FollowIn the past week, Microsoft released two new tablets which replaces the older Surface RT and Surface Pro. The Surface 2 and Surface Pro are the successor devices which are now currently available on pre-order basis. Microsoft will start shipping these products to the customers from October 21st. The new tablets have got upgraded version of Windows and faster CPU.
Microsoft did its best to push the sales of Surface RT tablet by lowering its price considerably and offering. However, the Surface RT has been one of the major disappointments of Microsoft. The new Surface 2 appears to be far better device that comes with striking differences. Let us compare the older Surface RT with the Surface 2 to know what new changes Microsoft has brought to its customers
Design
Both the Surface RT and Surface 2 have got same angular design and edges. However, the RT tablet was colored in black whereas the Surface 2 has got a metallic finish.
Dimensions
The new Surface 2 is slimmer and lighter than the Surface RT. The Surface 2 is 0.5inch slimmer than the predecessor model. Also, the new tablet weighs 5g less than its predecessor.
Kickstand
The kickstand is one of the major features of Surface RT and the very same feature has been enhanced on the Surface 2 tablet. It now comes with dual-position hinge which allows you to twist it in two different angles. This makes it possible for people who are taller or to use the tablet comfortably on the lap.
Display
The Surface RT’s display was quite a disappointment as it only offered 1366 x 768 resolution. This is the reason why Microsoft has upped the display quality of Surface 2 which offers a full HD display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Like the predecessor, the newer model also offers the same five point multi-touch support.
CPU, GPU and RAM
This is the section where both the tablets show major differences. The Surface RT was powered by Nvidia Tegra 3 CPU which delivered a clocking speed of 1.3GHz when coupled with 2GB RAM. On the other hand, the Surface 2 tablet comes with a superior Tegra 4 mobile CPU from Nvidia which delivers a clocking speed of 1.7GHz. The quad-core processor offers 72 graphic cores. Like the predecessor, even the new model has got 2GB RAM.The Surface 2 undoubtedly offers faster performance and you will also enjoy playing games on it.
Camera
Both the front and rear camera of Surface RT could record only 720p quality photos and videos. Both the front and rear camera on Surface 2 has been upgraded to offer 1080p quality recording. The front camera of Surface is of 3.5MP whereas the one present on its back is of 5MP.
Storage Support
Both the Surface tablets are available in storage variations of 32GB and 64GB. Well, the Windows RT OS itself eats a lot of storage space. However, both the devices have got microSD card slot which supports up to 64GB of microSD.
Operating System
Both the tablets are running Windows RT OS which has been primarily developed for ARM processors. It does not support x86 software and legacy software for Win 7 and Win XP. The Surface 2 is expected to get the Windows RT 8.1 on October 21st. The upgraded version of Windows brings plenty of eagerly desired features which weren’t included in Windows 8.
Connectivity
Both the devices have more or less the same connectivity features. You get microHDMI, SuperSpeed USB 3.0 instead of USB 2.0, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The newer model has got v4.0 Bluetooth.
Battery
The Surface RT’s battery can offer a battery life of 8 hours. According to Microsoft, the battery of Surface 2 can offer a battery life of about 10 hours.
Customers of Surface 2 can get upgraded version of Office RT 2013, one year free subscription of Best of Skype, 200GB of SkyDrive cloud storage service for two years. Even the Windows Store has got plenty of apps onboard. Microsoft is also offering a better keyboard on Surface 2 with slimmer design and improved sensitivity.
The Surface tablets which were considered to be one of the failures of Microsoft are now back again with promising specs. It is there to compete with the likes of Apple, Amazon and Google Nexus. What do you think about the new Surface 2? Will you consider buying it? Do let us know your views on it.
