Microsoft Surface Pro 2 (8GB + 256GB) Review | 168 Data compared

MobileTechReview describes the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 as a high-performance "Ultrabook in tablet clothing" that, through an Intel 4th Gen Haswell processor, successfully doubles battery life to roughly 7 hours. While maintaining a sturdy, familiar magnesium chassis, the device remains heavy for a tablet at 2 pounds, featuring a high-quality 10.6-inch 1080p display, a precise Wacom stylus, and an improved dual-angle kickstand. Performance is top-tier for creative tasks, though the necessary Type Cover is sold separately, and the lack of internal pen storage, limited port selection, and non-upgradeable components remain key drawbacks.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2, as reviewed by ITPro, offers a refined hybrid experience with a durable, albeit heavy, 900g magnesium alloy design featuring a new dual-angle kickstand. Upgraded internals, specifically the Intel Haswell Core i5-4200U processor, provide a significant boost to battery life, with testing showing the device lasting over eight hours. While the 10.6-inch 1080p display is high quality, the unit faces criticism for its high price point when essential accessories are added, alongside concerns regarding its inability to be easily serviced or upgraded.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is a refined hybrid device featuring a durable magnesium alloy design, a responsive 1080p display, and a two-position kickstand that improves stability. Powered by a 4th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, it offers exceptional performance that surpasses many Ultrabooks. A major upgrade over its predecessor, it delivers an improved 8-hour and 2-minute battery life. Laptop MagDespite high performance, the $899, 2-pound device is considered expensive, especially as it lacks an included keyboard cover. The Windows app ecosystem remains limited compared to competitors, and the unit is not easily upgradeable or repairable. The Surface Pro 2 remains a potent, albeit bulky, 2-in-1 tool, according to the Laptop Mag review.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2, powered by an Intel Haswell Core i5 processor, offers significantly improved battery life (7-8 hours) and enhanced graphics performance compared to its predecessor. It features a high-quality 10.6-inch ClearType display, a versatile two-stage kickstand, and a precise Wacom-powered digital pen, allowing it to run full Windows 8.1 desktop applications effectively. However, the device is criticized for being bulky and heavy for a tablet, while Windows 8.1 still faces scaling issues on the high-resolution screen, and the necessary keyboard covers are sold separately.

The PCMag review highlights the Microsoft Surface Pro 2 as a powerful, refined successor to the original Windows 8 tablet, earning it an Editors' Choice award. The device features an upgraded fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor for improved performance and a two-stage kickstand for better stability, resulting in 7 hours and 19 minutes of battery life. Despite these improvements, the $899 device lacks built-in Office software and essential accessories like the Type Cover are sold separately. Additionally, the design can still feel uncomfortable for extended lap use.

New Atlas reviews the Microsoft Surface Pro 2, highlighting it as a versatile "faux laptop" that successfully bridges tablet convenience with laptop-grade performance. The device introduces a critical dual-position kickstand that significantly improves lap usability, though the chassis remains "thick and heavy" compared to competitors. New AtlasUnder the hood, the Intel 4th-gen Haswell processor brings a major boost to graphics and power efficiency, enabling demanding tasks and improving battery life to 6–7 hours. The review praises the full Windows 8.1 experience but notes the limited selection of tablet-optimized apps in the Windows Store at the time. Key pros include the responsive Surface Pen, improved Type Cover 2, and versatile USB 3.0/microSD ports, while high cost—exceeding $1,000 with accessories—serves as a primary drawback. The analysis concludes the Surface Pro 2 is a powerful tool for those needing a desktop OS in a portable frame. For more details, visit New Atlas.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is a powerful 900g hybrid running Windows 8.1 Pro, acting as a capable laptop replacement with a 10.6-inch Full HD display and a two-stage kickstand for better stability. It boasts significant battery life improvements thanks to the Intel Haswell processor, though it remains heavy for a tablet. Pros include high performance for multitasking, excellent build quality, and a sharp screen, while cons include the omission of essential keyboard covers, the high cost, and potential Windows scaling issues.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 2 is lauded for addressing the original's battery limitations by integrating Intel Haswell processors, nearly doubling endurance to eight hours. This hybrid device features a robust build and a improved two-stage kickstand, balancing portability with "all-star" performance. Key strengths include a bright, accurate 10.6-inch Full HD screen, efficient cooling, and improved backlit Type Cover 2 options, though these accessories are costly. Despite these improvements, the 907g unit is noted as too heavy for comfortable handheld tablet use while remaining small for extended desktop productivity. Other drawbacks include Windows 8.1 high-DPI scaling issues and limited usable storage on the 64GB base model.