Microsoft is introducing the Surface Laptop 2, which is the same clamshell laptop you already know, but this time around it’s been updated with Intel’s latest 8th generation processors, and you can now get it with a matte black finish, just like the Surface Pro 6.
The second generation of the Surface Laptop is 85 percent faster, and even though, you won’t find significant design changes (other than the new black finish variant), the biggest changes are happening inside. Starting with the new generation, the base model includes 8GB of memory, and it’ll start at $999.
You’ll also find the choice of an Intel 8th generation Core i5 or Core i7 processor using UHD Graphics 620, and even with the updated hardware, you’re expected to get 14.5 hours of battery life.
Surface Laptop 2 full technical specifications
Here’s a closer look at the tech specs for the Surface Laptop 2:
| Surface Laptop 2 tech specs | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.13” x 8.79” x .57” (308.1 mm x 223.27 mm x 14.48 mm) |
| Display | Screen: 13.5” PixelSense Display Resolution: 2256 x 1504 (201 PPI) Aspect ratio: 3:2 3.4 million pixels Surface Pen enabled Touch: 10 point multi-touch Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Processor | Intel Core 8th Gen i5 Intel Core 8th Gen i7 |
| Memory | 8GB RAM 16GB RAM |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 (Core i5) Intel UHD Graphics 620 (Core i7) |
| Storage | Solid-state drive (SSD) options: 128GB 256GB 512GB 1TB |
| Battery life | Up to 14.5 hours of local video playback |
| Connections | 1 x full-size USB 3.0 3.5 mm headphone jack Mini DisplayPort 1 x Surface Connect port Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction |
| Cameras, video, and audio | Windows Hello face authentication camera (front-facing) 720p HD camera (front-facing) Stereo microphones Omnisonic Speakers with Dolby Audio Premium |
| Security | TPM 2.0 chip for enterprise security Enterprise-grade protection with Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac compatible Bluetooth Wireless 4.1 technology |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor |
| Exterior | Casing: Aluminum Colors: Burgundy, Platinum, Cobalt Blue, Black Physical buttons: Volume, Power |
| Weight | Core i5 2.76 lbs (1,252 grams) Core i7 2.83 lbs (1,283 grams) |
| Software | Windows 10 Home Microsoft Office 365 30-day trial |
Aside from the memory size and processor update, the rest of the hardware is identical to the first generation. You’re still getting a 13.5-inch screen with 2256 x 1504 pixels. Storage options available include 128GB all the way to 1TB SSD, and you’re not getting USB Type-C, just one USB 3.0 and Mini DisplayPort.
Surface Laptop 2 pricing and release date
The Surface Laptop 2 is expected to ship on October 16. The base model with 8GB of memory, 128GB of storage, and 8th generation Intel Core i5 processor will start at $999. If you opt for the black finish model, which comes with 256GB of storage, then it’ll run you $1299.
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 14 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 20 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].