The Surface 2 represents a fresh start for Microsoft's tablet line. Sure, you could easily say that it's the second installment of the Surface RT (now simply called Surface), but with a new marketing campaign, a new name (Microsoft has dropped the RT branding entirely), beefed up internals and an updated operating system, Surface 2 is almost entirely new in every way, shape and form.

There is a lot to love about the Surface 2, but the issues from the first iteration of the Surface RT are still unresolved. Using the tablet on your lap has the same lackluster experience as before and the price is still high when you look at other Windows tablets that offer proper Windows 8.1.

But, there have been significant strides too, as Windows RT 8.1 is a much better OS than what initially shipped with the first Surface, and the screen resolution increase is extremely welcome.

It's clear that Microsoft can build great hardware, the fit and finish of the Surface 2 is impeccable, and for the right audience, the Surface 2 is a perfect blend of laptop and tablet.

The ultimate underlying issue here is who is the target market? Sure, at $449, you could say it is targeting the tablet market as it competes nicely with the iPad at that price point. But then again, there are cheaper Windows 8.1 tablets with Bay Trail on the horizon.

So then if you say it's competing in the laptop market, well, you need to add at least $79.99 (realistically $129.99 if you want a decent keyboard) to the price point which then puts you into the cheap laptop category which, admittedly, does many things better than the Surface does in terms of on-the-go usability.

The question comes down to, "Is the Surface 2 is a tablet or a laptop?" The answer to that question is that it's a bit of both, and unfortunately the Surface 2 masters neither category. With that being said, the Surface 2 is still a lot of fun to use and has its purposes, and for that we love the Surface 2. If you can overcome its limitations, you'll be delighted with the user experience.