Friday, October 11, 2013

Microsoft Surface Pro 2 - Tablet with Laptop Specs


I couldn't help myself when I saw the Surface 2 Pro had a full copy of Windows 8 and a processor that supports laptop applications.

The ARM architecture-based Nvidia Tegra 4 with Windows 8.1 RT on the cheaper Surface 2 provides a longer battery life, but there’s a lack of support for the classic x86 Windows programs, so you’re limited to Metro-style tablet-centric apps. In addition, the device runs slower than the Surface Pro 2 with the full-blown laptop-use x86 architecture-based i5-4200U CPU and full x86 Windows 8.1 Pro Edition.

However - really stupid is the software that doesn't come with the Surface PRO 2. That annoys me.

On the software side, the Surface 2 Pro is indeed better because of the aforementioned more robust Windows applications support as well as better compatibility with enterprise environments, but Microsoft tries to justify that advantage over the Surface 2 by including a free Office suite on the former. Out of the box, you get free of charge a copy of touch-optimized Microsoft Office Home & Student 2013 RT including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook apps.

The price is definitely steep. I don't think I can justify a grand for one of these bad boys.

Technical Specifications
 

Surface Pro 2

Starts at $899.00

Surface 2

Starts at $449.00

Software

Windows 8.1 Pro
Windows RT 8.1, Microsoft Office 2013 RT3

Exterior

Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 in
Weight: 2 lbs
Casing: VaporMg
Color: Dark Titanium
Physical buttons: Volume, Power
Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.79 x 0.35 in
Weight: 1.49 lbs
Casing: VaporMg
Color: Magnesium
Physical buttons: Volume, Power

Storage & Memory

Storage
64/128 GB    256/512 GB4
4 GB RAM      8 GB RAM
32 GB or 64 GB4
2 GB RAM

Display

Screen: 10.6 inch ClearType Full HD Display
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)
Touch: 10-point multi-touch
Durable display
Screen: 10.6 in
Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (widescreen)
Touch: 5-point multi-touch
Durable display

CPU & Wireless

4th generation Intel Core i5 Processor
TPM Chip for enterprise security
Wireless: Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy technology
Intel
NVIDIA Tegra 4
Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n)
Bluetooth 4.0 technology
NVIDIA

Battery Life

7-15 days idle life
Charges in 2-4 hours with included power supply
Up to 10 hours6
7-15 days idle life
Charges in 2-4 hours with included power supply

Cameras, Video & Audio

Two 720p HD cameras, front and rear-facing
Microphone
Stereo speakers
Two video cameras on front and back
3.5 megapixel front-facing camera
5.0 megapixel rear-facing camera
Two microphones
Stereo speakers

Ports

Full-size USB 3.0
microSDXC card reader
Headset jack
Mini DisplayPort
Cover port
Full-size USB 3.0
microSD card reader
Headset jack
HD video out port
Cover port

Sensors

Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer
Ambient light sensor
Accelerometer
Gyroscope
Magnetometer

Warranty

1-year limited hardware warranty
1-year limited hardware warranty

Surface Pen

Included
Not included

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