The new Microsoft Surface Book has certainly set the bar to a much higher level. Not only has the Redmond giant created a beautiful looking device, but it works incredibly well too.
In a portable world where tablets rule, it seems odd that Microsoft has spent time and money developing a new laptop. But this isn’t just a laptop, as Microsoft showed at the unveiling. Rather, it’s a hybrid, and a good one at that.
The first thing you notice is the brushed metal case, which gives the Surface Book credentials as a premium device and one of the best looking portables on the market. The brushed magnesium is smooth, silky and pleasant to the touch. Open it up and the keyboard is made of the same stuff and looks fantastic.
The 13.5-inch screen runs at 3,000 x 2,000 pixels at 267ppi. It’s a touchscreen panel that uses Microsoft’s new PixelSense technology and is connected to the equally new Dynamic Fulcrum hinge. Both work like a charm.
Under the hood is either an Intel i5 or i7 processor with an Nvidia GPU and 1GB of DDR5 dedicated memory. There is also 8GB or 16GB of RAM and PCIe flash storage between 128GB and 1TB depending on how you specify your hardware. Hard drives are apparently replaceable, so if you end up needing more storage, it is supposed to be simple to replace the drive.
There are also two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader, mini DisplayPort, 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera. The battery is said to be good for 12 hours of moderate use.
While the Surface Book is designed to be used as both a laptop and tablet, the Nvidia graphics only work in laptop mode. That’s because the GPU hardware is in the base, while the tablet is of course the screen. The i-series processors contain built-in GPUs and are located in the screen part. The Surface Book will warn you if you try to separate it while using graphically intensive apps. That’s a neat touch.
The Microsoft Surface Book is a premium product that looks and performs the part. It also costs the part too. However, the price corresponds to owning the new benchmark in hybrid devices. Watch out MacBook – you need to up your game.
Jesmond Darmanin is a technology enthusiast who has his own blog at www.itnewsblog.com.