American technology company Microsoft Corporation has expanded its Surface Book series of notebook portfolio with the launch of a new powerful notebook, called the “Surface Book 2” in the United States. The Surface Book 2 comes in two different variants based on its display sizes: 13-inch model and 15-inch model. The Surface Book 2 is the successor to the company’s previous Surface Book, which was launched two years ago. The freshly launched Microsoft Surface Book 2 now comes equipped with the latest 8th Generation Intel Core processor, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-Series graphics, Windows Mixed Reality (Microsoft’s VR and AR technology), a stunning display, and some really good specifications. Just like its predecessor, the Surface Book 2 also comes with a bundled Surface Pen stylus that allows for a precise and natural handwriting or drawing experience. Apart from this, the notebook has a detachable display that allows users to use their notebook in a variety of different positions. The laptop can be used as a lightweight tablet or a traditional laptop.
Coming to the pricing and availability, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 will be available at a starting price of US$1,499 (approximately Rs. 97,600) for the 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 13.5-inch PixelSense display, 8GB RAM, Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU and 256GB SSD storage variant. On the other hand, the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 has been launched with a starting price of US$2,499 (approximately Rs. 1,62,700). This variant comes with 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB RAM, dedicated GPU and 256GB SSD storage option. All these variants and models will be available for pre-order in the United States starting November 9 at local Microsoft Store, and Microsoft.com, while deliveries will commence starting November 16, 2017.
Besides this, Microsoft has also rolled out the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update which brings an emphasis on Windows Mixed Reality which is Microsoft’s VR and AR technology. The new update features a range of new experiences including a redesigned Photos app that allows users to create and interact with 3D objects. Microsoft confirms that the Surface Book 2 will sure get the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update when it starts shipping on November 16, 2017.
Here are the configuration wise Surface Book 2 pricing details:
Microsoft Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch model)
• 7th generation Intel Core i5 -7300U processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU — US $1,499
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $1,999
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $2,499
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $2,999
Microsoft Surface Book 2 (15-inch model)
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $2,499
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $2,899
• 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10-series discrete GPU — US $3,299
Microsoft Surface Book 2 Specifications and Features:
Starting with the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2, this model comes equipped with a 13.5-inch diagonal PixelSense display with a screen resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels. The display has a 3:2 aspect ratio and offers a pixel density of 267 ppi. In terms of design, the new Surface Book sports an ultra-light chassis and weighs only 1.5 kg (base model), making it an ideal device for people always on the go. Talking about its power and performance, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 high-end variant is powered by the latest 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor (clock speed up to 4.20GHz with Turbo Boost), which comes coupled with up to 16GB RAM. On the other hand, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 base variant is powered by the 7th generation Intel Core i5 -7300U processor (clock speed up to 3.50GHz) along with 8GB RAM. In terms of graphics, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 high-end variant comes loaded with an Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete GPU with 2GB of video memory for ultra-smooth and flawless visuals. On the other hand, the base variant comes with Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU. In terms of storage, you can opt for a 256GB version, or upgrade up to 1TB SSD storage for faster data access speeds and boot-up times.
Moving on to the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2, the notebook flaunts a 15-inch PixelSense display with a screen resolution of 3240 x 2160 pixels. The display has a 3:2 aspect ratio and offers a pixel density of 260 ppi. Under the hood, the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 is powered by the latest 8th Generation Intel Core i7 -8650U processor (clock speed up to 4.20GHz with Turbo Boost), which comes coupled with up to 16GB of 1866MHz LPDDR3 RAM. In terms of graphics, the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 high-end variant comes packed with an Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU with 6GB of VRAM for an incredible gaming performance and detailed gaming visuals. In terms of storage, the machine is backed up by a 256GB / 512GB / 1TB of SSD storage for accessing faster data speeds.
Connectivity ports on the notebook include one USB Type-C port, two USB 3.0 Type A ports, one UHS-II SDXC card reader, 2 Surface Connect, and one 3.5mm headphone jack. Connectivity options offered by the laptop include Wi-Fi 802.11 ac with dual-band technology and Bluetooth 4.1 LE. Talking about its multimedia department, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 comes with front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium technology support that provides truly rich and crystal-clear sound experience to users in music, movies, and even gaming. The laptop also features am 8-megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera. Both the cameras are capable of shooting videos in Full HD (1080p) resolution. On the battery front, the Surface Book 2 is fuelled by a powerful battery that is rated to deliver up to 17 hours of battery life in notebook mode and up to 5 hours of battery life in tablet mode.
Dimensionally, the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 model measures at 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.9 inches and weighs 1.64 kg for the high-end model and 1.5 kg for the base model. On the other hand, the 15-inch Microsoft Surface Book 2 model measures 13.5 x 9.87 x 0.9 inches and weighs 1.9kg in notebook mode and 0.82kg in tablet mode.
