Yoga 2 Alternative

[xrex64]

I'm interested in getting something similar to the Yoga 2, however, I wish for it to have a low price (under $400-500).

 

Reasons I'm Interested In the Yoga 2:

 

- Tablet Like

- Touch Screen

- Has a full (besides numpad) keyboard (But can still be tablet)

- Decent graphics

 

That's really it. I basically want one that isn't made expensive because of the SSD, high res screen, and other stuff. Are there any alternatives to this? I would like something with full windows 8. Preferably not a Surface (unless you highly recommend it)

 

Let me know if this is confusing you and I'll explain. 

[Redportal]

Not sure were I stand on this, however after looking up the Yoga 2 the reviews look promising, most people rate it 4 out of 5.

If you do end up buying one or somthing close to it, be sure to let me know what you think of it .

 

I tend to stay away from laptops and tablets as I dont like the feeling of being helpless is somthing goes wrong unlike a home built desktop.

[xrex64]

Not sure were I stand on this, however after looking up the Yoga 2 the reviews look promising, most people rate it 4 out of 5.

If you do end up buying one or somthing close to it, be sure to let me know what you think of it .

 

I tend to stay away from laptops and tablets as I dont like the feeling of being helpless is somthing goes wrong unlike a home built desktop.

I've got a desktop. 

 

I was asking if there is something cheaper, but similar to the Yoga 2, in terms of tablet and laptop mode and the touchscreen. 

[Redportal]

Have you looked at the Dell Inspiron Due, you can find some on eBay for your price range, the reviews seem good aswell.
 

[ZetZet]

Pavilion x360 400$ and you can get a red one.

[xrex64]

Pavilion x360 400$ and you can get a red one.

There are very little critical reviews on it. Seems iffy

 

The pixel density is also pretty low considering it could be a tablet. 

[ZetZet]

There are very little critical reviews on it. Seems iffy

 

The pixel density is also pretty low considering it could be a tablet. 

11.6inch 1366x768 is not that low density for a pc...

Reviews? It's not even released yet.

[xrex64]

11.6inch 1366x768 is not that low density for a pc...

Reviews? It's not even released yet.

It seemed like you could buy it on the HP website. I guess that would just be a pre-order then. 

[ZetZet]

It seemed like you could buy it on the HP website. I guess that would just be a pre-order then. 

I've been buying Hp pcs, printers for over twenty years, loved them, until now. This little guy is very convenient, due to size and kinda handles like a touchpad, but slow processor, to many new types of gadgets, short battery life and no way to replace a battery when on the move. I'm talking about 4 hour battery life, sound not really great with or without head phones. I did some upgrading when purchased, but this is not worth the $700.00 without extended warranty I also purchased.

 

Legit review right there.

[amd_fanboy]

Asus tranformer T100. It will run around 399 with the keyboard(but you could find it for 349) The only con is that it is not truly a laptop(in my terms) because the screen size is 11 inches.

[GoodBytes]

I have the Surface Pro 2 (256GB model with 8GB of RAM) with TypeCover 2 (that's the one with the real keys) and I highly recommend it.

 

I use the digitize pen for note taking in class mixed with keyboard (depending on the class.. sometimes both. And the quick switch between tablet and laptop allows me to insert graphs, diagrams, and math with great ease. I use OneNote 2013), I use it for work (software development) as well. I am part student in Computer Science. I can code all day with it.

 

The device is fast freaking fast. There is not cheaping out. SSD is a fast and sold SSD. And not "Here is an SSD just to say it has an SSD, but it's really the slowest thing in the world, which will make you wonder if you didn't get a 5400RPM HDD instead". It the real deal. It's the same type of SSD as the ones with 5 year warranty. RAM is DDR3 dual channel 1600MHz, the fastest the CPU supports. Again, not 1333Mhz and not 1066MHz like some manufactures likes to put.

 

To be exact, the Pro 2, uses low powered mSATA SSD, and LPDDR3 (Low powered DDR3), mixed with a (apparently) reworks of the internal circuit and Haswell CPU, solves the battery issue. I am getting 7 to 8h of battery when using it at school (Wifi on, note taking, surfing web, screen brightness at ~30% to 0%, depending on the class (if professor turns on or off the lights), and where I sit. The lowest I got with PC gaming (CIv 5) was ~3h, and the max I got (on the bus, WiFi Off, reading a document, minimum brightness): ~12h.

 

The dual angle stand is great. I actually use most of the time the second angle. I don't find it really limiting.

Stereo speakers are, to me, impressive for such device. It's not spectacular, or anything like that, but it delivers decent sound. A lot better than my previous laptop (Dell Latitude E6400), which were more tweeters than speakers.

 

It does have only 1x USB 3.0. I taught it would have been limited. but actually, in absolute rare moments I wished for a second USB port. While the touchpad is decent in my book, once you get used to the texture, definitely one of the better ones I used, I use a standard wireless mouse most of the time when using it as a laptop, outside of class (library, work or out somewhere), as it's always the best for long usage. So I use a Logitech wireless mouse (VX Nano), and that's that. If I use a USB key, which is rare, I can use touch and track pad. So I have options. The reason why I rarely use it, is because of Windows 8. Both my desktop and Surface Pro 2 are using Windows 8, so I have my files in sync between systems. My Surface Pro 2 acts like an extension of my desktop. The lack of another USB port, is not for giggles however, Analyzing the Surface Pro 2 internals from the web, there was no room for another USB port, mostly due to the speakers, and the kick stand system being large, if you wondered.

 

Attention to details is what you'll get with the device. All ports are cut exact size, so that you don't see the big ugly metal casing around mini DisplayPort, memory card reader, and USB. And the inside of the connectors are in dyed aluminum in titanium color to hide the connectors from being eye soars.

 

The touch screen is excellent. The digitizer (the pen) is very good. If you need to write with the pen, I would suggest to calibrate it. This is something with Wacom digitizer, if you need maximum precision, and not just a pointing device, or just sketching, you want to calibrate the pen. But once you do that, you are set. The reason for the calibration, is that with Wacom digitize pens, the whole pen is being tracked. So as we all hold the pen different (and different hands), the pen needs to be adjusted to your style.

 

The device comes junk clean. And when I mean, you would wish you have done a better job with your custom build computer.

The device has 0 junk, and the drivers are just the drivers. No fluff, no extra control panels, no start-up drivers items. No. Your startup is empty. That is how clean it is. It does have the Office 2013 downloader/activator, BUT as the device has no optical drive, if you purchased Office 2013 in disk form, or got the subscription model, it is handy. For one, you don't have to break your head to get the Office disk into a USB drive to load it on the Surface Pro 2 to install it. Just enter the product key, and if you have the subscription, well you'll download it in any case. So to me, it's not junk. And if it is to you, it's less than a few megabytes, will uninstall in a flash.

 

Webcam is your usual 720p cheapo web cam. Does the job for Skype. But believe me, you won't be taking pictures with it. It's a device for that, even if it had a superb web cam. Granted a 1080p web cam would have been nice, but at the time of release of the Surface Pro 2, it was the same for similar devices. But now it's not really true.

 

The device has bluetooth and microSD card, but I have not used them, as I have nothing to test it with.  But I don't see why it would not work. All I know is that bluetooth is using one of those 2in1 wireless card where you have wireless N + Bluetooth, using the same antenna. Which, like all those multi-device/hardware: its "jack of all trade, master of none". So if you connect bluetooth device, as I expected from these cards, and what I can notice from other users, is that the wireless, if connected to 2.4GHz, WITH a Bluetooth device the wireless gets a performance hit, as both are 2.4GHz and sharing the same antenna. (just having Bluetooth enabled, doesn't cause any problem). So I would say, this is a downsides that review sites miss.

 

Another downside, is that because the device is in magnesium alloy made body (allowing to be lighter and stronger than aluminum) it can't be dyed. Well by "can't" I mean, I am not a material engineer, I don't know if you can't. But i have not seen a single magnesium body device that is dyes. It's all painted. Even the Surface 2 "magnesium color" is painted. So in other words, you have to be careful. You cant' toss is around, and don't want to put anything on top, or put the device on it's back. You wan the keyboard cover to face the desk. When you have a device like that, much like I had with my laptop, you get used to it. You just to be careful, and use a sleeve where inside is soft, if you'll be carrying it in your bag or something. Also, you have to be carful when you insert your USB device and power connector. You have to aim and insert it, not just go "wtv" slide up and down until it fits without looking, you'll scratch it, and the surrounding area where the metal turns 90 degree inwards will get scratch, much like old laptop. Sucks, but it's not too bad as it sounds.It's not visible under you pay attention to it.

 

The Surface Pro 2 is not a tablet. It's a serious productive device, with some serious power. It has a Core i5 4300U* 1.9GHz with Turbo Boost 2.9GHz. No ultra voltage under powered Y series CPU. The device never gets hot, even if you game. It will get warm, but not hot. The fan will not kick in unless you play a game (like an actual PC game). The device has excellent cooling. It uses a good heatsink with lots of surface area, and quiet fans. You'll only hear them if they spin at near max speed.

 

(*). Depending on your region, you may have the original CPU of the Surface Pro 2. The 4200U, which is 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost of 2.6GHz. The performance difference between the 2 is only 300MHz, and not visible. Microsoft use both to meet demand. The 4200U is used by most manufactures, so Microsoft had trouble getting some, so they switch to the 4300U.

 

The device is more of a ultrabook, that you can flip the keyboard on the back, and use like a tablet on your leg, or table. Ideal for note taking with the pen, or using it on the bus on a long trip. But not something you want to hold continuously. It's not an entertainment device.

 

The display is very nice. IPS panel with excellent view angles. By default  the device comes at 200% DPI. If you have good eyes (with or without glasses), then you can use it, like I am, at 100% DPI. Things are indeed small. But I am fine with it. I have no issue what so ever. You can see what it looks like at the store. Just set it to 100% DPI, sign out and back in to apply the changes properly everywhere (as you'll only see a preview kind a thing where it will scale down the windows like they are images, not actually set it to 100% DPI), sign back in (no password on the demo Surface Pro 2 device), and voila. The reason why I suggest that, is if you need the 1080p display work space, and use programs that aren't high DPI aware, and can't stand the semi-blurry scale on text because teh lack of high DPI awareness).

 

I can talk hours about it the Surface Pro 2. So if you have any questions, just ask.

All I have to say, is if you told me, Here GoodBytes. I can give you up to 3000$ for any mobile computer you want. I'll pick the Surface Pro 2, and you keep the change.

 

I strongly believe that it the best convertible device you can get, especially if you can use it at 100% DPI.

 

Here are my issues with the devices I looked at:

 -> Sony anything. The company is gone, build quality of their convertible device don't stand demo units, not even at the Sony store they are OK. They are broken somewhere. Cheap cheap cheap ultra cheap plastic. Feels like dollar shop quality and hollow. Sony does have nice quality devices, but they are far in between. Beside they are gone.

 

 -> Lenovo Yoga 1 was plagued with faulty touchpad and other QA issues that show up after several month of usage. So I am little uncomfortable with it. BUT in Lenovo defense, it seams to be no issue so far. But lack of pen is no no for me. I need the pen. That's the point of the tablet convertible part. You are not going to hold this device on your bed. It's too heavy. It's heavier than the Surface Pro 2, and too big. Also battery life, despite a bigger system is not great. I expected to get more than the Surface Pro 2, but you are not, based on reviews I have read, especially after the firmware upgrade on the Surface Pro 2 which boosted it's battery life.

 

 -> ASUS transformer T100. It's Atom based... so NEXT!.

 

 -> Dell Venue Pro 11 Core i5 model. Uses Y series CPU, 1.5GHz only, with Intel 4200 which is similar in performance as last gen 4000 model. Also worse battery life than the Surface Pro 2, due to the replaceable battery, which is nice, but the battery is smaller because of it. And also, they are reports that after opening the plastic snapped back cover a few times, it doesn't hold anymore, the plastic snaps gets weak. Also the pen, uses Synaptic pen, their first try, and it's god awful. No wonder Dell didn't send the pen to reviewers. The pen randomly click all the time by having the pen somewhat close to the screen. Also it cost the same as the Surface Pro 2 128GB model. And only 4GB of RAM option available.

[xrex64]

I have the Surface Pro 2 (256GB model with 8GB of RAM) with TypeCover 2 (that's the one with the real keys) and I highly recommend it.

 

I use the digitize pen for note taking in class mixed with keyboard (depending on the class.. sometimes both. And the quick switch between tablet and laptop allows me to insert graphs, diagrams, and math with great ease. I use OneNote 2013), I use it for work (software development) as well. I am part student in Computer Science. I can code all day with it.

 

The device is fast freaking fast. There is not cheaping out. SSD is a fast and sold SSD. And not "Here is an SSD just to say it has an SSD, but it's really the slowest thing in the world, which will make you wonder if you didn't get a 5400RPM HDD instead". It the real deal. It's the same type of SSD as the ones with 5 year warranty. RAM is DDR3 dual channel 1600MHz, the fastest the CPU supports. Again, not 1333Mhz and not 1066MHz like some manufactures likes to put.

 

To be exact, the Pro 2, uses low powered mSATA SSD, and LPDDR3 (Low powered DDR3), mixed with a (apparently) reworks of the internal circuit and Haswell CPU, solves the battery issue. I am getting 7 to 8h of battery when using it at school (Wifi on, note taking, surfing web, screen brightness at ~30% to 0%, depending on the class (if professor turns on or off the lights), and where I sit. The lowest I got with PC gaming (CIv 5) was ~3h, and the max I got (on the bus, WiFi Off, reading a document, minimum brightness): ~12h.

 

The dual angle stand is great. I actually use most of the time the second angle. I don't find it really limiting.

Stereo speakers are, to me, impressive for such device. It's not spectacular, or anything like that, but it delivers decent sound. A lot better than my previous laptop (Dell Latitude E6400), which were more tweeters than speakers.

 

It does have only 1x USB 3.0. I taught it would have been limited. but actually, in absolute rare moments I wished for a second USB port. While the touchpad is decent in my book, once you get used to the texture, definitely one of the better ones I used, I use a standard wireless mouse most of the time when using it as a laptop, outside of class (library, work or out somewhere), as it's always the best for long usage. So I use a Logitech wireless mouse (VX Nano), and that's that. If I use a USB key, which is rare, I can use touch and track pad. So I have options. The reason why I rarely use it, is because of Windows 8. Both my desktop and Surface Pro 2 are using Windows 8, so I have my files in sync between systems. My Surface Pro 2 acts like an extension of my desktop. The lack of another USB port, is not for giggles however, Analyzing the Surface Pro 2 internals from the web, there was no room for another USB port, mostly due to the speakers, and the kick stand system being large, if you wondered.

 

Attention to details is what you'll get with the device. All ports are cut exact size, so that you don't see the big ugly metal casing around mini DisplayPort, memory card reader, and USB. And the inside of the connectors are in dyed aluminum in titanium color to hide the connectors from being eye soars.

 

The touch screen is excellent. The digitizer (the pen) is very good. If you need to write with the pen, I would suggest to calibrate it. This is something with Wacom digitizer, if you need maximum precision, and not just a pointing device, or just sketching, you want to calibrate the pen. But once you do that, you are set. The reason for the calibration, is that with Wacom digitize pens, the whole pen is being tracked. So as we all hold the pen different (and different hands), the pen needs to be adjusted to your style.

 

The device comes junk clean. And when I mean, you would wish you have done a better job with your custom build computer.

The device has 0 junk, and the drivers are just the drivers. No fluff, no extra control panels, no start-up drivers items. No. Your startup is empty. That is how clean it is. It does have the Office 2013 downloader/activator, BUT as the device has no optical drive, if you purchased Office 2013 in disk form, or got the subscription model, it is handy. For one, you don't have to break your head to get the Office disk into a USB drive to load it on the Surface Pro 2 to install it. Just enter the product key, and if you have the subscription, well you'll download it in any case. So to me, it's not junk. And if it is to you, it's less than a few megabytes, will uninstall in a flash.

 

Webcam is your usual 720p cheapo web cam. Does the job for Skype. But believe me, you won't be taking pictures with it. It's a device for that, even if it had a superb web cam. Granted a 1080p web cam would have been nice, but at the time of release of the Surface Pro 2, it was the same for similar devices. But now it's not really true.

 

The device has bluetooth and microSD card, but I have not used them, as I have nothing to test it with.  But I don't see why it would not work. All I know is that bluetooth is using one of those 2in1 wireless card where you have wireless N + Bluetooth, using the same antenna. Which, like all those multi-device/hardware: its "jack of all trade, master of none". So if you connect bluetooth device, as I expected from these cards, and what I can notice from other users, is that the wireless, if connected to 2.4GHz, WITH a Bluetooth device the wireless gets a performance hit, as both are 2.4GHz and sharing the same antenna. (just having Bluetooth enabled, doesn't cause any problem). So I would say, this is a downsides that review sites miss.

 

Another downside, is that because the device is in magnesium alloy made body (allowing to be lighter and stronger than aluminum) it can't be dyed. Well by "can't" I mean, I am not a material engineer, I don't know if you can't. But i have not seen a single magnesium body device that is dyes. It's all painted. Even the Surface 2 "magnesium color" is painted. So in other words, you have to be careful. You cant' toss is around, and don't want to put anything on top, or put the device on it's back. You wan the keyboard cover to face the desk. When you have a device like that, much like I had with my laptop, you get used to it. You just to be careful, and use a sleeve where inside is soft, if you'll be carrying it in your bag or something. Also, you have to be carful when you insert your USB device and power connector. You have to aim and insert it, not just go "wtv" slide up and down until it fits without looking, you'll scratch it, and the surrounding area where the metal turns 90 degree inwards will get scratch, much like old laptop. Sucks, but it's not too bad as it sounds.It's not visible under you pay attention to it.

 

The Surface Pro 2 is not a tablet. It's a serious productive device, with some serious power. It has a Core i5 4300U* 1.9GHz with Turbo Boost 2.9GHz. No ultra voltage under powered Y series CPU. The device never gets hot, even if you game. It will get warm, but not hot. The fan will not kick in unless you play a game (like an actual PC game). The device has excellent cooling. It uses a good heatsink with lots of surface area, and quiet fans. You'll only hear them if they spin at near max speed.

 

(*). Depending on your region, you may have the original CPU of the Surface Pro 2. The 4200U, which is 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost of 2.6GHz. The performance difference between the 2 is only 300MHz, and not visible. Microsoft use both to meet demand. The 4200U is used by most manufactures, so Microsoft had trouble getting some, so they switch to the 4300U.

 

The device is more of a ultrabook, that you can flip the keyboard on the back, and use like a tablet on your leg, or table. Ideal for note taking with the pen, or using it on the bus on a long trip. But not something you want to hold continuously. It's not an entertainment device.

 

The display is very nice. IPS panel with excellent view angles. By default  the device comes at 200% DPI. If you have good eyes (with or without glasses), then you can use it, like I am, at 100% DPI. Things are indeed small. But I am fine with it. I have no issue what so ever. You can see what it looks like at the store. Just set it to 100% DPI, sign out and back in to apply the changes properly everywhere (as you'll only see a preview kind a thing where it will scale down the windows like they are images, not actually set it to 100% DPI), sign back in (no password on the demo Surface Pro 2 device), and voila. The reason why I suggest that, is if you need the 1080p display work space, and use programs that aren't high DPI aware, and can't stand the semi-blurry scale on text because teh lack of high DPI awareness).

 

I can talk hours about it the Surface Pro 2. So if you have any questions, just ask.

All I have to say, is if you told me, Here GoodBytes. I can give you up to 3000$ for any mobile computer you want. I'll pick the Surface Pro 2, and you keep the change.

 

I strongly believe that it the best convertible device you can get, especially if you can use it at 100% DPI.

 

Here are my issues with the devices I looked at:

 -> Sony anything. The company is gone, build quality of their convertible device don't stand demo units, not even at the Sony store they are OK. They are broken somewhere. Cheap cheap cheap ultra cheap plastic. Feels like dollar shop quality and hollow. Sony does have nice quality devices, but they are far in between. Beside they are gone.

 

 -> Lenovo Yoga 1 was plagued with faulty touchpad and other QA issues that show up after several month of usage. So I am little uncomfortable with it. BUT in Lenovo defense, it seams to be no issue so far. But lack of pen is no no for me. I need the pen. That's the point of the tablet convertible part. You are not going to hold this device on your bed. It's too heavy. It's heavier than the Surface Pro 2, and too big. Also battery life, despite a bigger system is not great. I expected to get more than the Surface Pro 2, but you are not, based on reviews I have read, especially after the firmware upgrade on the Surface Pro 2 which boosted it's battery life.

 

 -> ASUS transformer T100. It's Atom based... so NEXT!.

 

 -> Dell Venue Pro 11 Core i5 model. Uses Y series CPU, 1.2GHz only, with Intel 4200 which is similar in performance as last gen 4000 model. Also worse battery life than the Surface Pro 2, due to the replaceable battery, which is nice, but the battery is smaller because of it. And also, they are reports that after opening the plastic snapped back cover a few times, it doesn't hold anymore, the plastic snaps gets weak. Also the pen, uses Synaptic pen, their first try, and it's god awful. No wonder Dell didn't send the pen to reviewers. The pen randomly click all the time by having the pen somewhat close to the screen. Also it cost the same as the Surface Pro 2 128GB model. And only 4GB of RAM option available.

That quality wall...

[GoodBytes]

Correction on my post. The Dell Venue Pro 11 Core i5 is 1.5GHz  not 1.2GHz

 

That quality wall...

[xrex64]

I have the Surface Pro 2 (256GB model with 8GB of RAM) with TypeCover 2 (that's the one with the real keys) and I highly recommend it.

 

I use the digitize pen for note taking in class mixed with keyboard (depending on the class.. sometimes both. And the quick switch between tablet and laptop allows me to insert graphs, diagrams, and math with great ease. I use OneNote 2013), I use it for work (software development) as well. I am part student in Computer Science. I can code all day with it.

 

The device is fast freaking fast. There is not cheaping out. SSD is a fast and sold SSD. And not "Here is an SSD just to say it has an SSD, but it's really the slowest thing in the world, which will make you wonder if you didn't get a 5400RPM HDD instead". It the real deal. It's the same type of SSD as the ones with 5 year warranty. RAM is DDR3 dual channel 1600MHz, the fastest the CPU supports. Again, not 1333Mhz and not 1066MHz like some manufactures likes to put.

 

To be exact, the Pro 2, uses low powered mSATA SSD, and LPDDR3 (Low powered DDR3), mixed with a (apparently) reworks of the internal circuit and Haswell CPU, solves the battery issue. I am getting 7 to 8h of battery when using it at school (Wifi on, note taking, surfing web, screen brightness at ~30% to 0%, depending on the class (if professor turns on or off the lights), and where I sit. The lowest I got with PC gaming (CIv 5) was ~3h, and the max I got (on the bus, WiFi Off, reading a document, minimum brightness): ~12h.

 

The dual angle stand is great. I actually use most of the time the second angle. I don't find it really limiting.

Stereo speakers are, to me, impressive for such device. It's not spectacular, or anything like that, but it delivers decent sound. A lot better than my previous laptop (Dell Latitude E6400), which were more tweeters than speakers.

 

It does have only 1x USB 3.0. I taught it would have been limited. but actually, in absolute rare moments I wished for a second USB port. While the touchpad is decent in my book, once you get used to the texture, definitely one of the better ones I used, I use a standard wireless mouse most of the time when using it as a laptop, outside of class (library, work or out somewhere), as it's always the best for long usage. So I use a Logitech wireless mouse (VX Nano), and that's that. If I use a USB key, which is rare, I can use touch and track pad. So I have options. The reason why I rarely use it, is because of Windows 8. Both my desktop and Surface Pro 2 are using Windows 8, so I have my files in sync between systems. My Surface Pro 2 acts like an extension of my desktop. The lack of another USB port, is not for giggles however, Analyzing the Surface Pro 2 internals from the web, there was no room for another USB port, mostly due to the speakers, and the kick stand system being large, if you wondered.

 

Attention to details is what you'll get with the device. All ports are cut exact size, so that you don't see the big ugly metal casing around mini DisplayPort, memory card reader, and USB. And the inside of the connectors are in dyed aluminum in titanium color to hide the connectors from being eye soars.

 

The touch screen is excellent. The digitizer (the pen) is very good. If you need to write with the pen, I would suggest to calibrate it. This is something with Wacom digitizer, if you need maximum precision, and not just a pointing device, or just sketching, you want to calibrate the pen. But once you do that, you are set. The reason for the calibration, is that with Wacom digitize pens, the whole pen is being tracked. So as we all hold the pen different (and different hands), the pen needs to be adjusted to your style.

 

The device comes junk clean. And when I mean, you would wish you have done a better job with your custom build computer.

The device has 0 junk, and the drivers are just the drivers. No fluff, no extra control panels, no start-up drivers items. No. Your startup is empty. That is how clean it is. It does have the Office 2013 downloader/activator, BUT as the device has no optical drive, if you purchased Office 2013 in disk form, or got the subscription model, it is handy. For one, you don't have to break your head to get the Office disk into a USB drive to load it on the Surface Pro 2 to install it. Just enter the product key, and if you have the subscription, well you'll download it in any case. So to me, it's not junk. And if it is to you, it's less than a few megabytes, will uninstall in a flash.

 

Webcam is your usual 720p cheapo web cam. Does the job for Skype. But believe me, you won't be taking pictures with it. It's a device for that, even if it had a superb web cam. Granted a 1080p web cam would have been nice, but at the time of release of the Surface Pro 2, it was the same for similar devices. But now it's not really true.

 

The device has bluetooth and microSD card, but I have not used them, as I have nothing to test it with.  But I don't see why it would not work. All I know is that bluetooth is using one of those 2in1 wireless card where you have wireless N + Bluetooth, using the same antenna. Which, like all those multi-device/hardware: its "jack of all trade, master of none". So if you connect bluetooth device, as I expected from these cards, and what I can notice from other users, is that the wireless, if connected to 2.4GHz, WITH a Bluetooth device the wireless gets a performance hit, as both are 2.4GHz and sharing the same antenna. (just having Bluetooth enabled, doesn't cause any problem). So I would say, this is a downsides that review sites miss.

 

Another downside, is that because the device is in magnesium alloy made body (allowing to be lighter and stronger than aluminum) it can't be dyed. Well by "can't" I mean, I am not a material engineer, I don't know if you can't. But i have not seen a single magnesium body device that is dyes. It's all painted. Even the Surface 2 "magnesium color" is painted. So in other words, you have to be careful. You cant' toss is around, and don't want to put anything on top, or put the device on it's back. You wan the keyboard cover to face the desk. When you have a device like that, much like I had with my laptop, you get used to it. You just to be careful, and use a sleeve where inside is soft, if you'll be carrying it in your bag or something. Also, you have to be carful when you insert your USB device and power connector. You have to aim and insert it, not just go "wtv" slide up and down until it fits without looking, you'll scratch it, and the surrounding area where the metal turns 90 degree inwards will get scratch, much like old laptop. Sucks, but it's not too bad as it sounds.It's not visible under you pay attention to it.

 

The Surface Pro 2 is not a tablet. It's a serious productive device, with some serious power. It has a Core i5 4300U* 1.9GHz with Turbo Boost 2.9GHz. No ultra voltage under powered Y series CPU. The device never gets hot, even if you game. It will get warm, but not hot. The fan will not kick in unless you play a game (like an actual PC game). The device has excellent cooling. It uses a good heatsink with lots of surface area, and quiet fans. You'll only hear them if they spin at near max speed.

 

(*). Depending on your region, you may have the original CPU of the Surface Pro 2. The 4200U, which is 1.6GHz with Turbo Boost of 2.6GHz. The performance difference between the 2 is only 300MHz, and not visible. Microsoft use both to meet demand. The 4200U is used by most manufactures, so Microsoft had trouble getting some, so they switch to the 4300U.

 

The device is more of a ultrabook, that you can flip the keyboard on the back, and use like a tablet on your leg, or table. Ideal for note taking with the pen, or using it on the bus on a long trip. But not something you want to hold continuously. It's not an entertainment device.

 

The display is very nice. IPS panel with excellent view angles. By default  the device comes at 200% DPI. If you have good eyes (with or without glasses), then you can use it, like I am, at 100% DPI. Things are indeed small. But I am fine with it. I have no issue what so ever. You can see what it looks like at the store. Just set it to 100% DPI, sign out and back in to apply the changes properly everywhere (as you'll only see a preview kind a thing where it will scale down the windows like they are images, not actually set it to 100% DPI), sign back in (no password on the demo Surface Pro 2 device), and voila. The reason why I suggest that, is if you need the 1080p display work space, and use programs that aren't high DPI aware, and can't stand the semi-blurry scale on text because teh lack of high DPI awareness).

 

I can talk hours about it the Surface Pro 2. So if you have any questions, just ask.

All I have to say, is if you told me, Here GoodBytes. I can give you up to 3000$ for any mobile computer you want. I'll pick the Surface Pro 2, and you keep the change.

 

I strongly believe that it the best convertible device you can get, especially if you can use it at 100% DPI.

 

Here are my issues with the devices I looked at:

 -> Sony anything. The company is gone, build quality of their convertible device don't stand demo units, not even at the Sony store they are OK. They are broken somewhere. Cheap cheap cheap ultra cheap plastic. Feels like dollar shop quality and hollow. Sony does have nice quality devices, but they are far in between. Beside they are gone.

 

 -> Lenovo Yoga 1 was plagued with faulty touchpad and other QA issues that show up after several month of usage. So I am little uncomfortable with it. BUT in Lenovo defense, it seams to be no issue so far. But lack of pen is no no for me. I need the pen. That's the point of the tablet convertible part. You are not going to hold this device on your bed. It's too heavy. It's heavier than the Surface Pro 2, and too big. Also battery life, despite a bigger system is not great. I expected to get more than the Surface Pro 2, but you are not, based on reviews I have read, especially after the firmware upgrade on the Surface Pro 2 which boosted it's battery life.

 

 -> ASUS transformer T100. It's Atom based... so NEXT!.

 

 -> Dell Venue Pro 11 Core i5 model. Uses Y series CPU, 1.5GHz only, with Intel 4200 which is similar in performance as last gen 4000 model. Also worse battery life than the Surface Pro 2, due to the replaceable battery, which is nice, but the battery is smaller because of it. And also, they are reports that after opening the plastic snapped back cover a few times, it doesn't hold anymore, the plastic snaps gets weak. Also the pen, uses Synaptic pen, their first try, and it's god awful. No wonder Dell didn't send the pen to reviewers. The pen randomly click all the time by having the pen somewhat close to the screen. Also it cost the same as the Surface Pro 2 128GB model. And only 4GB of RAM option available.

Btw, I'm not spending that much money on a Surface. I could get a Surface RT or something, but that doesn't have full windows. 

[theawesomejman]

wtf is a yoga 2, weird ass name

[GoodBytes]

Btw, I'm not spending that much money on a Surface. I could get a Surface RT or something, but that doesn't have full windows. 

I am looking at Lenovo web site and the Yoga 2, cheapest model with a Core i series (and not Pentium) is 999$, that's the model with an HDD and 4GB of RAM. Surface Pro 2 128GB is 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD for the same price.

 

That is why I recommended it. But if you found a better deal, or really don't mind the Pentium model, than that is fine.

[TheGosuStandard]

I am looking at Lenovo web site and the Yoga 2, cheapest model with a Core i series (and not Pentium) is 999$, that's the model with an HDD and 4GB of RAM. Surface Pro 2 128GB is 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD for the same price.

 

That is why I recommended it. But if you found a better deal, or really don't mind the Pentium model, than that is fine.

 

Goodbytes basically said it all for convertibles. I had trouble picking one, but I narrowed my search to either the surface or a ultrabook.