• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Surface 2 and Pro 2 |OT| Lap it up

G

GK86

Homeland Security Fail
Welcome to the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 thread. A big thanks to Strata8 for letting me reuse his banners from the Surface OT. It also follows his layout, so thank him for the nice OT.


HbYjmQe.jpg

Ges6AEY.jpg


Edit- MS has bumped up the specs:

kharma45 said:
Seems Microsoft are quietly bumping the Surface Pro 2 up from the i5-4200U to the i5-4300U

http://www.wpcentral.com/microsoft-quietly-updates-surface-pro-2-slightly-improved-cpu
Click to expand...

reviewslabel.png


Anandtech: SP2. S2.
Cnet: SP2. S2.
Digital Spy: SP2.
Gizmodo: S2. SP2.
Next Web: SP2.
Pocket Lint: S2.
Techcrunch: Both.
The Guardian: S2.
Verge: SP2. S2.
Wired: Both.

releaselabel.png


Launch date and countries:

October 22 in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Surface 2
32GB/2GB of Ram $449/£359
64GB/2GB of Ram $549/£439

Surface Pro 2
64GB/4GB of Ram $899/£719
128GB/4GB of Ram $999/£799
256GB/8GB of Ram $1,299/£1,039
512GB/8GB of Ram $1,799/£1,439

Every Surface Pro 2 option comes with a Surface pen.
Every Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 includes 200 GB of SkyDrive storage, and unlimited Skype minutes.

speclabel.png


Surface 2

  • OS: Windows RT 8.1
  • Screen: 10.6 in ClearType Full HD (1920 x 1080)
  • Processor: nVidia Tegra 4
  • Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.79 x 0.35 in
  • Weight: 1.49 lbs
  • Storage: 32/64 GB
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, USB 3.0, micro-SD expansion (up to 64GB), HD video-out port
  • Battery: Up to 10 hours
  • Casing: VaporMg
  • Color: Magnesium
  • Two video cameras(front 3.5mp and back 5.0mp)
  • Two microphones
  • Stereo speakers

Surface Pro 2

  • OS: Windows 8.1 Pro
  • Screen: 10.6 in ClearType Full HD (1920 x 1080)
  • Processor: Intel Core i5 (Haswell)
  • Dimensions: 10.81 x 6.81 x 0.53 in
  • GPU: Intel HD 4400
  • Weight: 2 lbs
  • Storage: 64/128/256/512 GB
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0, Wi-Fi 802.11, USB 3.0, micro-SD expansion (up to 64GB), HD video-out port
  • Stylus: Digital Pro Pen
  • Battery: Up to 7 hours
  • Casing: VaporMg
  • Color: Dark Titanium
  • Two 720p HD cameras(front and rear)
  • Microphone
  • Stereo speakers

accessorieslabel.png


Touch Cover 2 (Charcoal)
$119.99
2.5 mm thin
Activation: Pressure-sensing input • Backlit
Also supports gestures
5Lbz7ra.jpg
Click to expand...

Type Cover 2 (Charcoal, Purple, Cyan, Magenta)
$129.99
5.0 mm thin
Activation: Moving (mechanical) keys • Layout: QWERTY, full row of function keys (F1 – F12) • Dedicated buttons for Windows shortcuts and media controls

FgNGGln.jpg
Click to expand...

Docking Station
$199.99
Available early next year.
Power supply input • 1 USB 3.0 Port • 3 USB 2.0 Ports • Ethernet port (10/100 Ethernet RJ-45) • 3.5 mm audio input/output connections • 1 mini DisplayPort

5LlzQfd.jpg

pbvR9wS.jpg
Click to expand...

Remix Project Cover
No pricing details yet
Available next year.

nrVuK7H.jpg
Click to expand...

Power Cover
$200
Available next year.
Up to 60% additional battery life.

Wireless Adapter
Wirelessly connect Touch and Type Covers to any Surface tablet.
$59.99

muwCFRL.jpg


S0cxDjA.jpg
Click to expand...

Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition
$69.99
No release info.

IJVmqa4.jpg
Click to expand...

linkslabel.png


Official page for Surface 2/Pro 2.
Surface 2 promo video.
Surface Pro 2 promo video.
Verge's hands-on.
Techcrunch hands-on.
Full list of accessories.
Dazzla's app recommendation.

Surface Pro 2- CS:S benchmarks.
Surface Pro 2- Unboxing.

Surface 2- Unboxing.
Surface 2- Power connector.
Surface 2- Printing setup.
Surface 2- Battery life video.
Surface 2- Quickplay.
Surface 2- Internet Explorer.
Surface 2- Quick demo.
Surface 2- Scanning.
 
J

jagowar

Member
I am eagerly awaiting reviews on the pro 2.... really curious how well the desktop dock will work and what the real battery life will be like. Shame that power cover is not out until next year.
 
M

Major Williams

Member
Very nice OT, I am considering making the jump from the iPad to the Surface. Makes more sense as a student to have a tablet that can use excel with the familiar Windows interface.
 
V

Via Purifico

Banned
Very nice OT. Hopefully this time the surface brand picks up some steam and become more competitive, microsoft really has a great line of products here.
 
W

Watevaman

Member
I've got a feeling now might be the time to ask about this, as Xmas is coming up, so how many people have replaced their laptops with a Surface (Pro in particular)?

Here's my situation: college student majoring in geography, which means I have a 10% MS coupon valid until December 31. I'm looking to be in school for at least another 2 years if everything goes alright. I currently own an HP Pavilion dv6 I bought in January of 2010 and while it gets stuff done, if I want to do any drawing/note taking I have to take my Wacom tablet. It's also pretty heavy at 6.5lbs. As I'm still in engineering classes at the moment, I'm not sure what software I'd need to run, but I do the occasional Photoshop work right now just as a hobby. Right now I have my desktop, the laptop, and a Nexus 7. The Nexus is really what I carry around when I need to, as I use it for browsing and textbooks, and I'm afraid it wouldn't get any use if I had a Surface.

So, was anybody in a similar situation? It's a good chunk of change ($1000+), so I want to entertain options before I jump in.
 
Azzurri

Azzurri

Member
Wellscha said:
For surface users, is there a good note taking app?
Click to expand...

Would like to know this too.

Want a Pro 2, but I just bought a $1500 gaming laptop and don't really need to spend another $1000+.

Also, what would the Surface be good for since most people say it sucks.
 
X

Xplatformer

Member
Azzurri said:
Would like to know this too.

Want a Pro 2, but I just bought a $1500 gaming laptop and don't really need to spend another $1000+.

Also, what would the Surface be good for since most people say it sucks.
Click to expand...

What do they say it sucks at?

Great thread btw. Surface RT2 incoming. (Yeah, I'm going to continue to use the term RT. Guess I've been using computers for too long to be confusing an OS that will run legacy windows apps with an OS that wasn't designed to)
 
F

f0lken

Member
Azzurri said:
Would like to know this too.

Want a Pro 2, but I just bought a $1500 gaming laptop and don't really need to spend another $1000+.

Also, what would the Surface be good for since most people say it sucks.
Click to expand...

One Note

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeE5zWPuk_0

And the Metro Version is excelent too, also with pen support

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f1DNz9oXykA

And I will have a Pro before this year's end, does someone know if there is a screen protector that could give the screen a little textured feel, I tested the wacom pen and works perfect but I'm used to the texture on my bamboo as opposed to the clear glass feel on the surface
 
G

GK86

Homeland Security Fail
Watevaman said:
I've got a feeling now might be the time to ask about this, as Xmas is coming up, so how many people have replaced their laptops with a Surface (Pro in particular)?

Here's my situation: college student majoring in geography, which means I have a 10% MS coupon valid until December 31. I'm looking to be in school for at least another 2 years if everything goes alright. I currently own an HP Pavilion dv6 I bought in January of 2010 and while it gets stuff done, if I want to do any drawing/note taking I have to take my Wacom tablet. It's also pretty heavy at 6.5lbs. As I'm still in engineering classes at the moment, I'm not sure what software I'd need to run, but I do the occasional Photoshop work right now just as a hobby. Right now I have my desktop, the laptop, and a Nexus 7. The Nexus is really what I carry around when I need to, as I use it for browsing and textbooks, and I'm afraid it wouldn't get any use if I had a Surface.

So, was anybody in a similar situation? It's a good chunk of change ($1000+), so I want to entertain options before I jump in.
Click to expand...

I'm a college student as well. Majoring in CS. And after many debates, I have decided to jump on the SP2 bandwagon. These two videos pushed me over the edge big time.

I own a desktop, but no laptop (put down) or tablet (sold last year) so it makes the decision easier for me. Although, like yourself, the price tag did a good job of scaring me away.
 
Z

Zhuk86

Banned
Got mine pre-ordered, can't wait to get my hands on it! Microsoft have made the perfect tablet with the Surface 2 imo, love the covers and the fact they solved the productivity problem with 'mobile' devices.

It will be an excruciating wait tracking my package once it ships!
 
T

tenchir

Member
I really want a Surface Pro 2, but 0.9-1K dollar for a 128GB version is kind of hard for me to swallow and these have fan for the i5 processor too right?

I am definitely waiting for the Venue 11 Pro to come out to see a better price/performance comparisons. Do you think the i3 version of the Venue will be fanless?
 
D

Dazzla

Member
I'm pretty excited for these. I'm after the Surface 2 as a companion device. I imagine it'll be used for the majority of my computer usage with a Macbook Air for slightly heavier lifting when required.

Stocked up on accessories already, have a 64GB micro SD card and micro HDMI to HDMI adaptor ready. It's all ready so slot straight into my multi monitor set up when I'm at home in the office.

I'd like to recommend some apps as well for prospective buyers (UK store links):

Halo Spartan Assault
Screenshot.195101.100000.jpg


Nextgen Reader
Screenshot.29960.1000000.jpg


Bing News (get the whole suite of apps though: News, Sport, Finance, Travel, Food, Maps, Translate)
Screenshot.4009.1000000.jpg


Remote Desktop
Screenshot.1454.1000000.jpg


XBMC RT Remote (although there are plenty of other options)
Screenshot.10387.1000005.jpg


Kindle
Screenshot.25069.100000.jpg


SocialNV
Screenshot.113464.1000000.jpg


Code Writer
Screenshot.65444.1000000.jpg


OneNote
Screenshot.5639.1000000.jpg


Evernote Touch
Screenshot.789.100000.jpg


Pouch (Pocket client)
Screenshot.85157.1000000.jpg


Latermark (another Pocket Client)
Screenshot.26345.1000000.jpg


The Football App
Screenshot.153440.1000000.jpg


Torrex (torrent client)
Screenshot.152122.1000002.jpg


Metro Commander
Screenshot.193740.100000.jpg


Twitter
Screenshot.102046.1000000.jpg


Netflix
Screenshot.21604.100000.jpg


4OD
Screenshot.60843.1000001.jpg


Spotlite (Spotify Client)
Screenshot.235757.100000.jpg


Ebay
Screenshot.2508.1000001.jpg


Amazon
Screenshot.47807.1000003.jpg


Fresh Paint
Screenshot.6950.1000000.jpg


Xbox SmartGlass
Screenshot.946.1000000.jpg


Wikipedia
Screenshot.1816.5492.jpg


PrimeTube (YouTube app, although there are many)
Screenshot.32695.1000000.jpg


Toolbox
Screenshot.21889.1000000.jpg


The store in 8.1 is much better than the store in 8. This makes it easier to filter out the crap in the store (and there's a lot). Hopefully this gives a little insight into some of the better apps out there. There is certainly enough to keep me going in the app store, it suits my workflow. I'd like a nice magazine app, Zinio is there but it suffers from being an afterthought (like Google Play Magazines) to Newstand on iOS. Publishers make great interactive content for Newstand but generally static PDF style magazines for other platforms.
 
J

jagowar

Member
dLMN8R said:
OneNote? Free in the Store.
Click to expand...

Second onenote.... but one small issue I have with the metro app is not being able to convert my handwriting into txt (have to use the desktop app for that which is not a huge deal but a pain to switch back and forth).
 
D

Dazzla

Member
Cool. There really are a lot of good apps available now. Windows RT 8.1 a year after Windows RT 8 is a completely different proposition. I didn't touch on games as I don't game too heavily on tablets. I wouldn't have thought the gaming scene is as good as iOS though.

I'll be buying mine in store at John Lewis for the longer standard warranty. I hope they have a variety of touch covers there as well. The UK MS store only has black. I'm excited for the potential that the new touch covers offer such as gestures.
 
G

Ganondolf

Member
Does anyone know when the first reviews are going to be online. I thought I remember Microsoft saying that reviewers will have review units 2 weeks early.
 
G

Goku

Banned
I have a Surface RT. Best damn smart device I've ever owned. I wonder how much I can sell this for to buy a Surface 2. That things looks amazing.
 
G

GK86

Homeland Security Fail
hwalker84 said:
You should also add to the OP that the Touch Cover 2 supports gestures.
Click to expand...

Will do.

Ganondolf said:
Does anyone know when the first reviews are going to be online. I thought I remember Microsoft saying that reviewers will have review units 2 weeks early.
Click to expand...

I haven't heard of when the review embargo will be lifted.

Goku said:
I have a Surface RT. Best damn smart device I've ever owned. I wonder how much I can sell this for to buy a Surface 2. That things looks amazing.
Click to expand...

Best Buy has a trade in program. Can get anywhere between $200-350 for it. Assuming you just want the money quick.
 
G

GK86

Homeland Security Fail
Some MS stores are holding a midnight launch.

Bellevue Square Mall
Westfield San Francisco Centre
Scottsdale Fashion Square
Dadeland Mall (Miami)
Lennox Square Mall (Atlanta)
The Shops at Prudential Center (Boston)
The Westchester (White Plains, N.Y.)
The Domain (Austin, Texas)
The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City (Arlington, Va.)
Oakbrook Center Mall (Oak Brook, Ill.)
 
D

daviyoung

Banned
Major Williams said:
Can someone please help me find a video that shows Microsoft Excel use on the Surface 2? I need to know!
Click to expand...

What would you like to know? It's pretty much identical to Office 2013 version but misses some advanced features. For most people it's fine but you can't crack open the VB editor or run any high function on it.

rhfb said:
Is the Surface Pro 2 hardware identical outside of the Ram/Storage differences?
Click to expand...

Better CPU and higher res screen too.
 
Kibbles

Kibbles

Member
GK86 said:
I'm a college student as well. Majoring in CS. And after many debates, I have decided to jump on the SP2 bandwagon. These two videos pushed me over the edge big time.

I own a desktop, but no laptop (put down) or tablet (sold last year) so it makes the decision easier for me. Although, like yourself, the price tag did a good job of scaring me away.
Click to expand...
Damn those almost have me sold on a RT. How good is that remote desktop (over lan, not internet)?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Asus announces its first ROG NUC mini-PC for gaming
Hardware
49
3K
hououinkyouma00 replied
Xbox and Nacon team up to release the new 'iPhone MGX-Pro' controller for mobile and Game Pass gaming. €120|$125
17
2K
iHaunter replied
New look for PS5 console coming this holiday season
News 14 15 16 17 18
879
57K
hououinkyouma00 replied
  • Locked
Desktop PCs - Complete Setups
For Sale
1
1K
eddie4 replied
Nvidia’s Chat with RTX is a promising AI chatbot that runs locally on your PC
13
1K
Chiggs replied
Top Bottom