Microsoft is taking a second stab at the table market with the introduction of the new Surface Pro 2. On the surface, the new tablet looks almost completely identical to it’s predecessor, but Microsoft claims the Pro 2 is so powerful that it will make you think twice about buying your next laptop.

The Surface Pro 2 headlined a New York press event where Microsoft showed off two new Windows Surface tablets, the other being the Surface 2.

The Surface Pro is a 10.6-inch tablet running Intel’s latest Haswell chip, which will give it some appreciable speed and battery life. We took a spin with the new Surface Pro 2 to see if it’s really worth its $899 (£719, about AU$951) starting price.

In hand, the Surface 2 feels a lot like the old model. Aside from being slightly thinner, there aren’t many new added touches to the exterior. But looking like the old Surface Pro isn’t entirely a bad thing.

It’s a hefty device for sure, and there’s nothing chintzy about the Pro 2’s magnesium body. It even keeps the slightly soft finish to it give you plenty of grip.

Turning on device meanwhile takes you to the Surface Pro 2’s 1920 x 1080 resolution screen. It’s the same as the original Surface Pro’s resolution, though Microsoft claimed the tablet can support external resolutions up to 3840 x 2160 pixels.

In use

The HD screen combined with the speed of the on-board Core i5 chip make for a smooth Windows 8.1 ride. Modern style tiles glide across the screen and applications snap into view.

The whole experience on Surface Pro 2 was just snappier than we’ve experienced on a Surface before. We would say it was almost as fast as an Ultrabook, which does fit into Microsoft’s strategy of trying to pack a full-blown PC into a tablet.

Once we had the tablet set up with a battery cover and the docking station, it really was like being back at a workstation, albeit with a much smaller screen.

Power isn’t the only thing the Surface Pro 2 has going for it. The new Intel chip will also help keep the tablet running faster plus more efficiently. A Microsoft representative told us that the up to 75% battery boost could yield seven hours of operation time for the Pro 2, a time that can be further extended with the machine’s new battery cover.

The Power Cover accessory is said to be capable of adding up to 60% more battery life to the device, though our rep source said the Pro 2 does have enough to go up to 12.5 hours with the cover.

Though the tablet weighs two pounds, it’s still weighty and can feel like a brick after carrying it around for an extended period of time. It might be ideal for long periods of sitting (international flights) or occupying a spot on your desk at home, not necessarily for shuttling around from locale to locale.

A kick in the stand

Perhaps the greatest game changer can be found on the backside of the Pro 2.

The kickstand can now be adjusted to two positions. On top of snapping the kickstand into its initial position, you can now orient it into a more slouched position designed for on-lap use. It’s all a bit silly but the new position offered us a much comfortable typing arrangement while we were seated sans-desk.

Thankfully, we didn’t have to awkwardly crane our necks back and further away from the screen while we balanced the tablet and fold up keyboard on our laps.

Early verdict

Overall, the Surface Pro 2 comes across as another device being taken through the yearly refresh process. It’s received some reactive, though not unwelcome, updates to keep up with the completion. It’s a solid device, but so was the Surface Pro.

The added upgrades can’t be ignored. With an far better power and much improved battery life, the Surface Pro 2 should be on the top of your buy list if you’re in the market for a Windows 8.1 tablet. The price is steep, but you do get plenty of machine for your money.

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