Microsoft published their second generation Surface devices a year after the first one. New ideas starts with investments as usual and the Surface line seems to be one of these first ideas for Microsoft. Probably, the Surface line not the most profitable project for Microsoft with the first devices although the quick improvement quite expected.
At the first glance, Microsoft Surface 2 similar to its predecessor. The color is matte gray (magnesium), except the black screen frame. The magnetic charger and keyboard connection and the magnesium alloy body seems really high end quality. It looks like a laptop with the keyboards and kickstand. The Surface 2 display size 10.6 inch with 16:9 aspect ratio, still the same as the first Surface device. However the IPS panel finally Full HD with wide viewing angle, anti-reflective optical coating and high brightness.
The NVIDIA Tegra 3 replaced with Tegra 4, which is still 4+1 core but it’s 1.7GHz instead of 1.2GHz. The structure is Cortex-A15 instead of Cortex-A9, which 1.5 times faster at the same clock rate. Significantly faster the integrated GeForce ULP graphics core too. 
There is 2GB RAM and 32GB or 64GB storage place what can be expanded with a microSD card. The Surface 2 has 31.5 watt hour (8500mAh, 3.7v) battery, like the predecessor and the officially promise more than 10 hours run time. The network unit contains Wi-Fi and bluetooth modules but there is a version with LTE modem too.
On Surface 2, there are more ports than average. We can find HD video out, Full-size USB 3.0 and a microSD card slot. There is a traditional Headphone jack and the Cover port for keyboard. The Cameras improved too, the front 3.5MP and the rear 5MP. The quality speakers placed on both sides.
The Surface 2 is compatible with previous generation keyboards, which is used as protection too. Also, Microsoft released the new, second generation Covers with back-light which more comfortable than the first one. All of these colorful Touch Cover 2 and Type Cover 2 separately sold. Also provided a bluetooth device what gives wireless connectivity to keyboards and the Power Cover which is a battery backup keyboard whit physical keys.
Windows RT upgraded to 8.1 version on Surface 2. Windows RT running on ARM processor architectures, like Windows Phones. There is a traditional Windows desktop interface on Surface which works with basic Microsoft applications. Windows Runtime (RT) is the main portion of Windows RT interface which operates above the Windows core in protected software environment. Still disadvantage that programs aren’t able to use hardware components in full capacity in this software structure. Although development expected, there are already too many hassle and question among the users who have reason to trust in Windows what provides the greatest compatibility and functionality for a long time. Windows Apps just started to developed and probably it’ll gain its popularity.
The Windows RT 8.1 use those system settings that Android and iOS never seen before. For example the Ease of Access, the complex
network settings, individual management of user accounts, the opportunity to connect a lot of task with wide variety of programs, etc. There is no other system yet what capable for multi-tasking function which divide the screen to more than one aspect ratio but Windows. This function works very well on Surface 2 unique and wide display.
The metro interface changed a lot. The newly installed programs appear on all apps field only which available if we scroll down on start screen. Plus two tile sizes available and we find an extra miniature tile setting. The desktop background also can be set on start screen which fades when the start screen appears. There are more features on lock screen to work with variety of application function, calling by chat programs or using camera and camcorder for example.
Microsoft Surface evolved a lot with the second version due to the much faster hardware and the improved Windows RT. It’s a great upgrade for people who needs those unique features what Surface 2 provides. Such as being a tablet with laptop functionality, Windows complex system settings or the high quality multitasking.
