Microsoft announces its new Hybrid Surface Book 2
Microsoft updated its Surface Book line. The newly updated hybrid laptop is faster, has more screen modes as well as being a 15 inch model. The new design of the Surface Book 2 is almost the same as that of its predecessor with a removable screen and hinge is on the keyboard, Microsoft reports.
The new revision will get an 8th generation quadcore Intel Core i5 or i7 chip with optional 8 or 16GB of system memory and 256GB, 512GB or 1TB of storage.
The Surface Book screen can be disconnected from the keyboard, and used as a separate tablet. Unlike the previous model, the screen can also be snapped back on the keyboard so that the pressure sensitive touchscreen can be used as a tablet. There is a choice in graphics chip, the 13.5 inch Surface Book 2 is available with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050, the 15 inch model with a GTX 1060. This makes the laptops suitable for heavier tasks like virtual reality and games states Microsoft. The 13.5 inch model has a screen resolution of 3000x2000 pixels, the 15 inch model would do 3240x 160 pixels.
The Surface Book 2 is the first Microsoft laptop with a usb-c port, the laptops have two USB ports, an SD card reader, a headphone jack and a Surface charging port. The 13 inch model weighs 1.53 kilograms, the 15 inch model 1.91 kilos. In tablet mode, the two models weigh 700 and 820 grams respectively. Microsoft promises 17 hours of battery life for both models, although this was measured apparantly by watching videos only. The 13.5 inch model is available in at 1749 euro, a GeForce graphics chip model will start at 2.249 euros. The 15 inch model is not yet available in the EU. The 13.5-inch model is available starting November 9th, and will be delivered at your doorsteps coming December 14th.
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Senior Member
Posts: 554
Joined: 2005-02-23
There are some Surfaces being sold in US, but worldwide it's dead. Even if you go some GSMArena, there is no even Surfaces 3+ listed in their database, as it's not an american site. It's completely unknown outside US. Pro is being sold occasionally, but no one sane is going to pay international price.
They need device to compete with budget iPad, which is iPad Air 2, that cost $329.
With tablet iPad ~10'' dimensions, 4:3 screen, little portrait bezels, good internals making it as smooth as iPad, with all communications - wifi ac, nfc, lte, sd card slot, larger and faster internal flash, as Windows is much larger than iOS, good 30+Wh battery, yet thin. Without any additional pointless stuff, like keyboard, stylus etc. Only as options. Yet cheaper than iPad - for $299. As they need userbase, not users need them.
Senior Member
Posts: 4196
Joined: 2004-09-28
There are some Surfaces being sold in US, but worldwide it's dead. Even if you go some GSMArena, there is no even Surfaces 3+ listed in their database, as it's not an american site. It's completely unknown outside US. Pro is being sold occasionally, but no one sane is going to pay international price.
They need device to compete with budget iPad, which is iPad Air 2, that cost $329.
With tablet iPad ~10'' dimensions, 4:3 screen, little portrait bezels, good internals making it as smooth as iPad, with all communications - wifi ac, nfc, lte, sd card slot, larger and faster internal flash, as Windows is much larger than iOS, good 30+Wh battery, yet thin. Without any additional pointless stuff, like keyboard, stylus etc. Only as options. Yet cheaper than iPad - for $299. As they need userbase, not users need them. Also the NFL:has some kind of contract with Microsoft involving the Surface. Not sure if the contract is up or not. So MS is still getting money for the Surface here in the US like you said.
Senior Member
Posts: 3735
Joined: 2010-05-16
I've toyed a little bit with a couple Surface Pro (a 3 and 4 iirc) that a friend and family member have, and I liked both of them. If you want a Windows environment on a super portable device I think they are the best option (cost aside of course).
Senior Member
Posts: 12314
Joined: 2011-10-22
Meanwhile I´m here breaking my brain to decide which sub 250 USD laptop is better *shrugs*
Someday when i sell drugs i guess.
Do not get a cheap acer laptop... I made this mistake and am suffering for it, I should have gone asus... they make nice cheap laptops.