Microsoft started its engines for the release of its first laptop, the Surface Book, and promises that an additional low-level model will join the lineup. The affordable variant will sit beside the premium version that was already announced.
The full release of the devices will happen next week, but until then Microsoft fans can pre-order multiple versions the Surface Book. The company just added a new configuration for the base model, which can now be customized with better graphics for a slightly higher price.
The standard specs of the base Surface Book model include an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, an embedded graphics card and 128GB of storage. The touchscreen display measures 13.5-inch and sports a resolution of 3000 x 2000p. The Surface Pen is highly expected by users who tested it in former presentations due to its improved functionality. At 3.34lbs the computer-tablet is lightweight, and operates on Windows 10.
To own this variant of the Microsoft laptop, buyers have to shell out $1,499.
With the newly-added option, investing $200 more in the hardware will get you a Surface Book sporting the identical Core i5 processor, 128GB of storage and 8GB of RAM, but a more capable, dedicated GPU from Nvidia. The base model with dedicated discrete Nvidia GPU (see image above) is now up for pre-order at $1,699.
Users might find themselves at a crossroad: $1,699 is also the price for a standard Surface Book that features 256GB of storage. Therefore, customers must assess their needs carefully and choose either an extended HDD capacity or a better performing graphics card.
Microsoft kept silent about the exact model of the dedicated GPU, but rumors indicate that its capacity will match the one of Nvidia GeForce 940M. This is somewhat lackluster, as most techies expected a graphics card on level with Nvidia 950M.
The Surface Book producer communicated that it expanded its inventory for pre-orders because the models that were on sale on its website sold like hot bread.
The Microsoft Surface Book comes in a couple of different variants, with prices from $1,499 to $3,199. The end tier version features a high-end Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and storage space of 1TB.
Buyers who pre-order this week will receive their devices in four or five weeks, according to Microsoft's website.
