7-1255U, 13.00", 0.877 kg
Microsoft Surface Pro 9, ARM
Adreno 690, Snapdragon SD 8cx Gen 3, 13.00", 0.883 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15, i7-1255U
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Alder Lake-M i7-1255U, 15.00", 1.579 kg
Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13, i7-1265U
Iris Xe G7 96EUs, Alder Lake-M i7-1265U, 13.50", 1.29 kg
Current Prices
Stefan Hinum (Update: 2013-10- 6)