Surface Book devices are getting a refresh, and they’re expected to be available starting November 16. In this hardware refresh, Surface Book 2 comes in two sizes, including a 13.5-inch and 15-inch model, and Microsoft is targeting them as direct competitors to the Apple MacBook Pro line claiming that the new laptops have better performance.
While it might be true because the Surface Book 2 uses Intel’s latest eighth-generation processor, one aspect they both are pretty similar to is the high price. The Surface Book 2 starts at $1499 for the 13.5-inch while the 15-inch model starts at $2499.
Although these new laptops look very similar to the previous generation, the latest models include some design changes and more powerful hardware.
Surface Book 2 (15-inch)
The 15-inch model of the Surface Book 2 features Intel’s eighth-generation quad-core Core i7 processor, a 15-inch 3240 x 2160 display with thinner bezels, and a redesigned enclosure that is also thinner than the original Surface Book.
Unlike the 13-inch, inside the display for the 15-inch, you’re still getting a fan to allow the processor to run at its full power.
This time around the Surface Book 2 is packing an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 discrete graphics, which is a big step from the previous model.
As for ports, you’re getting two USB 3.1 ports, SD card slot, power charger, and perhaps the biggest news in this refresh is that Microsoft if finally adding one USB Type-C port, but it doesn’t support Thunderbolt 3.
Like before, you can detach the display to use the device as a tablet, and Microsoft claims up to five hours of battery life. When you use it as a laptop, the Surface Book 2 should give you up to 17 hours of battery life.
Surface Book 2 (13.5-inch)
The 13.5-inch model of the Surface Book 2, which again is very similar to the first generation. However, Microsoft is including a number of tweaks internally and externally.
It sports a much improved 3000 x 2000 resolution display and while the chassis looks the same, it has been improved as well, and it’s a fanless design.
The biggest difference can be found in the hardware. Unlike the 15-inch Surface Book 2, this model comes with a dual-core Core i5 processor from Intel’s seventh-generation line. However, you can also get this device with an Intel eighth-generation Core i7 processor.
In addition, the smaller Surface Book 2 comes with an Nvidia GTX 1050, which is a powerful graphics chip but inferior to the GTX 1060.
Just like the 15-inch, the 13.5-inch model is expected to last 17 hours on a single charge.
As for ports, you’re getting two USB 3.1 ports, an SD card slot, a power charger, and one USB Type-C port, but without support for Thunderbolt 3.
Surface Book 2 tech specs
Here’s a closer look at the tech specs of the new Surface Book 2.
| Surface Book 2 tech specs | |
|---|---|
| Display | Screen: 13.5” PixelSense Display Resolution: 3000 x 2000, (267 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Contrast ratio: 1600:1 Touch: 10-point multi-touch G5 Screen: 15” PixelSense Display Resolution: 3240 x 2160, (260 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 Contrast ratio: 1600:1 Touch: 10-point multi-touch G5 |
| Processor | 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U (quad-core) with up to 4.20 GHz Max Turbo 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U with up to 3.50 GHz Max Turbo |
| Memory | 8GB RAM 1866Mhz LPDDR3 16GB RAM 1866Mhz LPDDR3 |
| Graphics | 13.5-inch: Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete GPU w/2GB VRAM 15-inch: Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU w/6GB VRAM |
| Dimensions | 13.5” (i5) 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.51–0.90 in. (312.00 x 232.00 x 13.00–23.00 mm) 13.5” (i7) 12.3 x 9.14 x 0.59–0.90 in. (312.0 x 232.00 x 15.00–23.00 mm) 15” (i7) 13.50 x 9.87 x 0.59–0.90 in. (343.00 x 251.00 x 15.00–23.00 mm) |
| Weight | 13.5”: Starting at 3.38 lbs (1,534 g) including keyboard 15”: Starting at 4.2 lbs (1,905 g) including keyboard |
| Storage | 256GB SSD 512GB SSD 1TB SSD |
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours of video playback |
| Keyboard layout | QWERTY |
| Security | HW TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise security Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi: 802.11ac Bluetooth: BT4.1 LE Xbox Wireless built-in (15” only) |
| Ports | 2 USB 3.0 Type A USB Type-C UHS-II SDXC card reader 3.5mm headphone jack 2 Surface Connect |
| Cameras, video, and audio | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) 5.0MP front-facing camera with 1080p HD video 8.0MP rear-facing autofocus camera with 1080p Full HD video Dual microphones Front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Exterior | Casing: Magnesium Color: Silver Physical buttons: Volume, Power |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Proximity sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer |
Both devices are expected to be available in November 16 through the Microsoft Store, and pricing starts at $1499 for the 13.5-inch base model and $2499 for the 15-inch base model.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].