Microsoft Surface 2 review: Sink or swim

Introduction

There is a tall task ahead of the Microsoft Surface 2. The first generation of the Microsoft tablet arrived with much fanfare but had little success, and the newcomer has to entice new customers, proving along the way that Redmond can be a factor in the consumer tablet marketplace and, more importantly, that Windows RT has a future as a platform

To make a case for itself, the Microsoft Surface 2 comes with an OS update. Windows RT 8.1 is a notable improvement over its predecessor, which includes welcome UI tweaks, better integration of Microsoft services, as well as a broader choice of third-party apps compared to a year ago.
In addition to the updated OS, the Surface 2 comes packed with some seriously capable hardware, including an NVIDIA Tegra 4 SoC, a 10.6" FullHD display, a 5MP camera, and a long list of connectivity and storage expansion options. Here goes its full list of talents

Key features

• 10.6" FullHD LCD touchscreen, 1,920 x 1,080 pixels
• NVIDIA Tegra 4 T40 SoC with Quad-core 1.7GHz Cortex-A15 CPU, 2 GB of RAM, ULP GeForce 72-core GPU
• Windows 8.1 RT with deep Microsoft service integration
• 32/64GB of in-built storage; 200GB of free SkyDrive for 2 years
• Micro SD card slot, up to 64GB supported
• Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity with Wi-Fi Direct
• Standard USB port, USB 3.0 host functionality
• Bluetooth 4.0
• HD video out
• Accelerometer, compass and three-axis gyro-sensor
• 5MP main camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps video
• 3.5MP front-facing camera capable of recording 1080p@30fps videoSuperb build quality and finish
• Built-in two-stage kickstand
• Built-in stereo speakers
• Full version of Microsoft Office available out of the box
• A year's worth of free Skype Out calls to sixty destinations worldwide
• Duo of available keyboard covers (sold additionally)
• Impressive battery life