Microsoft Surface 2 (2013)

Good for the price – Got this tablet during the Christmas special a few years back for around $400. It's good for the first two years then after that the devices started to act abit funny such as program not opening properly, and the touch screen work funny. There were a few occasions where I had to do factory reset. Overall is a nice device, it's sad to see that Microsoft have discontinued this cheaper line of surface.  Show details

More a tablet than a laptop ... hobbled and orphaned but still useful – Microsoft's desire to build a low-cost and highly-efficient convertible tablet led them to build these early ‘non-Pro’ Surface models around the 'mobile phone' ARM architecture. Refining the initial Surface RT experiment, the Surface 2 was a well-built, lightweight, fan-less mobile computing device with impressive battery life but one that… Read more

remained hamstrung by its locked-down and closed-off Windows RT Operating System. With a flakey and hobbled OS, it was at its best as a tablet-with-benefits and while the hardware is solid, the device has severely restricted hardware peripheral support, does not support legacy Windows software applications and leaves users with a relatively poor selection of apps on its App Store. Had it run Windows Phone/Mobile it may have held up better against iPads or Android tablets.

Despite all these faults, I grew very attached to my Surface 2 and lately, I'm enjoying it all over again. The Surface 2 features a beautiful, Full High Definition wide screen that's designed for landscape viewing of videos rather than portrait orientated eBook reading. The screen is well protected and serviced by a separately purchased (should've been bundled) combination keyboard/cover. One may choose from either the backlit and more conventionally keyed Type Cover 2 or the rubbery, sealed keyed (and washable) Touch Cover. While Apple fixes iPads storage capacities – and applies its pricing strategy accordingly – Surface 2 sports a micro-SD memory expansion slot for up to 128 gigs of additional, removable file storage; though it seems apps must reside on the built-in memory so this will determine whether a 32 or 64 gig device would suit you better: the 32 gigger would suffice for most people. Windows Metro system navigation is attractive, intuitive and slick – to my mind, much more so than iOS or Android.

I find the Surface 2 is at its best when Web and YouTube browsing – perfect on the couch in a family room, when you're only casually glancing at the TV – with the readily detachable keyboard being ideal for casual note-taking or developing lists and spreadsheets or cutting and pasting text from webpages. There's a full-sized USB 3.0 port that will take a cheap USB hub to connect a full-sized keyboard and a mouse for more lengthy word processing or detailed spreadsheet work, and a mini-HDMI port to connect to a external PC monitor so you can see it all more easily on a bigger screen. It can take quite decent pictures of family members while you're lounging around too, which is often when unexpected surprises happen. I haven't Skyped yet but I would imagine with its adequate front-facing camera and stereo microphones, this device would do it well. Surface 2 boots fast (less than 30 seconds from power 'on' to lock screen) and has excellent battery life (about five to seven hours in the real world, with a one-and-a-half-hour recharge to full from empty). While the Surface 2 is a joy to use for media consumption and light Office productivity when it's not misbehaving – it can be rather glitchy – as a laptop it is compromised by a lack of hardware and software compatibility, while it's tablet functionality is truncated by a lack of quality apps, which altogether meant that having bought it new, the cost/benefit equation never quite balanced-out for me. Having cost as much as a 'proper' (cheap) laptop, I was never quite satisfied I'd made a smart purchase but as a second-hand proposition, there's a lot to like here.

The main limitations with the Surface 2 revolve around its Windows RT Operating System, which incidentally is very well insulated from malicious code attacks (viruses), which is a unique and compelling distinction among Windows PCs. However, like iOS or Android tablets, one can only obtain apps from the parent company's App Store, but because Microsoft was so late to market with their tablet/app platform, WinRT's app offerings were always severely limited and of highly variable quality. The bundled, full Office 2013 RT productivity suite goes some way to addressing the platform's software deficit but few peripheral drivers were ever written for the platform, which meant the juicy, full-sized, onboard USB 3.0 port was only ever good for generic input devices like keyboards and mice, or external storage devices like thumb drives and hard drives. Running more sophisticated USB peripherals such as optical disc drives, scanners, printers or audio interfaces is very much a hit-and-miss affair, and typically a 'miss' unless a WinRT-specific driver was written for it, and very few ever were. For example, I had hoped to use a basic USB 1.1 audio interface with it (in combination with the brilliant FL Studio Mobile electronic music creation app) but the audio interface was unsupported natively in WinRT and no corresponding drivers were available for it. I cannot authoritatively comment on printing as I've never printed from my Surface. I would imagine it might work with a wireless WiFi network printer, but I doubt direct connection via USB would work. Similarly, a USB dongle modem wouldn’t work either. Internet connectivity at home was a breeze via WiFi … but there is no LTE or ethernet onboard (though I might’ve seen a USB-to-Ethernet dongle at Microsoft’s website) so besides finding a WiFi hotspot, an external WiFi modem is the best bet for connecting on the move.

A big disappointment for me when Microsoft axed WinRT, was that they didn't offer Surface 2 users the opportunity to cross-grade to Windows Phone 8.1 and later, Windows 10 Mobile. As a Windows Lumia mobile phone user, I believe Microsoft's mobile OS would've made a lot more sense on the Surface 2, since this device only ever needed the big-buttoned "Live Tile" Metro user interface. Windows' desktop on the Surface 2's demure screen feels cramped and with the advent of MS Office mobile apps, Surface 2 really didn't need a 'desktop'. I suspect the WinPhone/Mobile OS would've been a much better match for the Surface 2's ARM processor, resulting in a faster, more stable device that would've run even longer between recharges. There are far more apps written for WinPhone/Mobile than WinRT as well, so both Microsoft's (axed) Lumia Phone experiment and their ARM Surface Tablet businesses could've benefitted from a bigger, united user-base. Maybe developers would've taken notice and written more apps and drivers for peripherals as well? Microsoft are embarking on a 'Universal App' strategy now where all Windows Apps can run on any flavour of Windows 10. However, a rumoured Microsoft ARM tablet running Windows 10 Mobile for 2017 failed to materialise and it seems Microsoft is indeed abandoning its internal ARM hardware endeavours, content with creating and updating apps for iOS and Android instead.

Exasperated, I eventually handed my Surface 2 to my wife, who totally loved the thing and reckons the Surface 2 is the best computing device she's ever used! Her smaller fingers work better on the slightly more tightly-spaced Type Cover's keyboard than mine, and she doesn't accidentally bump the cursor touchpad as often as I did. She doesn't have to worry about viruses either, which is a problem that plagued her previous Windows desktop PC experiences. She likes the computer's general operational stability – though she also finds the cursor disappears occasionally or the machine hangs or slows inexplicably. For her, it has a 'just right' sized form-factor – not-too-big; not-too-small. She accidentally dropped it and smashed the screen, so I bought her a second-hand 32GB model in mid-2017 for under $100 on eBay (she's using the Type Cover from the smashed unit) and I moved onto an iPad Pro, which has its frustrations too, but as a music-making tablet, is without peer; Surface Pro notwithstanding.

As it is, the Surface 2 was/is a nice machine for basic, mobile computing operations like Web browsing, emailing, socialising and even some very light gaming, as well as some light Office productivity work. It can work for presentation display (wirelessly via Miracast or wired via the mini-HDMI port) though annoyingly, my machine was most unstable – occasionally crashing – when driving an extended desktop across an external monitor via HDMI. It works most of the time though! In conclusion: the Surface 2 is well-made, robust, lightweight, ultra-portable and immensely practical and attractive ... if one doesn't care about apps or super stability or speed (4-stars) but at AU$500 (student price, with Type Cover) and entering as late as it did into such an established market, it should've done more (peripheral connectivity; software applications) to really stand out. Three stars!

If you're attracted to the diminutive Surface 2's form-factor and its quiet, fan-less design, I would suggest you rather consider paying a bit more for its successor; the Surface 3, which has a squarer 3x4 screen; runs full Windows on the most powerful Intel Atom chip available and has better RAM and onboard Storage Memory options available. Some models even have onboard LTE (mobile network connectivity). Though the Surface 3 has the usual Windows virus vulnerabilities, the fact that Microsoft never released a Surface 4 after discontinuing the Surface 3 tells me it was cannibalising sales from their Surface Pro line, which is a strong indicator of just how good the Surface 3 is.

The Surface *Pro* 2 would also be a contender for those desiring a small, convertible computer. It has a similar design to the Surface 2 but the Pro version is thicker, heavier and drains the battery sooner owing to its i5 processor and active cooling fan ... but that's the price one pays for a device that is no doubt more laptop than tablet. Like the Surface 3, it runs full Windows with all the inherent advantages and vulnerabilities. As for me; I'm finding uses for the smashed Surface 2 (it still works after being dropped, though the broken left half of the screen is unresponsive to 'touch') now that my wife has a Surface 2 of her own, though its screen has since become unresponsive to touch; a common fault with the Surface 2 it seems. I've even bought a (sealed-keyed) Touch Cover for it ...

Edit, mid-2018: Microsoft have announced the 'spiritual' successor to the Surface 3: the Surface Go. Shipping in August, its a fan-less design of similar proportions to the Surface 3 but running a Pentium Gold processor and sporting USB-C connectivity, I reckon they'll sell like hot cakes!

Worst purchase – I bought 2 for my kids for school devices. 1 broke at 3 months and had to be returned, they couldn't fix it so we were provided a new one. The charging port became degraded after 6 months, and now I cannot buy a new charger anyway as they are obsolete.

Heavy and No USB charging – I loved Microsoft products but did not like this product at all my reasons are * It is really heavy completable to other iPad. * Can't charge it with USB, I use it most often in my car and can't charge it with USB, have to buy another car AC to DC converter but that is again bulky (nearly 250grams) cost nearly $50. * Wifi issue- if you are… Read more

sitting really close to wifi it works okay, but when go to my uni and connect with uni wifi, the range drops quite often.

*Microsoft store don't have much apps in comparison to apple store.

My other friend have iPad and that is way batter.

Totally in love – I bought my Surface 2 about 6 months ago. I bought the tablet because I needed something lighter than my laptop and something that offers Microsoft Office. I am a full time student so I care my tablet with me all the time. I love the Surface 2 because I have very good connection through my Wi-Fi, it is lighter than a tablet, it offers a full… Read more

version of Microsoft Office and all the features I need it right there. The price was a little bit on the high side for me but compared to the Apple tablets that do not offer Microsoft Office the price was worth me paying for. I love my tablet and I wouldn't change/trade it in for any other tablet.

Crap – the Microsoft tablet is not a quality product, the first month I was hours on the phone with tech support, should have been an indication of what was to come. The $139 keyboard failed but there was no warranty on it so began using the touch, which is time consuming, hated it. Read that carefully, there is no keyboard with this product, you have to… Read more

buy one if you want it.

Recently my bank upgraded their system and I was no longer access the site because of the limits of the table. You cannot run Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome on this tablet, which was required for me to continue with my online banking that I'd been doing for years. This is a piece of junk and a very expensive piece of junk when you consider it does exactly what a Nook Tablet or Kindle Fire does for a fraction of the cost. Junk. Do not buy it unless you just want to do email and play games. If that's all you want get a less expensive more reliable tablet.

Very good tablet – This is a very good device and has some really good features. I love mine and I use it all the time, in fact, it has almost replaced my laptop but not quite. Just look up reviews on Youtube for an overview of this devices key features, i'm sure you'll be impressed but rather than go on about the plus points, let me just go over a few things… Read more

that could be an issue to you.

The charging connector is ridiculous and is in no way as strong magnetically as they make out. It will detach at the slightest movement, so you really have to be sat at a table because being plugged in whilst on the sofa is useless.

When you inevitably buy a sleeve/ cover of some description to protect it, you will have difficulty attaching the charger because things don't line up properly.

While this device is somewhat cheaper than an ipad, its accessories are ridiculously expensive. The keyboard is not included in the purchase of the S2. So while the S2 might be good value right now, it will cost you around another $170 for the keyboard. Likewise, the official Surface mouse is around $80. When you consider it has less functionality then most PC mouses, this is expensive.

Following on this subject, you can plug in a regular PC mouse via USB but you are only able to plug in one device at any given time. S2 has One USB 3.0 port. If you use a mouse, you sacrifice any other device you might need that runs off USB.

Alternatively, as a solution you could find a wireless Bluetooth mouse and the problem is solved.

The functionality of this device is fantastic and it almost replaces my laptop but being RT, you cannot install any software whatsoever. So what you find out of the box, is exactly what you get. You cannot upgrade this device in any way.

(With the exception of the expandable memory).

If you are looking for a laptop replacement, this isn't quite it. You can use it as a tablet using the touch screen, if you want to send and receive emails, you can do this via touch screen keyboard or by attaching the purchased keyboard. You can even plug in external mouses, harddrives or connect it to you HD TV to watch a film and with the addition of MS Office, it functions well for both home use for movies, apps, games etc or business use but eventually you will find something you want that you cannot install on this device.

Basically, if its not downloaded as an app from the Windows Store, then you are not going to be installing it, and the Windows Store is still relatively limited. Microsoft really needs to do more to attract big name apps to their Store.

This is a great device, and if these issues are of absolutely no concern to you, then I would absolutely recommend it.

Consider this great 10 inch Tablet – I bought my 64GB Microsoft Surface 2 tablet for my Birthday to replace my old Motorola XOOM and have no regrets. Windows RT 8.1 is standard as is Office 2013 RT. The price has come down so now is very competitive ($Au 495). Expansion via built-in MicroSD card slot and/or full USB v3.0 connector are also pluses. Front camera is 3.5MP and rear is… Read more

5MP; both take1040p movies at 30 frames per second. The micro HDMI connector enables you to use an external monitor or TV for your movies and photos.

I'm typing this on my Surface 2 using a Logitech K400r wireless keyboard/mouse pad combo. I just inserted the USB dongle and the keyboard worked right away. Especially good is that the special function keys work exactly as they would on my PC. This is good as the Surface 2 Touch and Surface 2 Type pads each cost $Au 149. I also bought the Surface 2 Type Pad which doubles as a screen protector. I love the magnetic latch system. It keeps the keyboard attached but easily breaks away if mishandled.

I'm told the USB connector can take a multi-port hub to add additional devices - though it would probably need to be a powered hub.

I can't use Google Chrome, yet, and there aren't as many apps as Apple or Android. On Windows 8.1 RT you cannot install Windows Desktop programs either, but then you can't do that on either an iPad or Android tablet, so I haven't really missed much. I does have Internet Explorer and that means no compromise with incompatible web browsers a'la Android.

More importantly for me is that Pocketmags has an app for Windows Start so all my magazine subscriptions are available to download. It is interesting that they charge different prices for the same e-mag under iTunes, Android Play and Windows Store. My advice is to buy from the cheapest (if you have multiple tablets) and they sync to your favourite device for viewing.

My greatest love of this machine is having Windows 8.1 (and all of my settings) on a tablet computer.

Great Tablet - Very Good Price – I have had this tablet for 3 weeks now which has replaced my iPad mini. It was the best decision I have ever made. The built in Microsoft Office and the micro SD slot were the major selling point for me as they were two major things that I couldn't use my ipad for. For the price is was only $30 more than what I payed for the ipad. Including the… Read more ·  1

keyboard it was still $120 cheaper than the 32Gb ipad air.

The Surface has great performance and have never had any lag. As with any RT device the app store it limited but I don't use a heap of apps anyway, just web browsing, movies ect. One of the great things about the device is that you can plug and external hard drive into the USB port and play music and watch movies without filling up the SSD on the device. The memory can also be expanded by purchasing a micro SD card. I chose a Sandisk 64GB for $50 on ebay. The battery life is great and it is a great tablet.

Love it so much I want a Windows phone – This is more than the tablet you may be used to from other operating systems and this is what Windows 8 was made for. Have W8.1 and it functions beautifully in touch screen mode. Full Office functionality included so with the keyboard and a mouse you could just as well be using a regular PC. USB port is handy for so many things and I bought the… Read more

video cable to connect to my TV. Love the OneDrive option for document and photo sharing. Can't wait for the Windows Store to offer more but it is building rapidly - not that everything needs to be app driven as you have regular internet access and Windows programs. Far more functional than an iPad and very good battery life with quick recharge. Would never go back to an Android system ever again. Thank you Microsoft for another groundbreaking product. This is the future in computing. Value for money. Exceptional features.

Windows RT is not compatible with most Apps – I love everything about this tablet except one pretty major thing, most very popular apps aren't compatible with the Windows RT. No google hangout, no google chrome, no google chromecast. The windows APP store is nothing like the Google store or Apple store. Most games that I play on my android phone or on an Ipad or mac aren't compatible with… Read more

the WINDOWS RT. If you are an apps person this tablet isn't your tablet. I feel like I have wasted a whole lot of money. microsoft office Microsoft App store needs more current apps.

Great in theory, nearly in practice – I bought the Surface 2 RT for my mother who only uses email, browses the net, a little bit of ms office, and plays games. Overall it is a great device. It does all the intended things, and does them well. Although it did and still takes my mother (and me) a bit of time to get used to windows 8.1. The ms office was the selling point, as… Read more

having both Apple and Android devices these just dont quite provide the same office experience for authoring documents or spreadsheets.

The internet browsing works well and overall all user interface slick with its tiled icons. I particularly like the way you can scroll across the tiled icons left to right and it is like a very lkng page rather than collection of pages.

The screen quality is nice and genuine keyboard is beautiful with soft touch keys that are backlit and light up further as touched. However yhe keyboard is purchased seperately. It charges well and holds charge well.

The BUT is a big one though. The app store is still limited and much worse, many companies app development doesn't cater for these. For example the Virgin Air entertaient app caters for android, apple, and windows devices that run the latest version of silverstripe. The surface doesnt run silverstripe. Those who pull emails downthrough a citrix gateway may also have problems.

Im sure the Surface Pro 2 overcomes this issue running true windows 8.1, but is really quite a pricey option playing against other very god tablets and laptops.

Buy one again, well Apple has now partnered with Microsoft so Office 365 can be run on ipads. The tide may now be turning. simplicity. price. isnt supported by lots of apps being created.

awesome! – I bought the surface 2 to replace a 3 year old laptop and it has exceeded my expectations. It has all the most popular apps it has all the office programs. It runs flash..its fast I only reboot when there is an update. And its half the price of the equivalent iPad!The only app it doesn't have is iTunes but it has Xbox music which before I stopped… Read more

using my laptop I pulled my iTunes library into Xbox music which then syncs across the surface my phone and my Xbox. Highly recommended! everything so far havent found any flaws yet. does everything my laptop did amd is much faster.