Surface Book 2chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Commenters repeatedly express surprise that a device this compact fits a GTX 1050 or 1060, calling the performance 'insane' and ideal for gaming and GPU-accelerated creative apps.

@GlovedManus

Some of you guys are comparing this to other laptops saying you can get such a better value price per performance somewhere else. It isn't about the specs with this one. I7 8650u, gtx 1050, 16gb ram, an almost 4k screen, tons of battery life, and 1tb of ssd is really high end for a laptop, you won't get something with that amount of storage in an ssd new for less then 2000. Its the idea of it, being able to do intense work and gaming on the go in either the form of a laptop or tablet without compromise. No other manufacturer has matched that as well. The closest I can think of is the new dell xps 15 with intel and amd partnership for $2400. Stop comparing it to something it isn't trying to compete with.launch

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June 25, 2018

@mahmoodjazmawy9463

Still better than any laptop apple made or will make😂😂\nIt comes with a freaking gtx 1050launch

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June 25, 2018

@PiwoszJR

GTX 1060 is really impressive in this type of device. Good job Microsoftlaunch

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March 17, 2018

@robinrai4973

I think you should put a but more emphasis that this tiny thing has a blooming 1060 in it which is insanelaunch

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February 10, 2018

Architects, video editors and digital artists report using the device for Premiere Pro, Maya, ZBrush, illustration and 3D modelling, with the built-in pen replacing a separate drawing tablet.

@ninisdesk

I got my surface book 2, 2 years ago and it’s working pretty good. I mainly got it as a cost effective way to animate. So I’d usually use it with the screen connected to the base but flipped. They only problem I find is that when the surface book heats up it becomes quite uncomfortable to draw. \n\nI also use it with pretty hefty programs including a lot of Adobe software, Maya, and Harmony. I’ve never really ran into the issue of having programs crash mainly cause I always close anything I’m not currently using. Also I have a second monitor hooked up to the surface quite often so I have a duel screen. This pushed the surface a lot definitely. \n\nThis is not considering the face that I don’t really take it outside, I have an iPad for portable drawing and stuff. So my experiences may not apply to everyone.launch

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May 1, 2022

@JVFLAC

I'm an architect. I switched to Surface Book 2 15\" from MacBook Pro 15\" Touchbar. It's a different universe. Similar performance, but incomparably better usability for meetings, documentation, presentation and videoconferencing with scribbling on Skype-shared screen. SO MUCH MORE of a work computer than any MacBook can be. And then of course there is the incredibly bad MacBook keyboard (I got it replaced 2 times) and the counterproductive touchbar. It helps I only paid 2800 AUD at an airport duty free. Plus - Microsoft Store service in Sydney was impeccable - they replaced my Surface with a brand new one for a minor issue, no questions asked and didn't even check the faulty laptop. Just took it, gave me a new one AND let me keep both chargers! This is why it's worth paying 3000+ for this, every dollar. Comparably spec'ed Dell XPS and Lenovo Thinkpads cost actually more, have less features, and you wait weeks for your product and also any warranty resolutions later.launch

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December 30, 2018

@thomas_trandal

Love mine, with the 1050 and 16GB of RAM it's absolutely perfect for graphic design and photo editing!\nThe fact that I can sketch out my designs directly on the screen with the pen is also a great convenience.\n\nAlso a lovely display for Netflix if I do say so myself 😉launch

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July 12, 2018

@terryd8692

You might compare the prices of this device to the Macbook Pro but the Macbook is ONLY a laptop, you don't get the choice of using it as a tablet, you don't get any touch features, you can't write on it or draw. The Surface book can do everything and I suspect do it all pretty well.\n\nIf you're a digital artist, you can draw and sculpt using the pen. If you like to make notes then you can hand write them in OneNote. If you want to do some 3D modelling it'll run 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, ZBrush. You can game on it. You can pop the screen off and do some casual browsing on the net or social media. It does it all. To do the same on Apple products you'd need an iPad Pro plus a Macbook and then you're carrying around two devices everywhere, plus a shedload of cables and adapters.launch

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December 1, 2017

Users describe switching fluidly between laptop, easel/drawing, and tablet modes for different tasks like meetings, sketching, and note-taking. One long-time owner details using each mode for a distinct percentage of daily use.

@dastanabilev

About your 2nd complain - the Hinge. You didn't mention it, so I assume that you don't know but the design of hinge was not to make it fancier. It has very practical functions. Your main machine, ie cpu, ram, memory, cooling are all in the tablet section (screen), so it is way heavier than just screens. If you had traditional hinge, your screen would overweight the base and fall over. So that is the reason why they have come up with this hinge design. It unwraps and makes the base surface area bigger, so that your Surface device is balanced and not going to fall over. I am SBPB owner. Absolutely love the device.launch

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July 20, 2018

@theniii

As a surface book user since first day of surface book 1. I can tell you why very single form of the book is completely useful. no doubt.\n*Normal laptop mode*: 60% of time for me, working, gaming, watching vids etc...\n*Attached on the back*: 20% of the time, brainstorming, drawing, designing products etc, the inclination makes it feel so good...\n*Tablet mode*: 20% of the time, taking notes in class, showing and communicating work to others (you just detach it and give it to the person in front of you, or leave it on the table, flat, for the group to discuss) and most importantly: TAKING A SHIT (yes, feels really good to just detach your screen and go to the toilet with it, haven't thought of that have you?).launch

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May 19, 2018

@lillithalonso8723

The thing about the Surface Book 2 is that it has basically no competition, there's no other portable device that you can use for gaming, productivity, drawing, etc... Without peripherals, it's either the Surface Book 2 or a gaming laptop that'll still cut deep into your pocket, to which you must add a drawing tablet that's at least 100€, over 500 if you want one with a screen, and they also tend to be heavy af and quite big.launch

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March 18, 2018

@terryd8692

You might compare the prices of this device to the Macbook Pro but the Macbook is ONLY a laptop, you don't get the choice of using it as a tablet, you don't get any touch features, you can't write on it or draw. The Surface book can do everything and I suspect do it all pretty well.\n\nIf you're a digital artist, you can draw and sculpt using the pen. If you like to make notes then you can hand write them in OneNote. If you want to do some 3D modelling it'll run 3DS Max, Maya, Blender, ZBrush. You can game on it. You can pop the screen off and do some casual browsing on the net or social media. It does it all. To do the same on Apple products you'd need an iPad Pro plus a Macbook and then you're carrying around two devices everywhere, plus a shedload of cables and adapters.launch

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December 1, 2017

Reviewers rate the keyboard and trackpad as excellent, and several who switched from MacBooks say it beats Apple's keyboard, which some had needed repaired multiple times.

@minx4742

Keyboard - *Excellent*\nTrack Pad - *Excellent*\nPerformance - *Good*\nGaming - *Pretty Good*\nSpeakers - *Pretty Good*\nBattery Life - *Good*\nWeb Cam - *Great*\nMic Quality - *Pretty Good*\nThermals - *Good*\nFan Noise under Max Load - *A Little Loud*\nPort Selection - *Decent*\n*(2 USB 3.0’s, SD card slot & a USB-C)*\n\nDisadvantages -\n• *Price*\n• *The Lack of a Thunderbolt 3 support*\n• *The AC Adaptor they Included -*\n*it’s a proprietary connector*\n\n*📌SUMMARY📌*\n*Microsoft is the only company making something like this. If you buy it, make sure you’re making full use of it’s purpose, if you’re not making use of the tablet or the detach ability and all that, then there are cheaper, more affordable devices that would be a better fit.*launch

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May 5, 2019

@JVFLAC

I'm an architect. I switched to Surface Book 2 15\" from MacBook Pro 15\" Touchbar. It's a different universe. Similar performance, but incomparably better usability for meetings, documentation, presentation and videoconferencing with scribbling on Skype-shared screen. SO MUCH MORE of a work computer than any MacBook can be. And then of course there is the incredibly bad MacBook keyboard (I got it replaced 2 times) and the counterproductive touchbar. It helps I only paid 2800 AUD at an airport duty free. Plus - Microsoft Store service in Sydney was impeccable - they replaced my Surface with a brand new one for a minor issue, no questions asked and didn't even check the faulty laptop. Just took it, gave me a new one AND let me keep both chargers! This is why it's worth paying 3000+ for this, every dollar. Comparably spec'ed Dell XPS and Lenovo Thinkpads cost actually more, have less features, and you wait weeks for your product and also any warranty resolutions later.launch

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December 30, 2018

@mrclaytron

I'm kind of sick of the argument that the Surface Book 2 is overpriced. MacBook Pros are similarly expensive, and don't really match the engineering and features the SB2 has.\n\nI've owned a MBP 2017, which was a great machine, but it had an inferior keyboard, no touch screen, no SD card reader, no Xbox wireless support (minor but still!), no tablet mode, inferior GPU, no USB A ports, less battery, and in my opinion, a very nice yet boring design.\n\nIn favour of the Mac, it does have full thunderbolt 3 support - which for me is the only thing I'm disappointed with in the SB2. I think the touch bar was fun for a few days, but then it started to seem stupid to me... I'd rather real function keys and a touchable display, Apple. Honestly, the Surface Book 2 is very nearly the perfect laptop.\n\nI've also had a Dell XPS 15 briefly, which is exceptional value for money, but honestly put the XPS beside a SB2, or a MBP, and it will take 1 second to spot the cheaper machine (but its still awesome, don't hate on me, I still think the XPS is unbeatable value!)\n\nPremium quality comes at a premium price. Hyundai have some nice affordable cars, but hell if I can afford a Tesla, then I'll buy the Tesla.. f*ck the Hyundai!\n\nIf MBPs and SB2s were the same price as Dell and Lenovo laptops, then nobody would buy a Dell or Lenovo. Well, maybe Dell and Lenovo employees... But you get the point :-)\n\nSo I'll say it again - premium quality comes at a premium price. The SB2 cost me a lot of money, but it's the machine I stuck with, after trialing a few. It's the best computer I've ever owned. No regrets so far! (Obviously we can't give the same praise to the SB1, which was plagued with issues - the SB2 runs exceptionally well thankfully. Well done Microsoft!)launch

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February 11, 2018

Owners describe fast, no-questions-asked replacements after accidental damage or minor issues, plus a positive in-store service experience, with warranty included in the purchase price.

@JVFLAC

I'm an architect. I switched to Surface Book 2 15\" from MacBook Pro 15\" Touchbar. It's a different universe. Similar performance, but incomparably better usability for meetings, documentation, presentation and videoconferencing with scribbling on Skype-shared screen. SO MUCH MORE of a work computer than any MacBook can be. And then of course there is the incredibly bad MacBook keyboard (I got it replaced 2 times) and the counterproductive touchbar. It helps I only paid 2800 AUD at an airport duty free. Plus - Microsoft Store service in Sydney was impeccable - they replaced my Surface with a brand new one for a minor issue, no questions asked and didn't even check the faulty laptop. Just took it, gave me a new one AND let me keep both chargers! This is why it's worth paying 3000+ for this, every dollar. Comparably spec'ed Dell XPS and Lenovo Thinkpads cost actually more, have less features, and you wait weeks for your product and also any warranty resolutions later.launch

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December 30, 2018

@Mrchamptha1

I will just say that I went to the Microsoft Store for support (there are 2 in LA) and they offered me snacks and a drink and let me play with the Surface Studio while I waited. Then completely replaced my device with a brand new one with no questions asked. Probably the best support experience I've ever had. Also, Microsoft devices get a year warranty included in the purchase price. So you don't have to pay extra for Apple Care.launch

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September 18, 2018

@hfi-gg

I have accidental damage coverage on mine. One day I forgot to zip my laptop bag and as I was putting it in the truck the Surface Book 2 flew out and smacked the ground. It still worked perfectly fine, but I did damage the corners that it landed on. All I did was put a ticket in with Microsoft support, within 2 days they sent me a new one. I wiped my old one and shipped it back. It was GREAT and super easy.launch

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July 24, 2018

Several long-term owners report their Surface Book still working well years later, with one noting a 7-year-old unit and another nearly 4 years of daily use.

@sidp6

I am using my SB2 for the last 4 years and am pretty much happy with it, I do have the tablet attach - detach issue but very occasionally (say abt 1-2 times a year). My only regret is that I went for the 8 GB Ram model at the time, and now it's running out of RAM while working on multiple apps simultaneously. Not possible to increase the RAM, It's pretty shame to part from it and go for a new laptop. Wouldn't have minded getting a new SB if MS had got one, but they have discontinued SB after SB3.launch

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September 2, 2022

@zerocal76

You're the only person I've heard say the Surface Book design looks old. Everyone was surprised when I'd tell them my Surface Book 1 was 7 years old (in 2021/2022)launch

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May 28, 2022

@flex3191

It's almost been 3 years working on my original surface book. Never regret.launch

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March 7, 2018

Multiple commenters single out the webcam as the best they've seen on a Windows laptop, with clear mic quality as well.

@minx4742

Keyboard - *Excellent*\nTrack Pad - *Excellent*\nPerformance - *Good*\nGaming - *Pretty Good*\nSpeakers - *Pretty Good*\nBattery Life - *Good*\nWeb Cam - *Great*\nMic Quality - *Pretty Good*\nThermals - *Good*\nFan Noise under Max Load - *A Little Loud*\nPort Selection - *Decent*\n*(2 USB 3.0’s, SD card slot & a USB-C)*\n\nDisadvantages -\n• *Price*\n• *The Lack of a Thunderbolt 3 support*\n• *The AC Adaptor they Included -*\n*it’s a proprietary connector*\n\n*📌SUMMARY📌*\n*Microsoft is the only company making something like this. If you buy it, make sure you’re making full use of it’s purpose, if you’re not making use of the tablet or the detach ability and all that, then there are cheaper, more affordable devices that would be a better fit.*launch

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May 5, 2019

@xhunter767

Holy crap that's the best webcam i've seen ever in a windows laptop. It's so clear and the mic sounds really good and clearlaunch

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November 18, 2017

Some owners report the machine runs extremely cool and quiet compared to alternatives like the Razer Blade, though this is disputed by others regarding fan noise.

@mdalikazi

Typing on my Surface Book 1 and I have never seen a better laptop that can do all of that ELEGANTLY. No fan noise, really really good display, really good keyboard, has Nvidia graphics and really really good battery life. This laptop is so good, for the first time I am not tempted to buy a brand new one.launch

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June 25, 2018

@nicholaszustak768

I bought it. It's alright. Handles most applications flawlessly. Games run fine. Feels slightly heavy, even though it's really not. Runs extremely cool and quiet; the hugest advantage I've seen over my razer blade.launch

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March 18, 2018