Microsoft Surface 2: We Go Hands On

By Jane McEntegart
published

Check out the Surface 2 up close!

Microsoft today announced a brand new version of the Surface RT. Except, this time, it's not called the Surface RT. It's just called the Surface 2. We were on the scene at Microsoft's New York City event this morning, and we've got hands on for you! Check out our first impressions below:

The device still runs Windows RT (version 8.1), it just doesn't have the name, and it boasts a 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display and comes with support for microSD, USB 3.0, and HD video out. The tablet comes in two variations, 32 GB or 64 GB, and ships with Office 2013 RT and 200 GB of SkyDrive storage (for two years). It's priced at $449, the same money customers were asked for when the original Surface RT launched. Of course the Touch Cover or Type Cover will cost more.

Follow Jane McEntegart @JaneMcEntegart. Follow us @tomshardware, on Facebook and on Google+.

Jane McEntegart
28 Comments Comment from the forums
  • schmidja
    How dumb of Microsoft .... just drop the darn RT Operating System and cut the losses and confusion.
    Reply
  • CaptainTom
    IT SHOULD COME WITH THE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • LORD_ORION
    Didn't learn... nobody is going to buy this for more than $300.

    Idiots.
    Reply
  • sykozis
    The price was half the problem with the SurfaceRT. WindowsRT was the other half of the problem. Obviously Microsoft didn't learn anything the first go around.....
    Reply
  • BringMeAnother
    Look, if you have some influence at Microsoft, by all mean wipe this tablet off the face of the earth and good riddance. If you don't have that kind of power and actually care about Microsoft products, stop all that hate and wish it success because it looks like it's gonna stay. If Microsoft is gonna waste a ton of cash on it, they might as well make it great in the end. If there is enough user base, more apps will be developed for the store and that will benefit other Windows 8 users.
    Reply
  • alextheblue
    Looks pretty decent. The new touch cover is backlit and yet still sheds 1mm over the last one, which was already pretty svelte. The two-step kickstand is very nice - especially if it has the same quality and feel as the previous gen. I'm glad they're using the better panel, matching the Pro model. Based on the old one I'd be willing to bet this is a well-built, solid unit.

    I'd like to know what SoC is in it, and what clocks, etc.
    Reply
  • tomate2
    I think taking out the RT in the naming will just confuse even more the average consumer. Just judging by the naming Surface Pro 2 just sounds like a Surface 2 with better hardware when it in truth it has a totally different OS. RT is better than no naming at all! Now Surface 2 will sound a lot more like a x86 device than an ARM device.
    Reply
  • m32
    If it doesn't work out, throw more cash at it!!!!!!!!
    Reply
  • mitchellvii
    Why would someone buy a Windows RT device when they can have a Bay Trail with full windows for the same price?
    Reply
  • Duckhunt
    when MS says HD, is it 720p? we want 1440p
    Reply