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Microsoft Surface Pro 2 review

8.4/10 AVG.
RATING
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Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
Microsoft Surface Pro 2
...


8.4/10
Informr score
The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 currently has an Informr score of 8.4 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 15 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

When it comes to sheer flexibility, power and equipment options, Microsoft is throwing everything it has at the Surface 2 Pro. With up to 256GB of internal storage, up to 8GB of RAM, the latest Haswell i5-4200 processor, multiple covers and an optional dock, Microsoft has made it clear that it aims to dominate the tablet market.

Microsoft claims that the new Haswell processor in the device offers improved battery life over the original by 75%. Combine this with the new Power Cover, a keyboard with embedded battery, and all-day use on a single charge is possible. All of this with performance that rivals many desktop PCs. PCWorld says “the Surface Pro 2 is definitely a gaming machine of some sort. Microsoft showed off World of Warcraft and Portal 2 running smoothly—yes, these games are several years old, but they do run, and well.” With a full version of Windows 8.1 included, you can run any of your favorite Windows applications or games as well.

Another major change is the docking station. Sliding the device into the docking station provides a mini DisplayPort, 3 additional USB 2.0 ports, an ethernet port and one USB 3.0 port. Matt Safford of Digital Trends says the dock “will do-doubt be an important accessory for those looking to use the Surface Pro 2 as their main PC. And its ports are at the back, with the exception of the 3.0 port on the left side, which should help keep your setup looking clean.” Many other reviews agree that, with the docking station, the new device could be an ideal hybrid workstation for all but the most power hungry of users.

That is not to say that there are not any concerns. The first thing that many reviewers noted was the weight. At nearly two pounds, it’s heavier than some ultrabooks, nevermind tablets. While the dock offers additional ports, it’s not adjustable. This means that you’re forced to a single viewing angle.

Then there is the price. Each cover adds to the total, as well as the docking station. Digital Trends notes “even if cloud storage lets you live with the $900 base model plus keyboard, the Pro 2 is a $1,000+ device. And beyond business users, we wonder how many consumers are still willing to even consider spending that much on a computing device. For those who like the form factor of the Surface, who need to run regular or ‘legacy’ Windows software, we’d like to see Microsoft ship a lower-priced option of the Surface Pro 2.”

Overall, this tablet offers cutting-edge technology but with the trade-off of cutting-edge prices.

The Good: Unrivaled tablet performance, docking station support, good battery life and plenty of configuration options.

The Bad: Bulky design, high price.


Windows
Operating system
Operating system
Windows
1.6 GHz
Processor
Processor
1.6 GHz
10.6"
Screen Size
Screen Size
10.6"
1+ MP
Camera
Camera
1+ MP
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


TechRadar
TechRadar

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 still straddles the middle ground between laptop and tablet, but a lack of identity doesn't mean that it should be shunned - far from it. The traditional lines between device form factors are increasingly blurred, and those seeking a fresh form factor that offers real pro...

- Kane Fulton, TechRadar
TabletPCReview
TabletPCReview

The Surface Pro 2 is a first-rate device. Its combination of mobility, power, and design matches and even slightly outperforms topnotch Ultrabooks with similar size and specs. Unfortunately, like those Ultrabooks, the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is also expensive, especially when paired with a second-ge...

- Jamison Cush, TabletPCReview
Reviewed
Reviewed

It's easy to pooh-pooh the first iteration of a line of tablets, especially since they usually have a lot of rough edges to smooth out. With the Surface 2, Microsoft heard the critiques and addressed old issues. The Surface 2 still can't compete with the iPad and other Android tablets for media cons...

- Chris Thomas, Reviewed
The Inquirer
The Inquirer

The Surface Pro 2 brings some welcome improvements to the design of the original Surface Pro, with Microsoft retaining the tablet's high quality design while improving it in the places it needed most, namely the double-angle kickstand, more responsive keyboard, and best of all, longer battery life.W...

- Lee Bell, The Inquirer
PCWorld
PCWorld

Clearly, Microsoft has lots of refinement left to do. But despite all the Surface Pro 2’s flaws, there’s something alluring about it. No other touchscreen laptop or convertible device plays the hybrid game as well as the Surface Pro 2 does. The kickstand is a brilliant flourish that comp...

- Jared Newman, PCWorld


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Quick view

Screen Size
10.6"

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2's screen size is 10.6 inches with 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution.

Processor
1.6 GHz

There is a Intel Core i5-4200U Dual core 1.6 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The tablet runs on the Windows 8.1 Pro operating system (OS).

Camera
1+ MP
You can take photos with the phone's onboard 1+ MP camera. There is also a secondary front facing camera with 1+ megapixels resolution.
Storage
64/128/256/512 GB

Internal memory is 64/128/ 256/512 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery

The tablet is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery.

Surface Pro 2 Specs

Overview
Release Date October 22, 2013
Regions Available USA, Canada, United Kingdom
Operating System Windows 8.1 Pro

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Processor Intel Core i5-4200U Dual core 1.6 GHz
Internal Storage 64/128/256/512 GB
RAM 4 GB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Stylus
Cellular
Networks
Mobile / Cellular Data
No (Option available)
Wi-Fi Calling Unknown
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) Unknown
SIM card size
No
Dual SIM No
Connectivity
USB Yes
USB OTG Support No
Infrared No
Bluetooth 4.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 64 GB)
NFC No
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Zoom
Yes
Flash
No
Additional Main Camera Info
Panorama
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
1+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
HD (1280 x 720 pixels)
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution 1920 x 1080 pixels
Pixel density 208 pixels
Size 10.6 inches
Sensors Ambient Light, Motion / Accelerometer, Gyroscope
Backlit Illumination Yes
Zoom / Magnification Yes
Screen Orientation Lock Yes
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity Unknown
Removable Battery No
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Battery Charge Time 4 hours
Video Playback Time Unknown
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Unknown
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Standby Time Up to 15 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Material Magnesium alloy
Colors Dark Titanium
Dimensions [H x W x D] 17.3 x 27.5 x 1.3 cm (6.8 x 10.8 x 0.5 in)
Weight 907 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack Yes
External Speakers Stereo
Input / Navigation
Touchscreen Yes
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Physical keyboard No
Text-to-Speech No
Screen Reader No
Keypad/Screen Lock Yes
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
More
Additional Information Graphics: Yes
Themes: Yes
Backlit Illumination: Yes
Zoom / Magnification: Yes
Screen Orientation Lock: Yes
Predictive Text Entry: No
Keypad/Screen Lock: Yes
Web Browser: Yes
Email Client: Yes
Email Protocols: POP3, IMAP, SMTP, Microsoft Exchange
PC Synchronization: Yes
TV Out Info: HDMI
Audio Formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MIDI, MP3, MP4, WAV
Video Playback Formats: 3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Streaming Video: Yes
Custom Ringtones: Yes
Vibration Alert: Yes
Viewable document types: XLS, PPT, PPTX, DOC, DOCX, PDF
Games: Downloadable
Apps: Downloadable, Pre-installed
Included Software / Apps: -
Calendar, World Clock, Alarm, Stop Watch, Timer, Calculator, Weather, Stocks, Maps, NotePad, Voice Memos / Recorder

Other Names (AKA):

256/512 GB models have 8 GB of RAM

Related Links Manual (PDF)
Microsoft Surface Pro 2 Reviews
Where to buy Microsoft Surface Pro 2
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