Auch für die Windows-Fraktion ist bei den 10-Zöllern einiges geboten, etwa mit der zweiten Generation von Microsofts Surface. Dessen CPU sorgt für flüssiges Navigieren durch die Kacheloberfläche und dank des starken Akkus geht dem 647 Gramm schweren Tablet nicht so schnell die Puste aus. Das 16:9-Display ist kontraststark, spiegelt aber. Mit 32 GB Speicher, HDMI-Port und zwei Kameras bringt das Surface eine durchschnittliche Ausstattung mit.

So, where does this leave Surface 2? It’s clearly superior to the original Surface RT in performance, but it doesn’t really matter. Even the original Surface RT had issues with fratricide in our eyes and the situation is far worse for Surface 2. Who, after all, wants to pay for Surface RT or Surface 2 when you can get a full x86-based Windows 8.1 tablet for almost the same price that will at least run Windows desktop apps? Frankly, not many of us, as you can see from the sales figures.

Full Windows 8.1 needs to be let loose on the Surface 2 to make it a real alternative to the attractiveness of iOS and Android tablets. Until then, this is something of a poor man’s iPad....

With a stylish, well-built body, Full HD resolution and good battery life, the Surface 2 is a choice buy for anyone looking for a tablet that does (pretty much) everything. It does still lag behind some of the competing high-end iOS and Android tablets, however, due in large part to the heinous shortage of apps in the Windows Store. All the same, it would be an excellent fit at the office.