I have been using the brand new Surface Book 2 for the past couple of hours. I am far more impressed than unimpressed, but I haven’t spent enough time with it to see all its faults yet.
The version I am reviewing runs on an 8th-gen i7 processor, 8GB RAM, a 256 SSD, and a discreet NVIDIA GeForce GPU. It runs for $1999, but if you qualify for a discount from Microsoft, you can get $200 off. It may not be worth $1999, but it is definitely worth $1799, especially compared with the MacBook Pro with (almost) the same specs.
Here are some of my first impressions:
The Surface Book 2 is a well-built device.
- This thing isn’t heavy, but not quite the “ultra-portable.”
- No major light bleed when first turning on unit.
- The hinge on the SB 2 is much stronger than the one on the first Surface Book.
- The tablet portion is what makes the SB2 feel more heavy than competing laptops. However, when you detach the tablet, it feels surprisingly light.
- The SB2 works well as a tablet.
The Surface Book 2 screen makes a great tablet.
- The screen is crisp and clear. The contrast ratio isn’t quite as good as the MacBook Pro. Still, the screen easily gets a 9/10.
- The screen has fantastic viewing angles
- Battery life appears to be exceptional. After one hour of use, I’m at 88 percent.
- They keyboard is a 10/10. I like the MacBook Pro’s butterfly keys, but it’s nice to have a notebook with keys that have decent travel on them.
- So far, the trackpad is the best one I’ve used on a Windows device. It’s not MacBook Pro quality, but very close.
- The speakers are also great — a slight improvement from the first generation book.
- This thing is FAST! The 8th-generation quad core processor really helps move things along.
- There is decreased bezel space on the screen, but just enough so you can grab it as a tablet and not worry about accidentally hitting something on the screen.
- When using Photoshop or CyberLink Power Director, there is noticeable coil whine noise, but nothing out of the ordinary. It’s still annoying.
- I wish I had the Surface Pen to test the digital inking capabilities.
I am more impressed with the Surface Book 2 than I thought I would be. The overpriced Surface Book that was released in 2015 feels like a Beta product now. That said, the Book 2 will take a big bite out of your wallet. However, it may be worth it.
