A Windows tablet has sounded like a good idea for about as long as we can remember, but whether it be UMPCs, slates or Surfaces, they've thus far failed to live up to their billing.
All the productivity of a PC, your favourite apps, all-day battery life, desktop processing power, and of course Microsoft Office. These are, among other things, the features a Windows tablet will probably need to have if it's to follow in the footsteps of the iPad and achieve widespread appeal.
The Surface tablet, launched last year, came close to hitting all of the right notes, but it needed two devices to make it happen; an ARM-based Surface RT and an Intel-based Surface Pro.
Fast forward 12 months and Microsoft says it has listened to consumer feedback and created a second-generation Surface that it calls "the one device for everything in your life."
Problem is, there are, in fact, still two devices. The Surface 2, powered by Windows RT 8.1, is thinner, lighter, faster, with up to 10 hours of battery life, Microsoft Office as standard, a new two-stage kickstand and a full-HD 1080p display, all for £359.
Somewhat tempting, but Surface 2 can't run your traditional desktop applications, so if you're looking for a tablet that throws power and productivity into the mix, you'll need to turn your attention to the Surface Pro 2. Here we have the performance of an Intel Haswell processor, improved battery life, and yes, it runs the fell version of Windows 8.1, maintaining support with all the programs on your desktop PC. The downsides? Well, it isn't any thinner or lighter, and it costs £719.
Two interesting propositions, and we're personally excited about trying both versions of the new Surface, but let's hear it from you, the readers: will you be buying a second-generation Surface? Let us know your reasons for or against in the comments below.