So recently I switched from working with an iPad Mini and upgraded myself to a Surface tablet. I have initially enjoyed its company during different events. Before I get into a list of pros and cons on this Surface 2 review I would just like to clarify I do not have any of the type or touch covers so this review is purely focused on the tablet and it’s on board keyboard. When I get the covers I will compare the overall performance with them included. But for now lets find out what’s great and what’s not about this tablet.
The whole Microsoft experience.
Pros of the Surface 2:
Usability:
Frankly, it’s hard to describe how well this tablet works. The Surface 2 is a well-rounded tablet that’s been thought out and pays attention to detail. Everything I have needed it can do faster, better, and just plain easier than the iPad mini which was actually smaller. Compared to the iPad Air people may see this tablet as a one and a half pound iPad wannabe, but I see it more like a mid-sized truck, it’s got beef to it but in reality it’s all muscle. It feels great in the hand and its performance makes the weight feel like a useless argument.
The rear of the device with a 5 megapixel camera at the top.
Works and Plays:
My editor is an iPad user and she brought up a great point by saying she likes how her iPad can be an easy way to check her email and take care of tasks without having to lug around a heavy device. But the Surface can achieve that and go beyond the call of duty. Let me give you a real life example. When I get home from school I like to just chill and not touch my laptop or desktop PC because I don’t want to turn it on or I don’t need all of that power. So normally I will watch some Netflix, check my email, maybe play a game, but most definitely play music. Then I remember. I have school and my teacher emailed my assignment – boom pull that up, at the same time I’m searching for some math help so I just snap up Internet explorer, without closing my Google page. Now I want to print something. Cool, just connect it to the USB real quick. Then my mom wants to see my work, but doesn’t like the touch screen, unplug the printer and plug in the wireless mouse. Now I want put it on the table, flip the kickstand, mom’s done so I pull out the mouse and insert a USB drive to transfer some documents, at the same time pull pictures off my micro SD card. Then in the end my mom wants to charge the iPad and I also want some pictures, so I connect the iPad, pull off the pictures and let it charge. That’s how crazy easy this Surface makes my afternoon. I never have to touch my computer and if I need it later it’s already on my other computer (SkyDrive) without the need of sharing by cable. IPad? Not even close. Back to Netflix.
The device with the kickstand engaged into one of its two positions.
Cons of the Surface 2:
If you ignore all the frivolous specs that don’t help you do work, the only place it doesn’t fully compete is the App store. I find this issue really just being used by other companies to draw attention away from the overall performance of the device. It would be nice for this device to one day have LTE ability but those aren’t really practical on a tablet.
My new keyboard!! Just got it and hey don’t judge the color. Review soon.
In the end the Surface 2 tablet is worth every cent of its $404 discounted price tag. It packs a punch and has a ton of power under the hood. Now I’m not saying if your are already entrenched into the Apple ecosystem to switch even though I kinda did that myself. If you’re looking for a new tablet and own just one device of different branding check this one out. The Surface 2 does more than the iPad, cheaper, and better. So in the end the iPad mini charging off the Surface 2 isn’t just funny, it’s a sign of things to come.
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