Surface Book 2: A Powerful But Unnecessary Laptop

Introduction

As I type on Microsoft's new 15-inch Surface Book 2, I can't shake the feeling that this device is not meant for me. It's a powerful laptop, beautifully designed, and its giant screen offers an immersive workspace that makes me forget I'm not at my desk with my usual 34-inch extra-wide display. However, I question whether I need this device and if it's worth spending $3,300 on it.

Surface Book 2: A Powerful and Innovative Device

When the original Surface Book was released in 2015, its unique detachable screen concept was a revelation. It seemed genuinely innovative and held promise for users and Microsoft itself. The device was cool and impressive as an emblem of Microsoft's futuristic computing experiences. As a design nerd and tech enthusiast, I was excited about such ambitious products and have used Windows computers ever since.

The Refreshed Surface Book Line: A Monument to Microsoft's Biggest Ideas

Two years later, the refreshed Surface Book line seems even more like a monument to Microsoft's biggest ideas. The company has doubled down on its mantra that its devices and software are designed for creative individuals. Last year's Surface Studio release was impressively designed, although it appealed to a niche market. The recent Windows 10 "Creators Update" didn't offer much excitement for the average person but included improvements for those using the Surface Pen stylus or experimenting with Microsoft's nascent Mixed Reality platform.

Performance and Features of the Surface Book 2

The new Surface Books, available in 13.5- and 15-inch flavors, are powerful laptops with top-end guts and premium price tags comparable to other high-design, high-spec machines like the MacBook Pro or Razer Blade Pro. The 15-inch version I tested features an eighth-generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 graphics. It's priced at $3,300 with 1TB of storage, but it starts at $2,500 with 256GB of storage. You can scale down to a 13.5-inch machine with 8GB of RAM and Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 graphics for $2,000. If you're not interested in Mixed Reality, gaming, or Microsoft's lofty talk, there's even a 13.5-inch starter model without integrated graphics and last year's (totally fine) Intel Core i5 processor.

Unsurprisingly, the performance of the top-end machines is excellent, outperforming every other consumer laptop we've tested except for the new Razer Blade Pro. It also performs better than most powerful gaming laptops on processor-taxing titles like Civilization 6 and Rise of the Tomb Raider. The graphics performance is more than sufficient for use with Microsoft Mixed Reality headsets. The 15-inch model offers a solid 10 hours of battery life, allowing for a full day's work without needing an outlet.

Design and Usability of the Surface Book 2

The Surface Book 2 is all about design, and the hardware hasn't changed much except for a few minor tweaks. While elegant, the design is still a bit finicky. The ribbed hinge that enables the detachable screen remains a bit odd in the way it closes. Connecting headphones into the display at the top of the screen in regular clamshell configuration is still annoying. The keyboard is satisfactory, and the trackpad gets the job done.

Despite its premium price tag, the Surface Book is a striking piece of hardware. The display is stunning, making it ideal for spreadsheets and other tasks. Microsoft has done an excellent job making the device feel manageable despite its weight and bulk. I was able to fit the 15-inch model into my regular-sized backpack and carry it around without much difficulty. Additionally, the Surface Book 2 finally includes a USB-C port, which is a welcome addition.

Target Audience and Practicality of the Surface Book 2

The Surface Book 2 is designed for a specific type of affluent super user with important and challenging tasks to complete. It's aimed at creative individuals who can harness its power and features to reshape the world with each stroke of the Surface Pen. The ability to remove the display and hold it while pacing around a darkened room supposedly allows these users to unlock extra creative potential. However, it's unclear if such individuals exist outside of intense television commercials.

In my experience, using the Surface Book 2 felt ridiculous. I tried using the Surface Pen and scribbling on an email, and I detached the display to watch Netflix. I could even hook up a Mixed Reality Headset and pretend to enjoy wearing virtual reality goggles to do work, but I found no genuine interest in these features. As a colleague pointed out, the Surface Books are computers for people who have computers bought for them. I believe most people would be better served with a Surface Laptop or another Windows machine.

Conclusion: A Powerful But Unnecessary Device

The Surface Book 2 is a powerful and well-designed laptop, but it raises the question of who it is truly intended for. It's made for a certain class of people with important ideas and creative futuristic tasks, or perhaps those who aspire to such a lifestyle. If you fall into this category, the Surface Book 2 is a formidable machine. However, for most people, it's an expensive and unnecessary purchase.

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