dawg you're right. If you go to desktop mode it basically is an app that can bring you to other microsoft apps. Not being able to run itunes on it really hurts the chances of me getting it.

Like roborad suggested, if you're looking for a touchscreen laptop (and I really do love mine - so I can vouch for how cool they are) maybe you should look at the previous windows Surface pro for about 600. But honestly, you'd be better off getting a normal laptop.

Check CES i'm sure a bunch of good hybrides will be announced...

The Surface 2 Pro is more powerful than most people's desktops that are browsing right now. And they just did a minor tweak and updated the chip. It's a full fledged powerful computer.

My brother has one and it's really nice. It even has a flash chip reader and he puts movies on it for when he travels. Also, like the double clicks of the kickstands and the nice feel of the type keyboard.

The regular Surface 2 is more like an ipad. You can run web aps, but it might not be what you want.

Have you tried going to a Microsoft Store?

So there's no Tablet that has Windows 8.1?

Then that's perfect! And it costs less than a Surface. I might pick up one soon.

my laptop is still kickin' not sure if the surface 2 pro is worth paying more money for to be honest

If you can’t or don't want to swing the cash for a 2, then no not at all. It's fine for basic stuff and better than an Ipad except the store is lacking in comparison. There are plenty of sub 500 dollar laptops that would be better suited for what you need.

I disagree totally as far as whether the pro is worth the higher cost. I believe it very much is and after having used it for months for school I can say so with upmost confidence.

The stuff you can do with a Surface PRO is actually very cool. I can run most if not all x86 progs (including iTunes) and I can even run many full retail games on it in my spare time. No its not a gaming laptop but many games in my Steam library run pretty well on it.

For school I use One Note, powerpoint, the audio recorder and my stylus to take notes, record the lecture AND follow along with the powerpoint presentations all at the same time and I can merge them all into custom notes etc. for more productive study sessions. It's really cool. Not to mention I don't need any special programs or apps to install a printer like you would on most tablets like iPad or Android devices. Plus there is the free Skydrive storage which you can access anywhere and even share folders and files with classmates (even if they don't have a skydrive account) for group projects etc.

I am now using my Surface much more often than my traditional laptop which is bigger, bulkier and even more power hungry than my Surface PRO (though the battery life does leave room for improvement) and it has become a very useful device.

I know several people who love their RT version Surfaces but they are limited compared to their PRO versions IMHO and I think you should look to find a Surface PRO befoe even looking at the Surface 2 or even the PRO 2 as there is very little difference in performance and you'll be more likely to get a lower price.

The PRO is MORE than worth the price for the capabilities of a laptop and functionaity of a tablet all rolled into one.

The question is do you want a laptop or tablet with laptop like features...

If you want a tablet, get the Surface 2 man. I have a Surface 2 and its awesome for what it is. Build quality destroys any other Windows device under 800 bucks and with the type cover and wedge blutooth mouse, it works great for when you have to put together a presentation while at the cottage... USB port is a godsend and HDMI out saved Christmas in my household.

Also its much faster than any tablet I've used when I need to VPN to work and watch NHL Gamecenter on the screen at the same time. :)