Microsoft Surface 2
Specifications
Price comparison
Average of 22 scores (from 33 reviews)
Reviews for the Microsoft Surface 2
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.
Source: Expert Reviews
Archive.org versionWith 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%
Source: Expert Reviews
Archive.org versionWith 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%
Source: Zdnet.com
Archive.org versionThe 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%
Source: PC Authority
Archive.org versionAll 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
Source: Trusted Reviews
Archive.org versionIf 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%
Source: Tech Advisor
Archive.org versionWindows 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
Source: Tech Advisor
Archive.org versionThere'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%
Source: Hot Hardware
Archive.org versionMicrosoft'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
Source: Slashgear
Archive.org versionIs 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
Source: Comp Reviews
Archive.org versionOn 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%
Source: PC Pro
Archive.org versionAll 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%
Source: Ubergizmo English
Archive.org versionI 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
Source: PC World
Archive.org versionSomething. 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%
Source: Techradar
Archive.org versionMicrosoft 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%
Source: Laptop Mag
Archive.org versionThe 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%
Source: T3
Archive.org versionThe 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%
Source: Stuff TV
Archive.org versionThe 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%
Source: PC Mag
Archive.org versionThe 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%
Source: Good Gear Guide
Archive.org versionI 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%
Source: Engadget
Archive.org versionThere 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
Source: Tech Advisor
Archive.org versionThe 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
Source: SFT - Heft 3/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 02/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 88%
Source: Chip Test & Kauf - Heft 2/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/16/2014
Rating: Total score: 86%
Source: Chip (Print) - Heft 2/2014
Single Review, , Length Unknown, Date: 01/01/2014
Rating: Total score: 82% features: 82% display: 87% mobility: 84% emissions: 79%
Source: Allround-PC.com
DE→EN Archive.org versionComparison, online available, Long, Date: 11/18/2013
Source: Onlinekosten.de
DE→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Long, Date: 10/30/2013
Rating: Total score: 80%
Source: Focus Online
DE→EN Archive.org versionPositive: low price; high enduringness Negative: limited app variety; heavy
Single Review, online available, Medium, Date: 11/02/2013
Source: Netzwelt
DE→EN Archive.org versionNegative: no recommendation
Single Review, online available, Long, Date: 11/01/2013
Source: 01Net
FR→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 04/11/2014
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Erenumerique
FR→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Short, Date: 11/14/2013
Rating: Total score: 65%
Source: 01Net
FR→EN Archive.org versionSingle Review, online available, Very Short, Date: 11/05/2013
Rating: Total score: 60%
Source: Prohardver.hu
HU→EN Archive.org versionPositive: 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
Source: enet.com.cn
zh-CN→EN Archive.org versionComparison, 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.
