Microsoft Surface 2 Review

Introduction

It’s always scary getting into some sort of new venture. Like seriously, some gambles pay off instantly – while others require some time to mature. Although they were somewhat late to the party, Redmond-based Microsoft finally took the plunge late last year with the Surface, the first commercial tablet to run Windows RT – an operating system designed to compete with Android tablets and the iPad. Sales figures didn’t quite pan out for this first-generation model, but seeing that Microsoft is one of those companies sitting on a pile of disposable cash, they’re quickly moving forward with its successor. Armed with some significant upgrades, this year’sMicrosoft Surface 2 is hoping to be a more well-rounded offering in the hopes that it can tangle with the greats in the space.Note that what we're dealing with here is the $450 Surface 2, which runs Windows RT (meaning there's no support for legacy Windows software), while the similarly named Surface Pro 2 (starts at $899) has desktop-class hardware and runs full-blown Windows 8 Pro.

The package contains: 

• Wall Charger
• Documentation information

Design

There’s nothing to this one, as the Surface 2 largely remains the same as the first generation. Quite a distinctive looking thing, it has a prevalent modern edge with its design – thanks in part to the angled cutouts around its edges. Admittedly though, those angled cutouts make it feel rather sharp when it’s held in the hand. On paper, it’s bit thinner and lighter (0.35” profile & 676 gr) than its predecessor, but it’s barely noticeable holding and seeing it.

This time around, it’s available in an additional silver color, which is a nice departure from the sole black slate offering. Oh yeah, its chassis is also constructed from the same magnesium “VaporMg” material, which so happens to give it a solid build quality. 

Taking a look around the Surface 2, it features the same ports and buttons from before – like its distinctive power button, dual speakers, 3.5mm headset jack, volume control, USB 3.0 port, magnetic power connection port, microHDMI out port, and a magnetic connection port that allows us to attach the optional Touch and Type 2 covers.

Call it a kind gesture, but Microsoft is nice enough to upgrade the cameras on this, as it now features a higher count 5-megapixel rear camera, and a front-facing 3.5-megapixel one.

A rarity amongst tablets, the Surface 2 once again packs along a kickstand, but this new model has an additional wider angle that allows us to better use it in our lap. There’s also a microSD card slot in the underside of the tablet that’s accessible only when the kickstand is lifted.

Apple iPad Air vs Microsoft Surface 2

Introduction:

Oh boy people! We’re nearing that time of the year when companies go all out to get products into the face of hungry consumers, who are starving for some good ‘ol fashion tech goodness. If you’re looking to snag a deal on a fancy new tablet this upcoming holiday season, you’ll have plenty to choose from, naturally – though, it seems like certain ones have a better balance between price, features, and performance. Apple and Microsoft have been in a never-ending quest to outduel one another, but in the tablet space, it’s been nothing but smooth sailing for Apple – and nothing but catching up for Microsoft.

Last year’s Microsoft Surface tablet didn’t pan out quite the way Microsoft envisioned, as it clearly didn’t do enough to capture the hearts of minds of consumers. In fact, it felt simply underpowered in comparison to the rest of the field at that time. This year, though, its successor is outfitted with beefier specs and an updated experience that’s more befitting for a flagship device, but the newiPad Air also has some new tricks under its sleeve – a totally new design that’s accompanied with a refreshingly updated experience as well. So what tablet is going to reign supreme this time? Let’s find out!

Design

When these two employ quality characteristics that makes them premium devices in the arena, it’s really tough deciding which design we like better. With the iPad Air, it’s most notable for its thin and light construction – a marvel to behold no doubt, since it feels exquisitely easy in the hand. At the same time, its build quality isn’t compromised, since it’s constructed from that brushed aluminum material we’re familiar seeing with the beloved line. Even though it’s technically thicker and heavier than its rival, the Surface continues to have a slick industrial design that’s highlighted most by its angular cutouts and sturdy “VaporMg” chassis. Best of all, the Surface 2 packs along a very useful kickstand – a rare item to find with tablets.

Between them, we absolutely love how the Surface 2 features ports that are commonly found with today’s laptops – like a full-sized USB 3.0 port, microHDMI out port, microSD card slot, and a magnetic power connection port. They’re actually all quite useful and show the flexibility of the tablet, whereas with the iPad Air, it only packs along a Lightning docking port, which requires the purchase of an additional adapter to gain video-out functionality.

Microsoft Lumia 535 Review

Introduction

The first Microsoft-branded Lumia – the Lumia 535, announced a couple of months ago, is a low-end handset, targeted at the budget-oriented folk who still look for a device that offers the connectivity options of a modern smartphone, but having corners cut in all the right places, in order to make for a viable compromise. Costing $169.99 in the US, the Lumia 535 brings all the bells and whistles of Windows Phone 8.1 – Cortana included – powered by the humble Snapdragon 200, but still paired with a good 1 GB of RAM.

So, does this handset really deliver usability, or is it just another entry-level device that frustrates users, rather than empower them? Let's check it out!

In the box:

• User manual
• Wall charger
• Headset

Design

No-nonsense

As we said, corners had to be cut, and this is evident once one lays their eyes on the Lumia 535 for the very first time – the handset looks rather dull – a black front with a quite darkened Microsoft logo above the display and a frontal cam nested right next to it – if you try to pick up the handset in a low-light environment, you'd be hard-pressed to tell which way is up.

The back panel of the device wraps around its sides and can come in a few vivid colors, signature for the Lumias, though – our review unit is matte black, which just adds to the device's dry looks. Its plastic does not feel as cheap to the touch as one would expect, but does tend to attract a lot of fingerprint smudges. We also winced at the protruding camera – a gradual lump at the back of the 0.35" (8.8 mm) thick handset houses a 5 MP snapper, with its LED flash situated to the left of it.

As far as buttons go – we found them to be pleasant to the touch – both the power button and volume rockers are placed on the right side, clicky when pressed, and just a very tiny bit shallower than we would like.

Size-wise – the handset sports a 5" display, but does not feel bulky to handle. In terms of contemporary handset size – the Lumia 535 falls in the "normal" category – it keeps the user mindful of which pocket they tuck it in, yet is not larger-than-comfortable.

Microsoft Lumia 640 Review

Introduction

Alas, the Nokia name is no longer attached to Lumia, replaced instead by its new caretaker - Microsoft. The change became more pronounced during Mobile World Congress 2015 earlier this year, where both the Lumia 640 and 640 XL were unveiled at Microsoft’s press conference. High-end, flagship phones have been all the rage from its rivals, but Microsoft has opted instead to steer the direction of these phones towards the entry-level segment. In this review, we’re putting the Lumia 640 through some testing to see whether or not it’s something that can pique the interest of consumers. At the very least, though, some might be instantly dazzled by its hard-to-beat pricing of $129.99 as a prepaid option courtesy of Cricket Wireless.

The package contains:

• Lumia 640
• microUSB cable
• Wall charger
• Quick start guide
• Product and safety information

Design

Following in tradition, the Lumia 640’s design is distinctive and colorful.

While it’s billed as an affordable, entry-level offering, the Lumia 640 doesn’t fall victim to the handful of cheapo phones that are designed terribly – you know, the ones that look and feel cheap. Rather, there’s a pleasant balance present here, as it features the Lumia signature brightly-colored plastic body. From the front, it appears to exude a soft rectangle shape, but the rounded corners and high gloss finish of its casing definitely add some pep and pop to the design – enough to make it a visually appealing smartphone. And to that, there’s even a pleasant level of sturdiness attached to its construction.

Taking a quick peek around the phone, it’s obviously sporting all the usual buttons and ports found on any smartphone – like its microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, microphone, volume controls, and power button. What’s strange, though, is that it doesn’t have a dedicated shutter key for the camera, which is a feature we’ve come to expect with Lumia smartphones.

Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Review

Introduction

Just last month, we got to experience theMicrosoft Lumia 640, a budget-priced Windows Phone first introduced back during Mobile World Congress 2015. As a complement, now, its bigger sized twin is now available for the taking – bringing together a phablet-sized smartphone on the cheap. Yes folks, it’s an easy $250 to snag the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL, which is a perfect timing considering Windows 10 is on the horizon!

The package contains:

• Microsoft Lumia 640 XL
• microUSB cable
• Wall charger
• Quick start guide
• Product and safety information

Design

True to its name, it’s an extra-large sized version of the Lumia 640.

Extra-large, that’s undeniably the first notion we get when looking at the design of the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL. The name alone alludes to what’s expected, a Lumia 640 look-alike that’s just bigger in terms of its size. Although it’s not entirely an original design per se, the larger footprint of the handset means it’s something that requires two-handed operation more than one. Despite that, we need to point out that it’s exceptionally light weight given its huge footprint, a mere 6.03 oz, which is lighter than the Note 4. Sadly, though, there’s not as much color variety with its exchangeable back plastic covers – you only have matte white or black to choose from.

Not surprisingly, all the buttons and ports are found in the same exact locations too! That means the power button and volume controls along the right edge (practical placements naturally), the microUSB port and microphone on the bottom side, and finally the 3.5mm headphone jack on the top. Removing the rear cover is pretty simple, which then grants us access to its removable 3000 mAh battery, SIM slot, and microSD slot.

Microsoft Surface 3 LTE Review

Introduction

Remember Windows RT? We certainly do, but we don’t miss it at all. Microsoft tried to do something different when they first introduced its Surface tablets by reserving the full-blown desktop experience to its Pro line – and the tablet-optimized experience with its standard, non-Pro versions of the Surface. It resulted in the firstMicrosoft Surface, and subsequently, its successor in the Surface 2. Apparently, consumers didn’t take too kindly of Windows RT’s limiting experience, especially when other PC makers eventually offered cheaper tablets that ran the full Windows experience. For its latest offering, the Surface 3 ditches Windows RT altogether and takes nearly everything we love about Surface Pro 3, but presents itself as a more affordable package.

The package contains:

• Microsoft Surface 3 LTE
• microUSB power supply
• Quick start guide
• Safety & warranty documents

Design

Staying true to the Surface lines’ foundational design traits, it’s a full-blown PC in a liberating, compact package.

Microsoft didn’t change up the recipe with the Surface 3, as it employs the same angular design language of its predecessors. It’s seriously a design we all know and associate with the Surface line, evident in its magnesium chassis and adjustable kickstand. While it’s far more liberating to carry around than other laptops and ultrabooks, it’s still thicker and heavier than some of today’s prized tablets. To its credit, though, we’re gladly accepting of its size considering it attempts to be more of a hybrid mobile computing device running full Windows 10, than say, your ordinary touchscreen-only tablet. 

The kickstand continues to give the Surface 3 more versatility than some other tablets, since it provides us with a hands-free video watching experience, but there are now offers 3 preset angles – with one of them giving us the necessary angle to use it in our lap comfortably. One notable change to the design is the decision to go with a standard microUSB port for its charging, as opposed to the proprietary magnetic connections we’ve come to see in the series. The good in this is that it’s an easy replacement in the event it goes bad or goes missing, but it doesn’t offer the same safety protection as the magnetic connection if it’s accidentally yanked off. With the LTE version, there’s a SIM slot located on the bottom left area of the tablet.

Type Cover

Transforming the Surface 3 from a tablet to a hybrid laptop is achieved by picking up the any of the Type Covers, which is great if you prefer the usual typing experience over touch interaction. The chicklet styled keys might make the layout cramped, but it at least offers reasonable tactility and travel to make typing very smooth and natural. And oh yeah, it’s back-lit too!

At the same time, the Type Cover doubles as a useful protective cover for the screen, and automatically turns off the screen when it’s closed over. However, it costs an additional $130 to pick it up, which undoubtedly jacks up the Surface 3’s ownership cost if you choose to go with this traditional typing experience.

Surface Pen

And there’s also the Surface Pen! Aside from being a useful thing for jotting down notes, its other purpose is to act almost like a mouse with its hovering and right click functions.

Now that the magnetic connection for the charging port is no more with the Surface 3, it means that we’ll have to be extra cognizant where we place the Surface Pen when it’s not being used – or just attach it to the Type Cover by fastening it into the small groove on the keyboard. Just know you’ll need to dish out an additional $50 to pick it up. 

What is Ultra HD Premium and why does it matter? The 4K HDR badge explained Facebook Twitter Pintrest LinkedIn Google+ Mail

The home cinema and entertainment technology industry sure loves a badge or two. Kit from TVs and Blu-ray players, to amplifiers and speakers all seem to be run through a certification process to give you an idea that they will perform in given circumstances. Even some content can be stamped with specific approval.

Ultra HD Premium is one of the newest you'll need to look out for.

Panasonic recently revealed that its DX902 4K TV will carry the badge. And its UB900 Blu-ray player, now available in the UK, is the first device other than a television to get the stamp of approval. But what does it mean?

Are Ultra HD Premium products better than other 4K devices? And what about the content? Let us explain more...

What is Ultra HD Premium?

You might already have seen a badge banded around both content and products in an attempt to define a premium 4K ultra-high definition experience. See an Ultra HD Premium badge on a TV or a UHD Blu-ray? That means it qualifies and passes the UHD Alliance's specification to be considered a best-of-best audio-visual experience.

Resolution

Confused yet? Whether a 4K product is described as Ultra HD Premium or not doesn't impact on the resolution - 4K products and video still offers and presents a 2160p (3840 x 2160) resolution. But increasingly the umbrella term "UHD" or "Ultra HD" is being used rather than just 4K. What the Ultra HD Premium badge confirms is that the product or content achieves high-quality colour, HDR (high dynamic range) and audio standards in addition to that resolution.

Colour

The first thing is colour. With 10-bit colour bit depth a minimum for all products and content to qualify for the badge, there's a much wider palette on display. Current Blu-ray offers 8-bit colour, for example, which means 256 shades per primary colour (red, green, blue) for millions of possible colours. UHD Blu-ray, with 10-bit colour, translates to 1,024 possible shades per primary colour, meaning billions of possible colours can be displayed.

But just because colour information exists doesn't mean all displays can present it. That's where colour gamuts come in, best described as visual representations of the full colour spectrum and the achievable range from that which can be displayed.

BT.2020 (also known as Rec. 2020) colour representation is the standard, but - and perhaps a little confusingly - different product types only need to display a given percentage of that gamut to achieve the Ultra HD Premium badge. ATV, for example, needs to display at least 90 per cent of P3 colours, while a mastering display must display a minimum of 100 per cent.

Dynamic range

Given how technologies are treading down different paths - with OLED and LCD (the tech that drives LED TVs) handling brightness and black levels quite differently - when it comes to HDR (high dynamic range), the Ultra HD Premium badge can be achieved in different instances. One, for peak brightness to be more than 1,000 nits with a black level of less than 0.05 nits (we'll call that LCD; it's 0.03 nits for mastering displays); two, for peak brightness to be 540 nits with a black level of less than 0.0005 nits (we'll call that OLED).

Ubiquity

So while the Ultra HD Premium badge is there to show to consumers that a specific product or video is capable of achieving a premium experience, there is still plenty of choice and potential difference between display products. Some TVs will be brighter than others and still qualify, some will have deeper black levels.

Over time we suspect the badge will become ubiquitous, as manufacturers strive to achieve the desired standards for 4K products and content. It's win-win for the consumer, even if the badge isn't as clear cut as it may purport to be.

Will Ultra HD Premium be on all 4K products?

No. Some manufacturers have decided not to have their devices certified, even though they might meet all of the criteria. Samsung's first 4K Blu-rayplayer, for example, doesn't carry the badge yet is still capable of playing HDR 4K Blu-rays well.

Sony has also, confusingly, decided to stick with its own naming convention.

READ: Sony won't be using Ultra HD Premium labelling, but it will launch Ultra HD Blu-ray in 2016

Who has announced Ultra HD Premium products?

During CES in January, we saw announcements from a number of manufacturers confirming that they will be carrying the Ultra HD Premium badge. LG was one of the first, as all its 2016 OLED televisions conform to the standard.

Panasonic too announced that its Viera DX902 TV is Ultra HD Premium certified. It has since become the first manufacturer to get an approved 4KBlu-ray player onto the market, the UB900.

Samsung also announced that its 2016 SUHD televisions meet the mark too, but its 4K Blu-ray deck will (and has in some regions) ship without the badge.

As previously mentioned, Sony has opted for its own 4K HDR badge for its products.