The Legacy of Second-Generation Surface Devices

Microsoft’s second generation of Surface devices, released in 2013, marked a significant step in refining the company’s vision for a hybrid computing device that blurred the lines between tablet and laptop. With the introduction of the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, Microsoft continued to refine the Surface brand, delivering more polished designs and improved hardware. Here’s a look at these devices and their contributions to the Surface lineup.

Surface 2: A Sleeker, More Powerful Tablet Experience

The Surface 2 was Microsoft’s successor to the original Surface RT, and it came with several key improvements. Most notably, the Surface 2 ran on Windows RT 8.1, an updated version of Windows specifically designed for ARM-based processors. The device boasted a sharper 10.6-inch full-HD display, with vibrant colors and improved clarity over the original Surface RT. The inclusion of a NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor also provided a noticeable boost in performance, making the Surface 2 feel quicker and more responsive.

One of the major updates to the Surface 2 was its design. The tablet was thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and it featured an improved magnesium casing that provided a premium feel. With a USB 3.0 port, a better kickstand, and enhanced battery life, the Surface 2 was a significant leap forward in terms of portability and usability. Despite the improvements, it still maintained its signature feature — the versatile Type Cover keyboard — which helped bridge the gap between tablet and laptop functionality.

However, the Surface 2 was not without limitations. Running Windows RT meant the device could only run apps designed for the ARM architecture, which was a limitation for many users hoping to install traditional Windows desktop software. Still, for those looking for a lightweight, stylish tablet for entertainment and productivity, the Surface 2 was a solid choice.

Surface Pro 2: The Ultimate Hybrid for Power Users

The Surface Pro 2 was the powerhouse of the second-generation Surface family. Unlike the Surface 2, which was built around the ARM architecture, the Surface Pro 2 was powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, running the full version of Windows 8.1. This allowed users to install and run legacy Windows applications, making the Pro 2 a true hybrid device capable of replacing both a tablet and a laptop.

The Surface Pro 2 also featured a 10.6-inch full-HD display, but with a major improvement in color accuracy and brightness, making it ideal for creative professionals and anyone who valued excellent visuals. The device’s performance was a significant upgrade over the original Surface Pro, thanks to improvements in both the processor and battery life. Microsoft also reworked the Surface Pro 2’s kickstand, giving it multiple angles, which allowed for more ergonomic use and greater flexibility.

In terms of design, the Surface Pro 2 retained the same sleek, magnesium alloy body as its predecessor but was slightly thinner and lighter. The addition of up to 8GB of RAM and better storage options made it a competitive alternative to traditional ultrabooks and laptops. With the Surface Pro 2, Microsoft succeeded in delivering a device that truly bridged the gap between tablet portability and laptop power, making it an appealing option for business professionals, students, and anyone who needed a device that could handle demanding tasks.

Both the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 played crucial roles in the evolution of the Surface lineup. While the Surface 2 offered a refined and budget-friendly tablet experience, the Surface Pro 2 demonstrated Microsoft’s commitment to creating hybrid devices capable of doing it all. Together, they laid the foundation for the future of Surface devices, which would go on to offer even greater power, flexibility, and innovation in subsequent generations.