The Microsoft Surface 2 is the worthy successor to the original Microsoft Surface RT tablet. Using a form of Microsoft Windows (Windows RT) designed for ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) processors, the kind of processors typically seen in smart phones and Android tablets, the Surface 2 is responsive and sensitive. The screen is a 1080P capable screen, an improvement over the original RT's screen. Also the Surface 2 features a USB 3.0 port as well. Finger gestures on the Surface are far superior to gestures on an iPad or Android device. Simply swiping the display down minimizes a program very intuitively; swiping it down and holding it for a second closes the program completely. The browser works well for web surfing, and the incorporated kickstand in the back has two positions, making it easy to find a good working angle to see the screen. Where the Surface 2 has trouble is in the lack of apps. Not many regular Windows apps have been ported for use in Windows RT for an ARM processor. Microsoft also locked down the tablet, making it nearly impossible to run apps that haven't been obtained through the official Microsoft store. There were workarounds for Windows RT 8.0, but those workarounds don't function in Windows RT 8.1. As of 2017, if you buy a Surface 2, it's pretty much good for web surfing, some simple word/spreadsheet processing using Windows Mobile Office (included) and listening to various media (video, music, other audio). Sadly, the Amazon Kindle app was withdrawn from the Microsoft Store for RT devices, so there's no app for Kindle. However, it's still possible to read your Kindle library both online and offline, as long as you first are able to connect to Amazon. Battery life is good, though still short of what you can get with an iPad. In terms of value, the RT products appear to be a dead-end for Microsoft, with no further updates expected. Microsoft is working on a various "cloud" devices which some rumors state are simply updated versions of Windows RT. If true and if the products appear, one can hope that perhaps an upgrade path will be made for these truly great, if not well-known/high-selling, tablets.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes
The surface RT 2 is a nice device overall, for 5 years ago. It could easily replace a net book or an ebook reader or could be used to watch a movie in bed, but not for anything more serious. Pros: * 1080p sharp and clear screen * 8-10 hours battery life for lite use * tegra 4 runs windows RT smoothly, never lags. * nearly full microsoft office. * micro sd slot Cons: * windows RT, can only install arm specific software. x86 and x64 apps wont run here. * locked device, can only install apps feom the app store. * the app store barely has any apps, its nearly negligible compared to android store. * most wanted and important apps like google chrome and Firefox dont have an arm version. * office for windows RT doesnt support VBA at all. * very limited storage space. 18gb available out of total 25gb (windows takes 7gb) * no palm rejection, cant write on it properly Im sure therr are more pros and cons, but i could only thinknof those at the moment.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Surface RT should stand for (restricted tablet) you can't install third party apps unless they come from the Microsoft store. Some Microsoft programs won't even load on it (Silverlight needed for dishanywhere). That being said. For office work is pretty good. Good battery life and super portable. Boot fast and has the full USB port so external hard drive or your favorite keyboard are options. The Office versions are restricted too (No VBA or macros), and it can't be connecte3d to a work domain, that was a big downer for me. Its great for web surfing, there is a Netflix app, descent audio quality. A good functioning device, despite a few road blocks.
Nice device. Handy size, weight and good quality display. Use at home for the web and for foreign travel where weight is a factor. Little slow on the web sometimes but adequate. Another primary use is to review camera and video output from travel pics. I added a keyboard with "real" keys, not the membrane which I had on my older RT and didn't like. Greatly improved for typing emails. Good item for the low price.
I knew the battery was of no use when I purchased this tablet. The screen is not user friendly, much too sensitive for my use. I purchased for game use and the speed is ridiculously slow. Too late to return. So I have slow speed, no battery, and a screen I am constantly enlarging or decreasing in size each time I touch it. Aggravating.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Tablets & eBook Readers
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Tablets & eBook Readers