Surface 2 RT: Do you recommend it?

[skstrials]

Hello I am considering a tablet for school usage. It will be used for basic web browsing and school work.

I do like the fact that Surface 2 comes with Office pre-installed. However, I do not like the fact that I will be forced to use Microsoft Internet Explorer only for internet. That means I cannot use any add-ons such as Adblock or Xnotifier (for emails). This is the reason I am considering a Dell Venue 11 Pro, which comes with full Windows 8.1 at a similar price.

Also, I am worried about the non-removable battery of the Surface 2, that means once the 1 year warranty is over, and the battery goes bust (and it will), it will be annoying & expensive to replace the battery. How much does MS charge for the battery replacement?

To summarize, I do like the Surface 2 and Windows RT is fine except:
1) Having no choice in internet browser.

2) Non-removable battery.

So what do you have to say as owners? Would you still have gotten the Surface 2, if you had known about the Dell Venue 11 Pro?
The Dell tablet comes with full W8.1 as well as removable battery, BUT I do like the look of the Surface more.

Decisions......

 

[titoyees]

About Adblock, you can add a list for avoid those ads on Internet Explorer. Just add on Pluggins a list from Adblock and you will have a clean internet to joy.

Do not worry about the batterry, they are really good. I dont know where but I remember than is sopouse to last 2 years with full 95% and them will go down.

(sorry about my really bad english)

 

[WillysJeepMan]

I had a Surface RT and now have a Surface 2. I also have an iPad 4 and a variety of other tablets. I can honestly say that I believe that a Surface 2 will be terrific for you if you do not have advance tablet needs (lack of advanced function Modern UI apps). Lack of a browser choice is a bit of bummer, but having the option of the Modern UI version and desktop version makes up for it somewhat. There is an adblock of sorts with MSIE... Tracking Protection (google "Surface RT tracking protection") is every bit as good as an adblock plug-in.

I wouldn't worry about a non-replaceable battery. I don't know of any tablets that have replaceable batteries.

Having MS Office preloaded is a tremendous (and understated) value. I've been able to do quite a bit of serious work with MS Office on the Surface RT/2. Quality of the hardware is unparalleled in my opinion. And performance is as good as my iPad 4. Being able to use a 2nd display (60" HDTV) with the Surface RT/2 is something that is impossible with the iPad.

Even though I plan on trading in my Surface 2 @ Best Buy to get a new 11.6" Macbook Air ($450 net), the Surface 2 makes an outstanding netbook. (my only complaint is the lack of Modern UI apps)

I hope this helps.

 

[link68759]

Just fyi, the mail app will notify you of emails, you don't need to bog down your browser with that mess (xnotifier)

 

[Marc_SP]

I like my Surface 2. For my needs, it can do many more things than an iPad (USB, Office, kickstand...), BUT the bugs in the sofware are driving me crazy. After 6 months worth of updates and new firmwares and a couple of restores (reinstall Windows) the display driver still crashes like crazy. I have to reboot the tablet once a day, at least. Very sad. Maybe it only happens to me, but at this moment I really cannot recomend Surface 2 to my friends. :-(

 

[spaulagain]

I like my Surface 2. For my needs, it can do many more things than an iPad (USB, Office, kickstand...), BUT the bugs in the sofware are driving me crazy. After 6 months worth of updates and new firmwares and a couple of restores (reinstall Windows) the display driver still crashes like crazy. I have to reboot the tablet once a day, at least. Very sad. Maybe it only happens to me, but at this moment I really cannot recomend Surface 2 to my friends. :-(

That's odd, maybe a faulty unit? My Surface 1 has been very reliable. Only downside is slow processor. But I have a few friends with a Surface 2 and love it.

 

[Marc_SP]

That's odd, maybe a faulty unit? My Surface 1 has been very reliable. Only downside is slow processor. But I have a few friends with a Surface 2 and love it.

Surface 2 and RT have very different innards, but sure, I could have a defective unit. I hope not, or I hope yes, not sure :eck::unhappy:

 

[Paolo Cardelli]

Surface 2 and RT have very different innards, but sure, I could have a defective unit. I hope not, or I hope yes, not sure :eck::unhappy:

GPU drivers must NOT crash on Surface 2.
If they do, you have a defective unit (like I had too).

Go get a replacement (I suggest to apply for the Advanced Exchange Program) until it won't crash anymore.
In fact, my new unit, hardware/software wise, is just perfect: no crashes at all after weeks of continuous usage.

 

[Marc_SP]

GPU drivers must NOT crash on Surface 2.
If they do, you have a defective unit (like I had too).

Go get a replacement (I suggest to apply for the Advanced Exchange Program) until it won't crash anymore.
In fact, my new unit, hardware/software wise, is just perfect: no crashes at all after weeks of continuous usage.

I think I will try to restore Windows one last time. If it doesn't work I will exchange it.

 

[Paolo Cardelli]

I think I will try to restore Windows one last time. If it doesn't work I will exchange it.

Ok, but I suggest you to do it from an "USB Recovery Drive", and re-partitioning the hard drive when asked too.
This is very effective to start again absolutely from scratch.

 

[Rasetech]

I can definitely recommend the Surface 2. If you want real productivity add the Type Cover 2, believe me - its great.

 

[James8561]

FYI adblock plus has an add-on for IE.
yes not many people know this just go to adblockplus.org using IE and you'll be shown to dl. this only works for the desktop version. for modern IE, use tracking protection lists.
that said, you wouldn't wanna use any other browser besides IE11 on a tablet anyway. IE is the best and only browser that fully support touch. the other browsers are crap when it comes to touch screens.

I would go for Dell Venue 11 Pro. sure it's $300 more but you get full windows which comes with it the ability to run x86 softwares. most school softwares are x86 which is why this is a huge plus. also, x86 allows you to break away from the Windows Store which is very limited in terms of app selection. that said you'll only ever want to run desktop app when necessary(as little as possible) on a tablet because the Modern apps are much better for touch.
Windows RT is a dead end anyway. Go full Windows or go home I say!

 

[Rasetech]

Great - but does not work for the Surface 2 cause the plugin is a Win32 application. But the way with the tracking lists works great for me.

 

[WillysJeepMan]

Great - but does not work for the Surface 2 cause the plugin is a Win32 application. But the way with the tracking lists works great for me.

It's amazing that there is still confusion between the Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2. In another thread, "stupid and lazy consumers" was the reason given... of course Microsoft was given a total pass on causing the confusion in the first place.

 

[Cruncher04]

Would you still have gotten the Surface 2, if you had known about the Dell Venue 11 Pro?

As i already mentioned in another thread, I own both devices, and the Dell ist just horrible compared to the Surface 2 in almost any aspect.

By the way, ADs can be blocked via tracking list in IE, you do not need AdBlock.

Windows RT is a dead end anyway.

Windows RT is neither a begin nor an end. It is just (full) Windows for ARM. Nothing more, nothing less. It is not that hard to grasp the concept!

 

[spaulagain]

Windows RT is neither a begin nor an end. It is just (full) Windows for ARM. Nothing more, nothing less. It is not that hard to grasp the concept!

Glad someone understands what RT is. In the long run, Windows will just be Windows. The difference will be compilation, that's it. The UI will simply be adapted to the device.

 

[kansasandroid1]

I am also interested in the Surface 2. I currently have a new HP laptop that's 15.6" so I was thinking about getting something a little more portable to go along with it. I was considering Surface Pro 3 but was not a fan of the limited storage and high price tag plus having to buy the keyboard separately. I was looking at used Surface 2's and found some in the $300-$400 range that include the keyboard and 64GB of storage. Do you guys think I should go for it? I like the 10" tablet screen size and I like the productivity of having office on there. I will be using it for portable computing on like vacations, Storing movies, and other things

 

[skstrials]

The Suface 2 and Dell Venue 11 Pro cost the SAME new from Microsoft Store.


The Suface 2 64gb costs $550 new from Microsoft store: Surface 2 - Microsoft Store Canada Online Store

The Dell Venue 11 Pro with 64gb storage with Intel Atom Z3770 processor costs $550 new from Microsoft Store. Buy Dell Venue 11 Pro Tablet - Microsoft Store Canada Online Store

Considering that Surface 2 has W8.1 RT and Dell Venue 11 Pro is full W8.1 as well as having a better processor, I think I should just go for a Dell Venue 11 Pro.

The current Surface 2 price needs to go down to the current Surface 1 price in order for it to make sense I think.

 

[jaimeastin]

The Suface 2 and Dell Venue 11 Pro cost the SAME new from Microsoft Store.


The Suface 2 64gb costs $550 new from Microsoft store: Surface 2 - Microsoft Store Canada Online Store

The Dell Venue 11 Pro with 64gb storage with Intel Atom Z3770 processor costs $550 new from Microsoft Store. Buy Dell Venue 11 Pro Tablet - Microsoft Store Canada Online Store

Considering that Surface 2 has W8.1 RT and Dell Venue 11 Pro is full W8.1 as well as having a better processor, I think I should just go for a Dell Venue 11 Pro.

The current Surface 2 price needs to go down to the current Surface 1 price in order for it to make sense I think.

Hey, what about the WPCentral forum marketplace? I heard there is a surface two with the accessories you need at a screaming deal!!!

Just saying... Lol!

 

[exkerZ]

Yes.