Microsoft unveiled the long-rumored Surface Book 2, which features considerable upgrades compared to the first Surface Book that was launched two years ago.
What exactly changed between the Surface Book and Surface Book 2? Here is what to expect from the latest Microsoft Surface device.
Surface Book 2 vs Surface Book
The Surface Book 2, described by Microsoft as "a portable powerhouse" that "removes the barrier between the desktop and the laptop," is a considerable upgrade to the original Surface Book in almost every possible way, with the latest processors and graphics cards, an improved design, and an additional size option.
The Surface Book received a few minor specification upgrades since it was launched in 2015, but the Surface Book 2 is the first major update that Microsoft made to the device, hence the need for the name change.
While the original Surface Book only came as a 13.5-inch device, the Surface Book 2 offers two size options, namely a 13.5-inch version and a 15-inch version. The design of the device that allows users to detach its screen and use it as a tablet is still present, but improvements have been added for more stability when the touchscreen is being used.
The Surface Book 2 comes in versions powered by the Intel "Kaby Lake" i7 processors. Also a considerable upgrade are the Nvidia GTX 1050 and GTX 1060 graphics cards found in the 13.5-inch and 15-inch models, respectively. The new Surface Books also offer longer battery life at 17 hours for both models, compared to only 12 hours for their predecessor, and have received design tweaks to reduce the heat on the chips.
Customers will receive the Surface Book 2 preloaded with the Windows 10 Pro Creators Update, and can be upgraded to the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update which Microsoft has just recently started rolling out. The new laptops will actually serve as the flagship platform for the latest Windows 10 update, which has a heavy focus on Windows Mixed Reality experiences.
Preorder Surface Book 2
Preorders for the Surface Book 2 will open on Nov. 9, with the laptops to begin shipping a week after on Nov. 16.
Despite all the upgrades, the Surface Book 2 will have a starting price of $1,499, similar to the starting price of the original Surface Book two years ago. The Core i5 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 starts at that price, followed by the Core i7 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 at $1,999. The 15-inch Surface Book 2, meanwhile, has a starting price of $2,499.
