Introduction
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 represents a pinnacle of engineering in the realm of 2-in-1 laptops, offering a compelling blend of power, versatility, and premium design. As we delve into this comprehensive review, we'll explore how this device pushes the boundaries of what's possible in a portable computer, while also examining its potential limitations and ideal use cases.
Design and Build Quality: A Testament to Microsoft's Craftsmanship
Microsoft has spared no expense in crafting the Surface Book 2, and it shows from the moment you lay eyes on it. The device boasts a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that exudes professionalism and sophistication. The magnesium alloy chassis not only provides durability but also contributes to the device's premium feel.
The most striking feature of the Surface Book 2's design is undoubtedly its dynamic fulcrum hinge. This engineering marvel allows for smooth transitions between laptop and tablet modes while maintaining stability. The hinge's design also cleverly conceals a mechanism that enables the screen to detach, transforming into a standalone tablet.
While the overall build quality is exemplary, it's worth noting that the sharp edges of the base might cause discomfort during extended use. This minor ergonomic issue is a small price to pay for the device's otherwise impeccable construction.
Display: A Visual Feast for the Eyes
The Surface Book 2's display is nothing short of magnificent. The 13.5-inch PixelSense display boasts a resolution of 3000 x 2000 pixels, resulting in a crisp, vibrant visual experience. With a pixel density of 267 PPI, text appears razor-sharp, and images pop with stunning clarity.
Color accuracy is another strong suit of this display. The Surface Book 2 covers 131% of the sRGB color gamut, exceeding the premium laptop average of 112%. This wide color coverage, combined with a contrast ratio of 1,750:1, ensures that content creators can trust the color fidelity of their work.
The touchscreen functionality is responsive and precise, supporting both finger input and the Surface Pen (sold separately). The ability to detach the screen and use it as a tablet adds another dimension to the device's versatility, making it an excellent choice for digital artists and note-takers.
Performance: Power with Some Caveats
Under the hood, the Surface Book 2 packs serious horsepower. Our review unit came equipped with an 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8650U processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 GPU with 2GB of GDDR5 memory.
This configuration handles everyday tasks with ease. Multitasking between dozens of browser tabs, streaming 4K video, and running productivity applications simultaneously is a breeze. The SSD delivers impressive read and write speeds of 1,006 MB/s and 546 MB/s respectively, ensuring quick boot times and snappy application launches.
However, it's important to note that the Surface Book 2's slim design does impose some thermal limitations. Under sustained heavy workloads, such as video editing or 3D rendering, the device can experience thermal throttling. This results in a performance dip to manage heat output, which may impact productivity for users engaged in these demanding tasks.
Gaming performance is respectable for a device of this class, thanks to the dedicated GPU. Less demanding titles run smoothly at high settings, but don't expect to play the latest AAA games at maximum quality. The Surface Book 2 strikes a balance between portability and gaming capability, making it suitable for casual gamers or those who enjoy occasional gaming sessions.
Battery Life: Endurance to Match Its Versatility
One of the most impressive aspects of the Surface Book 2 is its battery life. In our tests, which involved continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness, the device lasted an impressive 13 hours and 7 minutes. This longevity is particularly noteworthy given the power-hungry components and high-resolution display.
The clever dual-battery design contributes to this stellar battery performance. With batteries in both the tablet portion and the base, the Surface Book 2 can efficiently manage power distribution. When detached, the tablet portion alone can last up to 3 hours, providing ample time for note-taking or quick sketching sessions.
Portability: Power on the Go
Despite its powerful internals, the Surface Book 2 remains relatively portable. The 13.5-inch model weighs 3.38 pounds (1.53 kg) when the keyboard is attached, and just 1.59 pounds (0.72 kg) in tablet mode. While not the lightest ultrabook on the market, it's impressively svelte considering its performance capabilities and versatile design.
The compact form factor, combined with its exceptional battery life, makes the Surface Book 2 an ideal companion for professionals who are frequently on the move. Whether you're shuttling between meetings or working from various locations throughout the day, this device can keep up without weighing you down.
Unique Features: Redefining the Laptop Experience
The Surface Book 2's standout feature is undoubtedly its detachable screen. This functionality transforms the device from a powerful laptop into a lightweight tablet in seconds. The "muscle wire" locking mechanism ensures a secure connection when attached, while allowing for easy detachment when needed.
Windows Hello facial recognition adds a layer of convenience and security to the login process. The front-facing camera uses infrared technology to accurately identify users, even in low-light conditions. This feature not only enhances security but also streamlines the user experience, allowing for near-instantaneous logins.
The Surface Pen, while not included, is a valuable accessory for those who intend to use the Surface Book 2 for creative work or note-taking. With 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, it offers a natural writing and drawing experience that rivals dedicated graphics tablets.
Connectivity and Expansion
In terms of ports, the Surface Book 2 offers a decent selection, though some users might find it lacking compared to traditional laptops. The device includes:
- Two full-size USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports
- One USB-C port (notably without Thunderbolt 3 support)
- A full-size SD card reader
- A 3.5mm headphone jack
- The proprietary Surface Connect port for charging and docking
The inclusion of a USB-C port is welcome, though the lack of Thunderbolt 3 support may disappoint some power users who require high-speed external storage or multiple 4K displays. The Surface Connect port, while proprietary, does allow for the use of Microsoft's Surface Dock, expanding connectivity options for those who need it.
Software and Ecosystem Integration
One of the Surface Book 2's strengths lies in its seamless integration with the Windows 10 operating system. As a Microsoft flagship device, it offers a pure Windows experience, free from bloatware and unnecessary third-party applications.
The device comes with Windows 10 Pro, providing access to advanced features like BitLocker encryption and remote desktop. Microsoft's commitment to regular updates ensures that the Surface Book 2 remains secure and up-to-date with the latest Windows features.
For creative professionals, the Surface Book 2 is optimized for applications in the Adobe Creative Suite and Autodesk software. The combination of touch support, pen input, and detachable screen makes it particularly well-suited for digital art and design work.
Value Proposition and Target Audience
With a starting price of ₹1,37,999 in India, the Surface Book 2 is undeniably a premium device. This pricing places it in direct competition with high-end laptops from Apple and other Windows OEMs. While the cost may be prohibitive for some, it's important to consider the unique features and versatility that the Surface Book 2 offers.
The device is particularly well-suited for:
- Creative professionals who can leverage the touchscreen and pen input for digital art or design work.
- Business users who value the combination of performance, portability, and versatility.
- Students or academics who can benefit from the note-taking capabilities in tablet mode.
- Users deeply integrated into the Microsoft ecosystem who want a flagship Windows experience.
However, the Surface Book 2 may not be the best choice for:
- Users on a tight budget, as there are more affordable options with similar raw performance.
- Hardcore gamers or video editors who require sustained high performance without throttling.
- Those who prioritize upgradeability, as the device's components are not user-serviceable.
Conclusion: A Triumph of Design and Engineering
The Microsoft Surface Book 2 stands as a testament to what's possible when form and function are given equal consideration in device design. It successfully bridges the gap between laptop and tablet, offering a no-compromise solution for users who demand versatility without sacrificing performance.
While its high price point and potential thermal limitations under extreme workloads may give some pause, the Surface Book 2's unique features, build quality, and overall user experience make it a compelling option in the premium laptop market. For those who can justify the investment, the Surface Book 2 offers a level of flexibility and refinement that few other devices can match.
In an era where the lines between device categories are increasingly blurred, the Surface Book 2 stands out as a bold vision of the future of personal computing. It's not just a laptop, nor is it merely a tablet with a keyboard – it's a versatile tool that adapts to your needs, empowering creativity and productivity in equal measure. While it may not be the perfect device for everyone, for its target audience, the Surface Book 2 comes remarkably close to mobile computing nirvana.
