What you need to know

• A Reddit user fixed thermal throttle issues in a Surface Book 2 by adding a fan and inserting a copper heat pipe.
• The process resulted in significantly better performance, lower temperatures when under load, and the laptop using fans less frequently when not needed.
• Performing the hack required quite a bit of technical expertise, so we don't recommend trying it yourself.

The Surface Book 2 is a powerful and versatile laptop. Microsoft worked hard to have the system dissipate heat, but some people have run into issues with high temperatures after extended use of the laptop. One Reddit user, curie64hkg, upgraded their Surface Book 2 by adding a fan and a copper heat pipe. During the same process, they swapped the system's SSD as well.

For context, the Surface Book 2 has fans in the top portion of the device, which can be detached and used as a tablet. Ventilation and active cooling are utilized in the base, which is where the GPU sits.

Here's what our editor-in-chief Daniel Rubino had to say about the laptop's thermals in his Surface Book 2 review:

"Microsoft did an excellent job of thermal dissipation with the Surface Book 2 15. That's due in part to having fans in the tablet area for the CPU and adequate ventilation and active cooling for the GPU in the base.

During intense gaming, while maximizing the CPU and GPU the bottom of the Surface Book 2 15 did get warm peaking at 106 degrees F (41 degrees C), but it was never hot or uncomfortable. Likewise, the back of the display where the CPU resides also got warm, but never got hot to the touch."

The experience of curie64hkg seems to be rather different than that of Rubino. They saw thermal throttling, poor performance under load, and lag when playing 4K60 videos. To get around these issues, they added a fan, replaced an SSD, and added a copper pipe.

An extensive breakdown of the process includes before and after benchmarks, images of the disassembly and assembly, and a summary of the final results.

The biggest changes were to system temperatures. Tablet mode no longer slows down or heats up when drawing, according to curie64hkg. Fans stay off when simply browsing the web as well. Idle temperatures and temperatures under load all dropped as well.

A job like this is rather extreme, so we can't recommend it to the average user, but it is fun to see someone tinker with a Surface Book 2 and see such dramatic results.

What you need to know

• August 2021's Surface Book 2 firmware update drop is here.
• Camera and audio stability are getting improvements.
• Security vulnerabilities are being handled.

Another month, another firmware update for your favorite Microsoft device. In this case, we're looking at the Surface Book 2's August 2021 assortment of firmware goodies. Expect camera and audio improvements, as well as security vulnerabilities being addressed and improved stability for "Surface Dock 2 scenarios," as Microsoft puts it.

Specifically, the August update:

• Addresses critical security vulnerability and improves device stability.
• Improves device stability and reliability with Surface Dock 2 scenarios.
• Improves camera and audio stability and reliability.

You can check out Microsoft's support page for a detailed breakdown of all the individual components affected by the firmware update to bring about the aforementioned improvements. It's mainly a laundry list of display adapters, Realtek High Definition Audio, and camera items that all come together to amount to the changes already listed.

The update is for Surface Book 2s running Windows 10's May 2019 update, version 1903 (19H1), or anything more recent than that. It's not a big update, and there's nothing major on the firmware slate that'll completely overhaul the Surface Book 2 experience, but still, it's never a bad thing to receive camera, audio, security, and Bluetooth improvements.

The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Go have already received their updates for August 2021, so if you have either of those devices, feel free to check Microsoft's pages for the corresponding firmware logs.

And if you want to stay in the loop when it comes to Windows updates, know that the latest Windows 10 update put an end to PrintNightmare... for a few minutes, until it became apparent that PrintNightmare isn't going away no matter how hard Microsoft tries.

What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Book 2 recently received a firmware update.
• The update improves graphics performance and includes several fixes.
• You can grab the update now through Windows Update.

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 recently received a firmware update. The changelog of the update isn't that exciting, but it does include several improvements. The update improves graphics and system stability. It also includes security updates. As is usually the case, the firmware update does not include any new features.

Here's everything that's new in the latest firmware update:

To receive this update on your Surface Book 2, your device needs to be running Windows 10 version 1903 (Windows 10 May 2019 Update) or greater. The update is rolling out gradually, but you should see it on Windows Update.

What you need to know

• Microsoft issues new updates for Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 in recent days.
• The updates bring fixes and audio improvements.
• Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 users can download the updates now via Windows Update.

Microsoft this week rolled out a new set of firmware and driver updates for the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2. The updates for Surface Laptop 3 are mostly concerned with general system improvements, including one for laptops with AMD chips. The Surface Book 2 updates, meanwhile, are largely focused on audio improvements.

Note that both updates are dated as having rolled out late last week, but, as Neowin notes, the release notes only appeared today.

Here's a look at what's new for Surface Laptop 3 owners:

And here's a look at what Surface Book 2 owners can look forward to:

If you're using a Surface Laptop 3 or a Surface Book 2, you can grab these updates now via Windows Update.

What you need to know

• New firmware updates are available for a handful of Surface devices today.
• The latest updates cover Surface Book, Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 5, and Surface Pro 6.
• All of the updates are focused on security and reliability, and they're available now via Windows Update.

Microsoft released another set of firmware updates for a handful of Surface devices today. Included in these updates are the first- and second-generation Surface Books, along with Surface Pro 5 and Surface Pro 6. While there's nothing major included here, there are updates related to reliability and stability across the board.

If you're using a Surface Book or Surface Book 2, you'll see similar updates related to the NVIDIA display adapter. Here's a look:

Meanwhile, the update for the Surface Pro 5 brings improvements for battery smart charging reliability.

Finally, if you're using a Surface Pro 6, you'll see a pair of updates related to the battery and stability during hibernation.

All of these updates are available to download now via Windows Update for devices that are running Windows 10 version 1903 or newer.

What you need to know

• The Surface Book 2 has a new firmware update available.
• The update improves the Windows Hello camera experience.
• The update should be available now through Windows Update.

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 has a new firmware update available. The update is available to all Surface Book 2 devices running the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, version 1809, or greater. The update mostly improves the Windows Hello camera experience, though there are other small fixes.

Microsoft's support page outlines all of the changes, which you can also see below.

The update should be available now through Windows Update on Surface Book 2 devices.

What you need to know

• The Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 have firmware updates available.
• The Surface Book 2's update largely focuses on improving its reliability with the Surface Dock 2.
• The Surface Laptop 3's update improves connectivity and addresses other issues.

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3 have new firmware updates. The updates improve reliability in several areas across the devices. The Surface Book 2's update focuses largely on improving Surface Dock 2 reliability while the Surface Laptop 3's update fixes connectivity issues and addresses some other areas.

Here's the changelog for the Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop 3, as outlined by the Surface update history page.

Surface Book 2

• Surface Dock Firmware Update: 1.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Firmware Update: 2.49.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface - Extension: 5.5.0.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Integration Service Device - System: 6.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during authentication scenarios.
• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware: 182.2150.137.0 - Improves Battery Smart Charging reliability.

Surface Laptop 3

• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) OED - System devices: 10.24.00.3694 - Improves audio reliability with Netflix and Cortana apps.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller - System devices: 10.24.00.3694 - Improves audio reliability with Netflix and Cortana apps.
• Intel(R) WiFi 6 AX201 160MHz - Network adapters: 21.80.2.1 - Resolves issue with WiFi connection throughput and improves stability.
• Intel(R) Wireless Bluetooth - Bluetooth: 21.80.0.3 - Improves BT connection reliability when the device resumes from sleep.
• Surface - Extension - 5.5.0.0: Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during Wake On LAN scenarios and improves the overall stability.
• Surface Integration Service Device - System: 6.83.139.0 - Improves Surface Dock 2 reliability during authentication scenarios.
• Surface Display - Monitors: 3.92.139.0 - Improves the device color profile performance.
• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware: 14.109.139.0 - Improves Battery Lifespan Saver reliability.

What you need to know

• New firmware updates are rolling out for Surface Book 2 and Surface Go.
• The updates bring security and system stability improvements.
• Both updates are the first in months for each device.

Another round of firmware updates are now available for the Surface Book 2 and Surface Go. This marks the first firmware update for the Surface Book 2 since February, and it's the first for the Surface Go since July, 2019. Each set of updates focuses on bringing system stability and security improvements.

Here's a look at the improvements for each device.

Surface Go

• Surface – Firmware – 11.8.70.3626: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – System – 1914.12.0.1256: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Software Component - 1.56.87.0: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.
• Intel – Extension - 1914.13.0.1063: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.
• Intel Corporation - Display - 26.20.100.7637: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Extension - 26.20.100.7637: improves integration between system services, and addresses security updates.

Surface Book 2

• Intel Corporation – Display – 26.20.100.7639: improves graphics and system stability.
• Surface – Extension - 1914.13.0.1063: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – Software Component - 1.56.87.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Intel – System – 1914.12.0.1256: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Bluetooth – 15.68.17018.116: improves connection stability and enables the support of new products.
• Marvell Semiconductor, Inc. – Net – 15.68.17018.116: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• NVIDIA – Display – 26.21.14.3218: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface – System – 5.91.139.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 11.8.70.3626: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 242.11.1.15: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface - Firmware - 242.0.1.5: addresses security updates and improves system stability.
• Surface – Firmware – 390.3192.768.0: addresses security updates and improves system stability.

If you own either device, you should be able to grab these updates now via Windows Update. For more on each, you can check out the Surface Update pages for Surface Go and Surface Book 2 now.

What you need to know

• The Surface Book 2 with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 is available again through the Microsoft Store.
• Several reports indicate that a new Surface Book is on the way.
• The Surface Book 2 with the older 7th Gen chip is available starting at $1,150.

An older variant of the Surface Book 2 recently reappeared on Microsoft's website. You can now order a Surface Book 2 with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor starting at $1,150. The reappearance of the older Surface Book 2 comes at a time when a Surface Book 3 is reportedly on the way. Several leaks indicate that a Surface Book 3 is imminent.

As pointed out by Neowin, the 7th Gen chip in the Surface Book 2 is a dual-core chip rather than the quad-core processors in the Surface Book 2 with an 8th Gen Intel processor. That's a significant change and makes the reappearance of the older Surface Book 2 a bit odd.

It's not uncommon for companies to sell older hardware, but having the Surface Book with a 7th Gen chip appear amidst reports of a next-gen replacement is a tad curious. The Surface Book 2 with a 7th Gen chip starts at $1,150 for a 13.5-inch model with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Several variants of the Surface Book 2 with 8th Gen chips are sold out, so the reappearance of the older model gives people some options. That being said, with the Surface Book 3 reportedly passing through the FCC recently, it's probably best to wait and see what Microsoft announces before ordering any new pieces of hardware.

I've been a Surface Book 2 user — and fan — since it was released in 2017. I bit the bullet and preordered the 13-inch model shortly after it was announced, and I never looked back. However, when my Surface Book 2 met an untimely demise due to an unfortunate incident involving a glass of water a few weeks ago (it got very wet), I started re-thinking what I wanted out of a portable PC.

Enter the Surface Pro X. I wound up going with Microsoft's latest iteration on the long-running Surface Pro line, and it's been the perfect fit. Still, it's a relatively big step down in terms of capabilities. Here's why I ultimately decided that it doesn't matter, and why I'm loving the Surface Pro X.

Surface Pro X is the perfect fit

When I picked up my Surface Pro X, several people on Twitter rightly pointed out the sudden "lane change". Making the jump from an Intel processor with a discrete graphics chip to Microsoft's custom ARM SQ1 chip (a riff on the Snapdragon 8cx) does have its downsides. But, for me, the positives outweigh the negatives.

The key here is that my laptop is no longer my main PC. I bought the Surface Book 2 when I didn't have a desktop PC to fall back on, so I went for power and maximum app compatibility. Now, I spend more time at a pretty powerful desktop rig than not, so my priorities have shifted drastically.

The three biggest draws for me with the Surface Pro X were LTE connectivity, portability, and battery life. There are several LTE laptops on the market nowadays, but none of them check all three of those boxes quite like the Surface Pro X.

My Surface Book 2 felt great to use, but it wasn't exactly the most portable PC in the world, and I started to feel that over the last year or so. The Surface Pro X, by contrast, is a device I can fold up, toss in my backpack, and barely notice it's there the rest of the day. With LTE added in, the portability argument gets even better because I can set up shop nearly anywhere to knock out some work on the go.

The Microsoft SQ1 ARM chip that powers the Surface Pro X is no slouch when it comes to battery life, either. Like some, I initially worried when I saw Microsoft's quoted battery life of "up to 13 hours" when compared to the figures quoted in the 20-hour range on some other ARM laptops. Thankfully, my fears have been unfounded thus far: I can easily go beyond a typical workday on a single charge, and topping back up is fairly fast.

Beyond my three must-haves, there have been some other pleasant surprises as well. Windows Hello is, for some reason, significantly faster on the Surface Pro X than it was with my Surface Book 2. Combined with instant-on, I can open the Pro X up and get to work in just a second or two. That's something I've gotten used to with phones, but it's incredible to see on a PC.

Surface Pro X definitely has its limitations

Despite my love for the Surface Pro X, its not all sunshine and rainbows. There are definitely limitations to consider when looking at an ARM-based laptop, and the Surface Pro X won't be for everyone.

The biggest concern for many will be app compatibility. Native ARM apps feel great to use, but emulating Win32 apps can prove to be quite frustrating. And if you need to use a 64-bit "classic" desktop app, you're out of luck (at least for now).

The good news for me is that I live mostly in my browser, and the new Microsoft Edge works flawlessly with ARM chips. For the few apps I need when working on the go, there are either ARM64 versions available, or I can install them as Progressive Web Apps (PWA) via Edge. I was initially skeptical of this approach, but PWAs have proven to be quite responsive and don't feel out of place alongside true desktop apps.

The biggest stumbling block I've encountered is in my photo editing workflow. I occasionally have to take and edit photos for work, and I previously relied on my Surface Book 2's SD card slot and Affinity Photo to get the job done. With the Surface Pro X, there is no SD card port, and Affinity Photo simply isn't compatible with ARM devices yet.

I've since picked up a USB-C dongle that includes an SD card slot, but it's not the most elegant solution in the world. Without Affinity Photo, I've also had to learn some different apps as well. Polarr has proven a pretty good alternative, but it's not as capable as I'd like. Pixlr is also great for a web editor, but it isn't quite as smooth as a native app.

All of this is to say that you'll have to take inventory of everything that is an absolute must-have app before you take the leap and pick up a Surface Pro X or any other ARM-based laptop.

Happy with Surface Pro X despite the drawbacks

I won't lie: I had a bit of hesitation in choosing the Surface Pro X when looking for a replacement for my Surface Book 2. I fully expected to use it for a week, call it a "neat piece of hardware," and return it for something else. But the weeks keep coming, and I've only come to enjoy using it more and more.

For someone like me, who mainly does a lot of writing and working in a browser, the Surface Pro X is a near-perfect device. Anyone who has legacy apps to worry about, or has to take on some particularly heavy workloads, will still want to look elsewhere. But for my money, the Surface Pro X has been a great fit.

While the size of these laptops doesn't really match up — the X1 Yoga is 14 inches while the Surface Book 2 is either 13.5 or 15 inches — they're likely still on the same shortlist for anyone who wants a device with inking support, respectable performance, and a high build quality. Let's break down the differences and similarities between these laptops to help you get an idea of which is best for your needs.

ThinkPad X1 Yoga (Gen 4) vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Design and features

Both the ThinkPad X1 Yoga and both sizes of the Surface Book 2 can be used as a tablet, but they take a different route to get there. The X1 Yoga is a standard convertible with hinge system that allows the lid to fold around 360 degrees for tablet mode and everything in between. The Book 2 is more of a 2-in-1, with a separate tablet that attaches to a keyboard and performance hardware base. The tablet can operate on its own — and in fact can be reattached to the base backwards for a stand look — but when separated you won't get the full performance or battery life.

The Book 2 is no doubt going to make a better tablet simply due to the fact that it can be removed from the base to shed most of its weight. However, taking apart the Book 2 isn't as convenient as folding the X1 Yoga's lid around, and you also have a keyboard base lying around when not in use. It's a bit clunky.

These laptops are built to a premium standard and you shouldn't worry about quality in either. They use magnesium to keep weight down, though you will find that the X1 Yoga weighs considerably less than both sizes of the Book 2. That's partly due to the inclusion of an optional dedicated GPU in the Book 2.

If you plan on taking your laptop into situations outside of the usual office setting, the X1 Yoga's MIL-STD 810G certification is going to give you far more peace of mind. The Book 2 isn't exactly soft, but it's no doubt no going to fare quite as well as the X1 Yoga when it comes to dust and moisture.

The X1 Yoga, thanks to its business leaning, also comes packed with extra security features. A fingerprint reader is standard, you can add an IR camera for facial recognition, there's a webcam shutter and optional privacy display cover, and the usual TPM 2.0 chip, optional FIDO authentication, and Kensington lock slot. The Book 2 comes with a TPM 2.0 chip and IR camera, but it's lacking some of the advanced features that are common in a ThinkPad.

Port selection has never really been a strong point for Surface devices, and the creeping age of the Book 2 doesn't help. It has two USB-A, one USB-C, two Surface Connect ports, 3.5mm audio, and an SD card reader. Compared to the X1 Yoga, with its two Thunderbolt 3, two USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet Extension, and 3.5mm audio, the Book 2 doesn't hold up. At least it offers an SD card reader, which the X1 Yoga lacks. Also scoring a point for Lenovo's laptop is optional 4G LTE connectivity. If you need to stay connected everywhere, Wi-Fi or not, it's going to make a much better choice.

Both laptops offer stellar keyboard and Precision touchpads, and a final decision should come down to personal preference. If you type a lot, either option should suit you well. One area where the Book 2 models excel is in their cameras. Whereas the X1 Yoga has a single front-facing 720p camera, the Book 2 offers front- and rear-facing 1080p cameras that will deliver a much clearer picture.

Display and inking

Choosing a laptop in terms of display, at least between these options, should come down to whether you prefer color accuracy and brightness (X1 Yoga) or 3:2 aspect ratio and higher resolution (Book 2).

The 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 comes with a 3000x2000 resolution, while the 15-inch Book 2 has a 3240x2160 resolution. Both use a 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxier look that ultimately offers more screen real estate. These displays are sRGB color accurate, both nearly hitting 100% gamut coverage. Both work with the mighty Surface Pen and Surface Dial that altogether deliver a satisfying inking experience that's designed for professionals.

The X1 Yoga has four different 16:9 displays to choose from. The first has a standard 1920x1080 resolution and can hit about 380 nit brightness. One step up is essentially the same, but it includes a Privacy Guard that allows only those directly facing the screen to see what's displayed. The third option is again almost the same as the standard FHD display, but it is low power to suck up the least amount of battery. Finally, the 2560x1440 option has a higher resolution but only manages about 280 nits brightness. A ThinkPad Pen Pro is included with all models and has a dedicated silo built right into the laptop.

If you value privacy or really want to extend battery life you will find fitting options with the X1 Yoga, but otherwise the Book 2 options are going to look a lot better and besides deliver that 3:2 aspect ratio that's much better suited for life as a tablet.

Price and performance

Comparing performance, it's clear that the Book 2 models with dedicated GPUs are going to deliver much more graphics power. The X1 Yoga only has dedicated graphics, and while the GPUs in the Book 2 are showing their age, they still easily win. In terms of processing power, due to the option of 10th Gen Intel Core chips in the X1 Yoga, it tops the Book 2's 8th Gen Intel chips. It's expected the Surface Book 3 will sport the newer hardware, but until then the X1 Yoga is going to win out. Another important note is DIY upgrades after purchase. The Book 2 is a closed system, whereas you can open up the X1 Yoga and replace the fast SSD. The Book 2 is stuck with relatively slow storage.

Battery life in these laptops is going to be similar. The Book 2 can push about 10 hours when the GPU isn't going strong, but dips down when all systems are go. The X1 Yoga averages about eight hours, but the low power FHD display option no doubt gives it a boost. You should expect to be able to get through a standard workday with both laptops.

As for pricing, Lenovo's setup can, as usual, make things a bit confusing. Introductory X1 Yoga models retail for about $2,329, but a coupon that's automatically applied brings it down to about 1,199. That's for a model with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU. If you want 10th Gen Intel, you're looking at a starting price of about $1,638 after the coupon is applied.

The 13.5-inch Book 2 starts at about $1,129 and comes with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, and no dedicated GPU. Amazon does have a great deal on a 13.5-inch model with dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU, 8th Gen Intel Core i7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB SSD that'll set you back only about $1,099. As for the 15-inch model, prices start at about $1,845 and only go up from there. A configuration with Intel Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM, 1TB SSD, and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU costs about $2,430.

Go with the ThinkPad X1 Yoga for a more modern device

Modern ports, 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs, plenty of security features, and a durable build designed to withstand punishment make the ThinkPad X1 Yoga quite attractive. It doesn't have as nice a display and won't deliver the same inking experience — especially with the Book 2's modular design — but it's still the right choice for most people who need a new business partner.

Stick with the Surface Book 2 for extra performance

The Surface Book 2 is certainly showing its age, but it is the right choice if you prefer a higher-res display, superior inking experience, and dedicated GPU options. It doesn't have as many ports and it lacks some of the X1 Yoga's security features, but it is built extremely well and can be had at a reduced price due to its age.

Microsoft's Surface Book 2 is a powerful laptop with a modular design, a touch display available in two sizes, and a high price. One way to save a bit of money at checkout is to dial back the size of your solid-state drive (SSD). 

To add more storage after purchase, you can use a standard SD card, but it will stick out and run the risk of being damaged during everyday use. However, a special adapter allows you to tidily fit a microSD card into the Surface Book 2 without any risk of damage.

How to add storage to your Surface Book on the cheap

The BaseQi microSD adapter sits flush along the edge of your Surface Book 2, and there are sizes to fit either 13.5- or 15-inch configurations. Here's how to get everything set up.

1. Slide the microSD card into the BaseQi adapter.

2. Slide the card and adapter into the SD slot on the side of your Surface Book 2. It should sit flush against the edge of your laptop.

Before you remove the microSD card and adapter from the Surface Book 2, ensure you eject it properly to avoid corruption or data loss.

1. Click the Show hidden icons button on your Surface Book 2.
2. Click the Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media button.
3. Click Eject SDXC.

You now know how to add and remove additional storage from your Surface Book 2.

Our top equipment picks

Unfortunately, the BaseQi adapter can't take advantage of the UHS-II bus in the Surface Book 2, so it's recommended to stick with a UHS-I microSD card. Here's the gear we recommend for these steps.

There are several size options to choose from when checking out — up to 512GB for about $150 — but the best value seems to be from the 256GB card, which costs about $45. You're not needlessly paying for UHS-II speeds, and the 100MB/s transfer rate here is good enough for everyday usage without running the risk of snapping off a full-sized SD card.

Without this $25 accessory, you'll be stuck with added storage that sticks out the side of your Surface Book 2. This adapter offers a flush fit along the edge of your laptop, reducing the risk of damage, plus it simply looks way better if you plan on keeping the additional storage in your Surface Book 2 at all times.

Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 are two great devices from Microsoft, but they serve two different roles. The Surface Laptop 3 (as the name implies) is more of a traditional clamshell experience, while the Surface Book 2 is a versatile 2-in-1, allowing you to use it as a tablet or laptop.

Surface Laptop 3 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Gorgeous Surface design

Both Surface devices are stunning examples of Microsoft's current design. Because they're designed for different uses, you'll find slight differences here and there. For instance, the Surface Laptop 3 sports a clamshell design, which restricts the hinge movement, so no tablet mode there. That's fine for most consumers, but not so if you want a versatile device.

This is where the Surface Book 2 shines in that you can not only use it as a notebook but also detach the screen part itself for a tablet experience. The Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 come in two sizes, 13.5 and 15 inches. The specs sheet looks similar across both devices, too, aside for a few components like the processor, GPU, and display.

You'll be able to enjoy a similar battery life, log in to Windows with the IR camera, and hook up all your accessories with USB Type-C and Type-A connections. In terms of weight and size, the Surface Book is a little heavier with all the extra moving parts and the fact you can detach the display from the keyboard half.

Comparing two stunning displays

Whether you pick the Surface Laptop 3 or Surface Book 2, you'll be buying a device with a stunning display. Both devices house a 3:2 aspect ratio panel, but resolutions differ slightly. While the Surface Laptop 3 comes with a resolution of up to 2496x1664, the Surface Book 2 simply packs more pixels into the display, coming in at up to 3240x2160.

Should you be picking up a new Surface for creative work like video editing, the Surface Book 2 may make more sense with the extra screen real estate. That isn't to knock down the Surface Laptop 3's display, however, as it's still a killer if you don't mind sacrificing a few pixels.

Winning the performance race

Regardless of choice, you'll manage to get through even more demanding workloads. Both the Surface Laptop 3 and Surface Book 2 are designed for heavy tasks like video editing and even some light gaming. You can kit out the Surface Book 2 with an Intel Core i7 processor with a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU, unlocking some serious performance.

The Surface Laptop 3 isn't quite as powerful as the Surface Book in the GPU department but comes rocking newer 10th Gen Intel Core processors, and you can even choose the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3 with AMD Ryzen CPUs — these come with integrated Vega GPUs, though they aren't quite as good as the GTX 1050 mobile GPU.

Both devices are more than capable enough for most tasks you'll throw at them.

If you prefer the traditional clamshell design

Surface Laptop 3 is now better than ever thanks to the latest Intel and AMD processors, providing you more choice. It's also at a more reasonable price than the Surface Book 2, though you'll be missing out on more versatility.

Go Surface Book 2 for something a little different

The Surface Laptop 3 is a great notebook, but if you want a more unique Surface device, the Surface Book 2 is what you need thanks to a versatile design that allows for a variety of different modes.

The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 are two very different devices, targeting two very different groups of consumers. If you prefer a tablet experience, don't need to do inking, won't use the device with a physical keyboard much and would like to save some cash, Surface Pro 6 is the better option.

Should you want to go all out and enjoy the signature Windows 10 on Surface experience, nothing beats the Surface Book 2 — so long as your pockets are deep for the more expensive configurations.

Similar numbers on Surface

Both devices offer similar specifications, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. The Surface Pro 6 is Microsoft's featured tablet and the Surface Book 2 is the company's powerful notebook. Both cross paths with regards to form factor and device category, and as such offer similar internals.

Surface performance

Surface Book 2 is the more powerful device, without question. Both devices can be configured with the same Intel Core i7 processor, but the Surface Book 2 has the advantage of a dedicated GPU and better overall computing. It's designed for extended power use, while the Surface Pro is more of a tablet you can use for intensive tasks irregularly.

Because there's no dedicated GPU inside the Surface Pro 6, you'll need to rely on the Intel iGPU, and the Surface Pro 6 doesn't have Intel Iris graphics. This isn't a decision made by Microsoft, but Intel with its 8th-gen line-up of processors. If you need to rely on graphics processing, the only choice here is Surface Book 2.

Portable computing

Surface Pro 6 is more versatile and incredibly powerful tablet — you try running the full desktop Adobe Photoshop suite on an iPad — and while it does offer a battery life of around 13 hours, the Surface Book 2 edges out in front with upwards of 17 hours. It's not a huge difference, but worth considering if you're often found without power outlets.

Something to bear in mind is pricing, which is where the Surface Pro 6 wins big time. The tablet starts from just $900, while you can expect to pay $1,150 for the Surface Book 2. Surface Pro 6 is almost as good as the Surface Book 2 and can even be kitted out with better internals than the base model Surface Book 2, but Microsoft's 2-in-1 notebook is simply better overall.

The ultimate Windows 10 experience

Microsoft did so well with the Surface Book 2, we gave it a full five-star rating and raved about all of its features. Sure, it's the more expensive device in this comparison, but you get so much more in terms of configurations with the addition of discrete GPUs, making it a killer notebook.

Surface Pro 6 for tighter budgets

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 isn't a slouch, but a powerful tablet with massive potential in the right hands. It's also the cheaper of the two devices, when not including the optional Type Cover and Surface Pen. If you're all about a lighter, tablet-like Windows 10 experience, the Surface Pro 6 is likely the better choice.

What you need to know

• A new Surface commercial features NFL athletes using a wide range of Surface devices.
• The ad has athletes like Travis Kelce and Von Miller ironically saying, "ordinary like me?"
• The commercial includes a wide range of Surface devices, including the Surface Laptop, Surface Book, Surface Studio, and Surface Pro.

Did you ever think you wanted a Surface ad featuring NFL tight end Travis Kelce twerking and NFL defensive end Myles Garrett reading poetry? Regardless, you now have it to behold in all of its glory. A new Surface ad includes several NFL athletes using Surface devices off the football field.

The ad starts out with a diminishing voice telling you to keep your head down and just to be ordinary. Then, it follows with extraordinary NFL athletes using Surface devices and ironically saying, "ordinary like me?"

The ad includes Pittsburgh's JuJu Smith-Schuster, Kansas City's Travis Kelce, Denver's Von Miller, and Oakland's Marshawn Lynch.

With both of these devices, you're going to get a premium build and gorgeous touch display capable of inking, though they're designed for different use cases. The Surface Book 2, with dedicated GPU and larger display options, is well cut out for specialized work and gaming, and the larger batteries help you get through a workday without needing a charge. The Pro X is certainly the more mobile option thanks to weight, size, and LTE connectivity. It won't match the raw performance of the Book 2, but the custom SQ1 ARM CPU and Adreno 685 GPU will be able to handle a professional's workload, especially creativity and design. Let's take a look at the specs that make up these two PCs.

Microsoft Surface Pro X vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Features and design

The Surface Pro X is a bit of a departure from the standard Pro line. Although its footprint is nearly the same as the refreshed Surface Pro 7, it has a thinner chassis and a redesigned detachable keyboard with built-in storage and charging for the new Surface Slim Pen. It's a 2-in-1, so it still has a folding kickstand on the back to prop up the tablet either with or without the keyboard attached.

The Surface Book 2 comes in 13.5- and 15-inch configurations, and it's built to be modular. The base with keyboard and touchpad has inside extra performance hardware — like dedicated GPU and larger battery — while the tablet portion includes everything needed to operate alone, including CPU, RAM, and storage. This means you can remove the tablet portion, though there's no kickstand on the back like on the Pro X. You can, however, reattach the tablet to the base backward, offering up a sturdy stand that's reminiscent of something you'd see with a convertible laptop.

Ports on the Pro X are limited because of its size. It has just two USB-C and a Nano-SIM slot, though the USB-C ports are 3.1 (Gen 2) and are capable of handling two 4K external displays at a 60Hz refresh rate with one output. That leaves the other USB-C port free for charging or something like a hub. The Book 2 offers a more rounded port selection, including USB-A, USB-C, 3.5mm audio, and an SD card reader.

The Nano-SIM slot on the Pro X is accompanied by eSIM capabilities, offering LTE connectivity from the Snapdragon X24 modem. This allows you to stay connected just about anywhere, even when outside of Wi-Fi range. If you want to remain mobile, the Pro X is your best bet as the Book 2 does not have LTE capabilities.

As for cameras, the Book 2 offers decent photo and video capabilities and actually has the same front-facing quality as the Pro X. Both devices also have an IR camera for facial recognition through Windows Hello. The rear-facing cameras are different, however, with the Pro X capable of 4K with its 10MP hardware. The Book 2's rear-facing camera remains at 1080p with its 8MP hardware.

Ultimately, if you'd like a larger laptop that's better cut out as a notebook, the Book 2 should be your first choice. On the other hand, if you like the idea of a 2-in-1 that works exceptionally well as a tablet, the Pro X should be heavily considered. Keep port selection and LTE connectivity in mind when choosing.

Display and inking

Surface devices have some of the nicest touch displays out there, so no matter which laptop you choose, you're going to get a high resolution with touch and inking capabilities. The Pro X has the smallest display at 13 inches, and it comes with a 2880x1920 resolution at 267 PPI. It has thin bezel to accommodate the larger screen size compared to the Pro 7, and it offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support for high-quality inking. Like the Book 2, it's built with a 3:2 aspect ratio for more screen real estate.

The Surface Book 2 comes in 13.5- and 15-inch options, both larger than the Pro X. The smaller screen has a 3000x2000 resolution with 267 PPI, while the larger display has a 3240x2160 resolution with 260 PPI. Both displays offer touch and inking capabilities, and you get the same 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support. For ultimate productivity, the 15-inch Book 2 makes the most sense, especially when you figure in the dedicated graphics card (GPU) option.

Performance and price

The Book 2 can be had in quite a few configurations, especially when you factor in the two size options. The 13.5-inch model is still available with a 7th Gen Intel CPU, but there are also 8th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 options available for better performance. These aren't the later 8th Gen "Whiskey Lake" Intel CPUs with improved performance, but they're still able performers. The smaller Book 2 can be had with an optional NVIDIA GTX 1050 dedicated GPU for additional performance, ideal if you're interested in gaming or specialized work. Add up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and a 1TB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD).

The larger Book 2 has 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and Core i7 CPU options, and you can add an NVIDIA GTX 1060 dedicated GPU with 6GB of VRAM for the best performance possible. It can also be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Smaller 13.5-inch models start at about $1,082, slightly more than the Pro X, while the larger 15-inch Book 2 starts at about $1,699, considerably more than the Pro X.

The Book 2 models both have larger batteries than you'll get in the Pro X, and you should be able to push a full day of work without a charge if you're going about standard productivity work. However, if you're using the dedicated GPU, battery life will no doubt fall considerably below what you'll get with the ARM-powered Pro X. The Pro X has a custom Microsoft SQ1 CPU that's essentially a suped-up Snapdragon 8cx. It has a 3GHz clock, eight cores, and an Adreno 685 GPU with two teraflops of power. It will beat out the Core i5 CPUs in the Book 2, but the Core i7 CPUs will match up closer to what you can expect from the Pro X, especially since x86 apps must be emulated on the Pro X.

Despite the power of the GPU, don't expect the Pro X to be a gaming machine unless you're interested in Project xCloud. OpenGL games won't work, and the Pro X is overall better suited to web and scripted apps. UNITY and Unreal engines are getting ARM support, so we'll likely see some excellent mobile games for the Pro X, but the Book 2 is going to be much better cut out for standard PC gaming. We'll have to do our own testing to see how well the Pro X performs on all fronts.

Baseline Pro X models with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of SSD storage start at about $999, while topped-out models with 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD go for about $1,799.

Go with the Pro X for a portable device cut out for professional work

The Pro X is a thinner, lighter 2-in-1 compared to the Book 2, and combined with LTE connectivity; it's ideal for anyone on the move. Raw performance won't quite match up due to the lack of dedicated GPU and some ARM limitations, but it's still certainly a powerful device that can act as your daily driver.

The Surface Book 2 is still an excellent choice for power users

With dedicated GPU options and a form factor that's closer to a standard notebook, the Book 2 is a great pick for power users. 8th Gen Intel chips are starting to show their age, but they will still perform admirably. Battery life when you're not pushing the GPU is excellent, and you can remove the keyboard and touchpad portion when you just want to use a tablet.

What you need to know

• A new set of firmware updates is available for several Surface devices.
• There are updates available for the Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and several older Surface devices.
• The updates largely focus on battery improvements and fixes for major CPU and GPU issues with Surface Book 2.

Several Surface devices have firmware updates that improve battery life or battery stability. The Surface Book 2, Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Laptop, and Surface Pro 4 all have firmware updates. The updates generally improve battery life or battery stability, but the Surface Book 2 updates in particular correct some major issues related to CPU throttling and the GPU going missing from Device Manager.

The Surface Book 2 has the longest list of changes.

• Surface Base 2 Firmware Update – Firmware
  • 1.75.139.0 improves battery stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware
  • 182.1004.139.0 resolves an issue where the CPU will throttle down to .4GHz, and improves battery stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware
  • 389.2837.768.0 resolves an issue where the display adapter disappears from Device Manager.

The Surface Pro 6, Laptop 2, Laptop, Pro 5, and Pro 4 have all received updates that help improve battery life. Each carries a different version number, but they are nearly all updates to the Surface System Aggregator. The only exception is the Surface Pro 4, which improves battery life with an update to its Surface Embedded Controller firmware.

The firmware updates are available for devices running Windows 10 April 2018 Update, version 1803, or greater. You can find the full list of release notes for each device at the Surface Update History site.

The Surface Pro 7 and the Surface Book 2 are both built to a premium standard, but they're made for slightly different use cases. Thanks to the dedicated GPU and larger display options, the Book 2 is better cut out for specialized work or gaming, and the larger batteries (70Wh and 80Wh) will ultimately deliver longer life when going about regular productivity tasks. The Pro 7 is the more portable option, but a lack of dedicated graphics cards might be a deal-breaker for some. Still, it's using 10th Gen Intel Core "Ice Lake" CPUs for impressive performance and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Let's take a close look at the specs that make up these two PCs.

Microsoft Surface Pro 7 vs. Surface Book 2: tech specs

Features and design

The Surface Pro 7 hasn't seen much of a physical change compared to the Pro 6, though it does now have a single USB-C 3.1 port instead of Mini DisplayPort. This change adds some versatility to the accessories you can connect, including external monitors. The Pro 7 also has USB-A for your older devices, a 3.5mm audio jack, Surface Connect, and a microSD card reader. The larger Surface Book 2 has more room for ports and makes good on the space with two USB-A 3.1, USB-C, two Surface Connect ports, 3.5mm audio, and a full-size SD card reader.

Whereas the Pro 7 is sold as a tablet to which you can add a Type Cover for a full notebook experience, the Surface Book 2 comes as a complete notebook with a display, keyboard, and touchpad. The display portion contains everything it needs inside to work on its own, and it can be detached from the base. You can use it as a tablet to browse the internet, watch a movie, or sketch with a Surface Pen, then connect it back to the base to take advantage of extra battery and a dedicated GPU for maximum productivity. The tablet can even reattach backward to face out, effectively creating a stand with which you can angle the display.

Both devices utilize an IR camera for secure logins through Windows Hello, and both have similar standard camera hardware for shooting FHD video and stills. The main design decision between these two will come down to whether or not you want a tablet first, notebook second (in the case of the Pro 7), or a notebook first and tablet second (in the case of the Book 2). Keep in mind that the Pro 7 will prove to be more portable than even the 13.5-inch Book 2, making it an excellent choice for those always on the move.

Display and inking

The Surface Book 2 comes in both 13.5-inch and 15-inch display options. The smaller display has the same 267 pixels-per-inch (PPI) as the 12.3-inch Pro 7 display, while the larger Book 2 display sits at 260 PPI. The Book 2's resolution indeed appears higher in the stat sheet due to the larger physical size, but know that you're going to get a knockout touch display no matter which device you end up taking home.

The Pro 7 and both models of the Book 2 have a 3:2 aspect ratio for a boxy look with lots of real estate, and all displays are compatible with a Surface Pen for a natural inking feel. You get 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity and tilt support, and it can be combined with a Surface Dial for improved handling and productivity. Note that only with the Book 2 can you use the Surface Dial directly on the display, while the Pro 7 is compatible with off-screen interactions only.

Performance and price

The Surface Book 2, along with two available sizes, can be had in a wide variety of configurations. The 13.5-inch model is still available with a 7th Gen Intel CPU, but there are also 8th Gen i5 and i7 options available for improved performance. These are 8th Gen "Kaby Lake R" chips, so do not benefit from the performance boost we saw with the later "Whiskey Lake" CPUs, but they're still able performers. The smaller Book 2 has an NVIDIA GTX 1050 dedicated GPU available if you opt for the Core i7 CPU, and you can get up to 16GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD.

The 15-inch Book 2 has available 8th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 CPUs, and it can be had with an NVIDIA GTX 1060 dedicated GPU with 6GB of VRAM if you opt for the speedier CPU. It can also be configured with up to 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. Prices for the 13.5-inch Book 2 start at about $999, while the larger model starts at about $1,699.

The Surface Book 2 models have larger batteries than available in the Pro 7, and you should be able to push a full workday if you're just going about standard productivity work. However, if you're often using a dedicated GPU, battery life will no doubt fall below what's available in the Pro. Note that the tablet portion of the Book 2, when detached, doesn't have access to the full battery, so you won't get nearly as much life as in the Pro 7, which has all hardware contained within the tablet. On that note, the dedicated GPUs are also included in the base of the Book 2, so using it as a tablet without the keyboard attached will leave you with only integrated Intel graphics.

The main update to the Pro 7 is 10th Gen Intel "Ice Lake" CPUs. You can get Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 chips depending on how much performance you need, and you'll enjoy relatively powerful integrated Iris Plus graphics from the Core i5 and Core i7. It won't match dedicated GPU power, especially the NVIDIA GTX 1060, but you'll still be able to enjoy some light and medium gaming. We will have to wait to test on our own, but Microsoft is claiming about 10.5 hours of battery life from a charge.

Along with improved raw CPU performance compared to 8th Gen Intel chips, you have a device that's ready for Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, whereas the Book 2 is stuck on the familiar Wi-Fi 5. If you value blazing wireless speeds, the Pro 7 is undoubtedly the better choice, though you'll likely need to invest in a new router.

Surface Pro 7 models start at a lower $749 price, though baseline configurations have inside a Core i3 CPU, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD. You also have to keep in mind that Type Covers are sold separately; adding a Signature Type Cover to your Pro 7 can tack on up to about $160 to the total price.

Stick the with Surface Pro 7 for a more portable, versatile PC

The Pro 7 doesn't have a dedicated GPU option, but 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs will offer more raw performance than 8th Gen CPUs in the Book 2. You also get Wi-Fi 6 connectivity for blazing wireless speeds, as well as a USB-C port for improved connectivity. If you value mobility and prefer a tablet first, notebook second type experience, the Pro 7 should be your first choice.

The Surface Book 2 is a powerhouse for power users

With dedicated GPU and up to a 15-inch size, the Book 2 is better cut out for power users. The 8th Gen Intel Core CPUs are starting to show their age, especially in the face of 10th Gen chips, but they will still perform. You'll get longer battery life as long as you're not pushing the GPU, and you can remove the display from the keyboard and touchpad base when you just need a tablet. If you like the idea of a powerful notebook first, tablet second, the Book 2 should make a great choice.

What you need to know

• Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book 2 users have reported battery drain issues.
• Microsoft has responded to the issue and is "currently investigating the issue."
• Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017) and Surface Pro 6 users reported battery degradation issues earlier this month.

Several Surface users report battery drain issues for the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book 2 following a recent Windows 10 Update (via Windows Latest). Twitter user Jason Falter states that he gets under two hours of battery life following updating his device to Windows 10 version 1903. Another user reports a similar issue on the Surface Book 2. Microsoft responded to the feedback and is "currently investigating the issue."

Battery life can vary dramatically depending on how people use a machine, but multiple users have reported issues with the battery life on Surface devices. Several users reported battery drain issues with the Surface Pro 4 in the past, though these issues were reported while running a different version of Windows 10.

Earlier this month, users of the Surface Pro 5th Gen (2017) and Surface Pro 6 reported severe battery degradation so issues are not restricted to the Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book 2.

The Surface Book 2 is due for an update at this point, and in most areas the XPS 13 2-in-1 has it beaten on a pure hardware level. Unless you want the added horsepower you get from the GTX 1060 in the 15-inch Surface Book 2 for gaming or professional work, the XPS 13 2-in-1 is the better choice right now.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Get an XPS 13 2-in-1 unless you need dedicated graphics

For as good as the Surface Book 2 is, it's at a point in its life cycle now where it makes little sense to buy one. If you were considering the 13-inch model at all, you should probably discount it and get the XPS 13 2-in-1. The only real positive for the 13-inch Surface Book 2 is that the display detaches entirely so you have a proper tablet, and you can use it with some of the handy Surface accessories like the Dial and Dock. Even though it can come with a GTX 1050, Intel's latest integrated graphics won't be a million miles behind on the 10th Gen processor.

The XPS 13 2-in-1 is just better all-round, especially when considering overall value. The Surface Book 2 is still really quite expensive, especially considering it's still using Intel processors that are a couple of generations old at this point, along with slower LPDDR3 RAM. The XPS 13 2-in-1 is also good for inking with a digital pen thanks to its fold-around display and Dell Premium Active Pen support.

The biggest reason for still getting the Surface Book 2 is if you want the added power provided by the GTX 1060 in the 15-inch model. Even then you need to be absolutely sure it's something you'll use a lot be that for professional applications or gaming since you'll be paying more and dealing with a larger laptop. It still only has 8th Gen Intel processors, which still perform well, but when you're paying this kind of money you shouldn't be buying outdated hardware.

The next revision to the Surface Book is the one to wait for if you absolutely definitely want one at this point in time.

Dell's XPS 13 2-in1 is the one to buy

Dell revamped the XPS 13 2-in-1 with new 10th Gen Core CPUs, along with a switch to a 16:10 screen and a revamped cooling system. It's packing more up to date hardware than the Surface Book 2, with faster RAM on top of the latest processors, and it still has a cheaper entry-level model than the Surface Book 2. It's easy to recommend as the one to get right now.

Wait for the next Surface Book

If you're still really keen on a Surface Book it's probably best to wait right now. The current model is still pretty expensive and it's pretty outdated internally compared to the XPS 13 2-in-1. We'd expect a refresh in the not too distant future, so it really doesn't make sense to recommend it right now.

What you need to know

• Recent firmware updates appear to have caused an issue that aggressively throttles the CPU on some Surface devices.
• Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 seem to be affected, with CPU speeds throttled down to 400MHz.
• Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working on a fix.

Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 devices are suffering from a CPU throttling issue. According to user reports on Reddit, CPU speeds are being randomly throttled down to 400MHz.

"We are aware of some customers reporting a scenario with their Surface Books where CPU speeds are slowed," a Microsoft spokesperson said to TechRepublic in a statement. "We are quickly working to address via a firmware update."

What's causing the issue isn't apparent, but TechRepublic reports that it may have something to do with an Intel CPU flag called BD PROCHOT, which can be used to tell the system to throttle down when components become too hot. This flag is used on non-Surface devices as well, so it's presumed — but not certain — that recent firmware updates have introduced the issue to Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 devices.

This throttling issue comes not long after Surface devices were reported to have an issue with connecting to 5GHz Wi-Fi networks following a driver update. Thankfully, there is a workaround for that issue. However, for CPU throttling problems, we'll have to wait to hear more from Microsoft on any potential fixes.

A fantastic 2-in-1, just not for gaming

Dell's newly refreshed XPS 13 2-in-1 (7390) sports some pretty powerful hardware. The convertible can be kitted out with Intel's latest 10th Gen processors, including the Core i7-1065 G7, clocked at 3.9GHz. One would imagine that such a PC would also pack similar specifications in the GPU department, but alas, Dell opted to use Intel's integrated GPU.

What this means -for those who enjoy playing some games on their portable PCs- is the new XPS 13 2-in-1 won't be able to handle more demanding games. You'll be ready to fire up titles like Stardew Valley, Minecraft, or Terraria. Sadly, PUBG, Forza, and even Fortnite will be out of reach. On the positive side, these new 10nm Intel processors without a dedicated GPU will be able to run more efficiently and cooler, and the latest Iris graphics from Intel is considerably better than previous generations.

But if games are your thing, you're going to want to look elswhere.

Game on a 2-in-1 with Microsoft's Surface Book

If you must play games (at decent settings with stable results) on your convertible PC, Microsoft has an answer for you in the form of the Surface Book 2. This powerful machine has some serious performance, allowing you to configure the 13-inch version with up to an Intel Core i7 CPU and a dedicated NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU. While not the most powerful GPU on the market, it's superior to Intel's integrated graphics processing.

What you need to know

• Firmware updates are available for several Surface devices.
• The updates are avaialble for devices running either Windows 10 version 1903 or Windows 10 version 1803.
• The Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and several other Surface devices are included.

Microsoft pushed out firmware updates to several Surface devices this week. The Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Book 2 are included in the list of devices receiving updates. Most of the devices have updates for users running Windows 10 version 1903 or Windows 10 version 1803 (via MSPU).

Here's a look at some of what's new.

Surface Book 2

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Surface Book

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Surface Pro 6

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator- 239.3101.139.0 improves battery performance.
• Surface Integration – System devices- 4.18.139.0 improves integration between services.
• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices- 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices- 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

Surface Pro (5th Gen)

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator- 239.2660.257.0 improves battery performance stability.
• Surface Integration – System devices- 4.18.139.0 improves integration between services.
• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices- 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip.
• Use the Surface Pen Checker Tool to verify that the Pen's firmware was successfully updated.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices- 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

Surface Laptop 2

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware- 145.210.139.0 improves battery performance.

Surface Laptop

Windows 10 version 1903 or greater

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter - Bluetooth- 15.68.17013.110 improves Bluetooth connectivity.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters- 15.68.17013.110 improves Wi-Fi connectivity.

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface System Aggregator - Firmware- 145.210.139.0 improves battery performance.

Surface Studio 2

Windows 10 version 1803 or greater

• Surface UEFI – Firmware- 531.2758.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.

You can check out the full details of each firmware update and stay up to date on any future updates at the Surface Update History page.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• Multiple Surface devices are on sale right now.
• Many of the sales last until August 10.
• There are also several bundles available, including Surface devices plus accessories.

Surface savings are upon us thanks to several sales at the Microsoft Store (via OnMSFT). There are deals on the Surface Pro 6, Surface Book 2, and several bundles that includes Surface devices and accessories. The sales come just in time for back to school shopping. Many of the sales last until August 10, though some sales are part of a separate promotion and end earlier.

You can save $260 on the Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle. The Surface Pro 6 on sale in the bundle is the Intel Core i5 variant with a 128GB SSD and 8GB of RAM. Both black and platinum are listed on sale, but platinum is out of stock. There is another deal on the Surface Pro 6 that allows you to bundle the Intel Core i7 Surface Pro 6, the Type cover, and the Surface Pen for $1,470. That is a savings of $383, though note that the bundle including the Surface Pen expires on August 3.

You can save $100 on Surface Book 2 devices right now. The cheapest Surface Book 2 is down to $1049. That deal is for a 13.5-inch version with a seventh generation Intel Core i5 processor. You can save the $100 on any Surface Book 2 model right now, all the way up to the fully loaded 15-inch version with the eighth generation Intel Core i7 processor.

There are also several Surface Essentials bundles that include a year of Office 365. You can get a Surface Go Essentials Bundle for only $598 and several other deals.

You can find all of the Surface deals on Microsoft's website right now.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

I'm a huge Surface fan and have owned a Surface device in every product generation since the Surface RT. At face value, for what you get with a Surface, they generally seem overpriced, especially on the higher-end. Surface delivers unique form factors and a level of quality that often eludes other PC manufacturers, where every angle feels refined and fawned over by a team of passionate engineers.

Surface devices often get compared to Apple's laptops , which redefined what sexy desktop hardware might look like. Surface has carried the hardware innovation torch with gusto, spawning an entire ecosystem of tablet-like PCs that even Apple was forced to copy. I see Surface devices almost everywhere I go in Europe, from airports to coffee shops, among family and friends, with tech influencers praising the software at every turn.

Strangely enough, though, Surface seems to have sidestepped one of the PC ecosystem's biggest growth areas: gaming.

With Project xCloud game streaming and an increased focus on PC gaming from the Xbox team, it feels like a great for a Surface gaming PC to be released. This is particularly true when you consider that the most powerful Surface offerings simply don't hit the mark.

Surface Book 2 has the internals but not the form factor

Despite rocking 16GB of RAM, an i7 CPU, and a GTX 1060, my 15-inch Surface Book 2 could only handle the most modest of gaming loads. Thankfully, the huge library of Windows PC legacy content means that you'll never be short of something that will run well on the Surface Book 2, but for a PC that costs nearly $3,000, you'd be forgiven for expecting to get a little more juice out of the hardware.

Surface Book 2's greatest strength and greatest weakness is its form factor. Rocking a detachable display, the Surface Book 2 can serve as a productivity "clipboard" or be reversed and laid flat in an inking canvas mode. In the real world, I'm pretty sure almost nobody actually uses the clipboard mode, detaching the screen only to flip it into its canvas form factor. A 15-inch tablet is simply unwieldy for use as a tablet, probably confining it to board meetings where you want to look particularly professional. The reversible hinge on some Dell XPS or Lenovo Yoga laptops strikes me as a far more logical configuration for almost every other user scenario. The fact no other manufacturers really do the detachable-display-keyboard-docking thing should be evidence enough that it's a wasteful design.

The relentless pursuit of thin-ness gives the Book 2 some seriously crappy thermals. In a perfect scenario, the silicon inside the Surface Book 2 should be far more powerful for games, but the thermal throttling kills the whole proposition. And this is even when you disregard the fact the Surface Book 2 doesn't draw enough power to max itself out, draining the battery even when it's plugged in under load. This is the epitome of form over function.

The fact that Microsoft included the Xbox Wireless direct protocol in the 15-inch Surface Book 2 model says to me that the division at least has gaming on its mind, even if it's a bit of an afterthought.

Surface has shown it can be 'fun'

Surface generally skews towards productivity and "work" in its marketing and messaging, but the lineup has shown repeatedly that it can be fun. too. Surface Go, right from its name, speaks of a more accessible product tailored for consumption and light tasks rather than serious work. I feel as though this device wouldn't find a lot of traction beyond consumers and schools.

The uncanny thing about PC gaming hardware is that, for Windows, it intersects very nicely between productivity and gaming. If you want to do high-end video editing, 3D modeling, or complex art tasks with multiple layers with high resolutions, you're going to want beefy hardware. As an added bonus, serious PC hardware for productivity naturally translates into gaming scenarios. Razer has capitalized on this fact in recent years, launching grey versions of its laptops that are a little more appealing to creative types, in contrast to the black chassis and rainbow RGB chroma it's known for.

The Surface brand is more than versatile enough to add a gaming sub-brand to its lineup. Additionally, the Surface team is stocked full with hardware innovators capable of capitalizing on this exciting hardware sector Microsoft has never really immersed itself in.

PC gaming is a crucial area of hardware innovation

Microsoft has built gaming-oriented software, services, and accessories over the years, producing what is arguably the best gamepad of all time. It's always keen to talk up the Surface Book's vague capability to run games, too, showing off Gears of War 4 on the original Surface Book when it was previously revealed.

Companies like MSI, Razer, ASUS, and more have all been pushing the envelope on what portable PC gaming hardware can look like. The new Razer Blade laptops have displays that go up to a blistering 240Hz while remaining less than 2 centimeters thick when closed. Acer's insane Predator Helios 700 is a huge, hulking beast that effectively compresses a desktop PC into a lappable chassis. MSI, Alienware, and ASUS ROG are all also innovating, coming up with unique thermal solutions that push the concept of portability without sacrificing airflow.

Microsoft's Surface line not only serves as a showcase for the best of Windows, but historically, Microsoft also baked in unique solutions that push its OEM partners to try new things. Having a hero device that showcases the capabilities of Project xCloud as a handheld alternative to the Nintendo Switch might also be something the Surface team could capitalize on.

The time is now for a Surface gaming PC

As good as the Surface Book 2 is, as powerful as it is, it's frustrating how it's not able to meet its full potential as a gaming device due to the form factor. A couple of tweaks, maybe a 144Hz display, a more airflow-friendly footprint to combat throttling, 32GB RAM option, and ditching the GPU dock mechanism would be obvious first steps. Surface is known for innovation, though, and I'd love to see what the team at Redmond might be able to bring to the PC gaming market.

What do you think? Would it be worthwhile for the Surface team to lend its expertise to the PC gaming hardware market? Or are OEMs doing enough already? I'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• Microsoft has placed a new upgrade block on the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
• The block prevents the update from being automatically installed on Surface Book 2 devices with an NVIDIA discrete GPU.
• A compatibility issue prompted the block, but there is a workaround for those who have already installed the update.

Microsoft put a new upgrade block in place for the Windows 10 May 2019 Update this week, affecting Surface Book 2 laptops with discrete GPUs (dGPU). The issue was added to Microsoft's support document for the May 2019 Update on July 12 (via Michael West), and was prompted by a newly discovered compatibility issue between the update and the NVIDIA GPUs used in some Surface Book 2 models.

According to the issue's description, the discrete GPU "may occasionally disappear from device manager" if you're using a Surface Book 2 with a dGPU. From the issue tracker:

The upgrade block simply means that the update will be prevented from automatically installing on affected Surface Book 2 models until the issue is resolved. However, the May 2019 Update has been available for some time now and the update can be manually triggered through the "Update now" button or installed through the media creation tool.

If you've already installed the update on a Surface Book 2 with a dGPU, Microsoft suggests restarting your device or using the "Scan for hardware changes" in the "Action" section of Device Manager.

Currently, the Windows 10 May 2019 Update has four open issues and several that have either already been mitigated or resolved.

Our favorite computer speakers for less $100

Team Windows Central wholeheartedly recommends each of these computer speaker setups, because they all bring the NOISE and will not wound your wallet.

Bose Companion 2 Series III speakers ($99 at Dell)

If you want great sound quality and value, then you want Bose. You too can have room-filling, immersive sound, so Bose says in every advertisement.

Logitech Z313 speaker system with subwoofer ($49 at Dell)

The Z313 comes with a powered subwoofer and two satellite speakers to deliver 25 watts of total power. That's enough to fill your room and then some.

GOgroove BassPULSE ($50 at Dell)

These are clearly the coolest-looking speakers recommended here, but they're not all flash and guile – these speakers can produce amazing highs and lows, for just $50.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 6 and Surface Book 2 are both discounted on Microsoft's website.
• You can save up to $400 on the Surface Book 2 and up to $260 on Surface Pro 6 depending on the model you select.
• A version of the 15-inch Surface Book 2 is available for $1,799, the 15-inch version's lowest price ever.

Several Microsoft Surface devices are on sale through the Microsoft Store (via Neowin). The Surface Book 2 is on sale for up to $400 off and the Surface Pro 6 has many versions on sale for $200 off.

The lowest priced Surface Book 2 is the 13.5-inch model with 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5 7300U processor. That model is available for $1,049, but you can upgrade to a significantly better model for just $50 more. The 13.5-inch model with 8GB of RAM, 256 of storage, and an Intel Core i5 8350U processor is available for $1,099. That's double the storage and a newer processor for just $50 more.

The 15-inch model of the Surface Book 2 has hit its lowest price ever at $1,799 for the version with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an Intel Core i5 8350U processor. Note that that model does not have discrete graphics.

Many models of the Surface Pro 6 are $200 off or more. The cheapest Surface Pro 6 is listed at $799.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• June 2019 firmware updates are available for the Surface Book and Surface Laptop.
• The update "resolves potential security vulnerabilities."
• The update is rolling out to devices on Windows 10 version 1803 or greater.

Firmware updates are available for the Surface Book 2, Surface Book, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Laptop (via WindowsBlogItalia). The June 2019 set of updates has a short changelog that's virtually identical across all of the devices receiving it.

• Surface Book 2- 389.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Book- 91.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Laptop 2- 137.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013.
• Surface Laptop- 137.2706.768.0 resolves potential security vulnerabilities, including Microsoft security advisory 190013."

You can always check Microsoft's Surface update history page to stay up to date on all of the updates available for every Surface device.

Portable (and affordable) power accessories we love

Each and every one of these charging gadgets will keep your favorite gear and gadgets going for longer, and none of them costs more than $30.

VisionTek 8,000 mAh micro-USB power bank ($13 at Dell)

This compact dual-output powerbank can speedily recharge any and all your devices, thanks to a two-amp "fast charge feature," using its micro-USB out port. Its simple design includes an LED indicator, and it costs about as much as a single ticket to the movies.

Panasonic eneloop AA batteries (From $13 at Dell)

Panasonic's rechargeable batteries are among the best available, and just a couple of them will keep your favorite remote, mice or other peripherals powered up when you need them. They're also eco. And the company's affordable charger fits and charges both AA and AAA batteries at the same time.

Belkin Qi Wireless Charging Pad ($30 at Dell)

This unobtrusive Qi wireless charging pad looks good (and kind of like a UFO …) and easily charges all your Qi-compatible device up to 5W. Its LED indicator lights up when you're charging. And it costs just $30.

Gaming and work collide on this dude's desk. I do all my Windows Central work and all my gaming right from this rickety antique desk (that I really should probably replace at some point) armed with a ton of tech and Microsoft services. It has all served me well, and with a few adaptations, it houses all of the gadgets I use to get through my daily workload and my evening gaming sessions. Here's a quick run down of everything I have (and totally recommend).

Desktop display

I have a huge array of tech that I use here and there, but these are by far what I consider the "essentials," especially my Mei Nendo.

It's pricey, for sure, but the Surface Book 2 I believe truly represents the best of Windows, and while it can crush 1080p gaming pretty well, for the best visuals I defer to my Xbox One X. The new 4K Samsung QLED has added an extra dimension to my gaming too, owing to true HDR versus the clunky gen-1 HDR implementation on my previous 4K TV.

The Surface Book 2 is my favorite piece of tech for the simple reason that I use it the most, and it is the most versatile device for the job that I have to do on a day to day basis. If my TV or my Xbox fails for some reason, I can still game and work on the Surface Book 2, owing to its adequately powerful GTX 1060 GPU and Core i7 processor. The display is crisp and stunning with a 3:2 aspect ratio, complete with inking support and touch, and a precision trackpad that is the best money can buy. There's simply nothing to really dislike about this laptop, besides the price perhaps, but I feel as though I've gotten more than what I paid for out of it.

What you need to know

• A new round of firmware updates is available for Microsoft's Surface devices.
• The updates are only available specifically for those running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update.
• Several Surface devices, including Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2, are included.

Microsoft this week is pushing out a fresh set of firmware updates for a number of its Surface devices. The updates are only available for devices running the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, which hasn't been released as of this writing, but the updates are set and ready to go once you've installed the upcoming feature update (via Windows Blog Italia).

Here's a look at some of what's new.

Surface Book 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6472 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Rear– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry – System devices: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.

Surface Pro 6

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 640 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6471 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Rear– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry - System: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.
• Realtek USB 3.0 Card Reader - Universal Serial Bus controllers: 10.0.17763.31246 improves battery life while using SD card during Connected Standby.

Surface Laptop 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Display adapter: 25.20.100.6471 improves system stability and performance, when resuming from sleep.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front– System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel CIO2 Host Controller – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices: 30.15063.6.8611 improves camera performance.
• Surface System Telemetry - System: 4.0.0.0 resolves an error code in Device Manager under Surface System Telemetry.

Surface Studio 2

• Marvell AVASTAR Bluetooth Radio Adapter – Bluetooth: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.
• Intel Ethernet connection – Network adapters: 12.17.10.7 improves system stability and performance.
• Marvell AVASTAR Wireless-AC Network Controller – Network adapters: 15.68.9127.58 improves system security.

Further updates are available for other Surface devices as well. For more, you can check out Microsoft's full Surface Update History page to get the complete rundown.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

What you need to know

• New configurations for the 15-inch Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6 have been spotted in retailer listings.
• The new 15-inch Surface Book 2 model represents a new entry point, with a Core i5 CPU, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of ram for around $1,960.
• The Surface Pro 6 model packs an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. This model has so far been limited to business buyers.

Microsoft has gained a reputation for gradually refreshing its Surface PCs with new hardware configurations as they age, and it looks like it's getting ready to do just that with the 15-inch Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6. In retailer listings first spotted by German blog WinFuture.de (via Neowin), both Surface devices appear to be getting fresh configurations with Intel's 8th Gen Core i5 processors.

Specifically, the new 15-inch Surface Book 2 variant appears on Best Buy Canada's website, listed with an Intel Core i5-8350U processor, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. Crucially, this model doesn't include discrete graphics, relying on Intel's integrated graphics instead.

The Surface Book 2 listing has a June 18 release date and is available for preorder at a price of CA$2,600, which translates to around $1,960.

Meanwhile, the new Surface Pro 6 configuration packs the same specs, coming with an Intel Core i5-8350U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage. As Neowin notes, this model has previously only been available for business customers. There's no release date attached to the Surface Pro 6 model, but it has a recommended price of $1,400.

Both additions will add a little more variety to Microsoft's current lineup. But if you're interested in other configurations, you can pick up the Surface Book 2 and Surface Pro 6 starting from $1,150 and $900, respectively.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

If you have yet to snag a Surface Book 2, Microsoft is currently offering a solid deal at its online store.

The discount applies to the base 13.5-inch model with a 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 256GB of storage, and 8GB of RAM. The discount drops the price from $1,499 to $1,099, saving $400 (via MSPU). It's certainly not the most powerful configuration you can get your hands on, but this model offers a decent amount of oomph for your money.

Since the Surface Book 2's launch, Microsoft has started allowing the laptop to be configured with a newer, 8th Gen Intel Core i5 processor. There are also plenty of other options in the mix, ranging from Intel's 8th Gen Core i7 processor to upwards of 1TB of storage and 16GB of RAM. Of course, you can also step up to the larger, 15-inch model if you've got the extra cash.

This deal is set to run through May 4.

Our favorite Surface accessories from Microsoft

Every one of these valuable Surface accessories is Windows Central Approved and guaranteed to please.

Surface Precision Mouse ($77 at Amazon)

The Surface Precision Mouse is not only one of favorite Surface accessories, it's one of our favorite mice for any PC. It's packed with valuable features and customizable buttons. Its scrolling and tracking are seamless and spot-on. And it's rechargeable so you never have to buy new batteries for it.

Surface Pen (From $72 at Amazon)

Every Surface owner needs this Pen. Period. It supports 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, tilt support for shading density, and enjoys supremely low latency. When paired with a Surface PC, the potential is endless. And it comes in a bunch of cool colors.

Surface Dock ($136 at Amazon)

With two Mini DisplayPorts, four USB-A 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and a 3.5mm audio jack, this dock gives you the ports you need to stay connected to all your favorite devices. Plus, it easily turns your Surface into a desktop power hub. We highly recommend it.

If you're in the market for a Surface Book 2, you may have a new baseline to choose from in the coming weeks. According to retail listings first discovered by WinFuture, Microsoft looks set to give its cheapest 13-inch Surface Book 2 a spec bump in the coming weeks, switching its current Intel Core i5-7300U processor out for a speedier Core i5-8350U.

The move would bump the entry-level Surface Book 2 from a dual-core chip to a quad-core one, offering around 50 percent greater performance in multi-core tasks. The newer chip also offers a slightly higher boost clock speed, coming in at 3.6 GHz.

Other than the processor bump, the improved entry-level model appears to carry the same general specs as the original. You'll still find 8GB of RAM, 13.5-inch PixelSense display with a 3000x2000 resolution, 17 hours of battery life, and a port selection that includes two USB 3.1 ports, a USB-C port, and an SD card reader.

Pricing is set to start at $1,500, which is the same price as the current configuratio nwith 256GB of storage, but there's currently no solid date for release. But the refreshed model will likely arrive sometime in the coming weeks.

Why use a screen protector?

Screen protectors are an incredibly valuable tool in any laptop owner's arsenal because they keep your device's display safe from things like scratches, smudges, and even keyboard prints. When your laptop also has a touchscreen, it's even more important to protect against fingerprint smudges. This is great because most modern laptops cost a pretty penny, and it would be unfortunate for yours to be damaged.

There are two different kinds of screen protectors: plastic and tempered glass. Plastic protectors can be scratched themselves and don't fully cover your screen, but they're cheaper. Tempered glass screen protectors are significantly more resistant to damage and can cover your display fully, but this extra quality also means a higher price. We still recommend tempered glass protectors over plastic ones since it's unlikely you'll ever need to replace them and also because they offer more protection.

How do screen protectors work with touchscreens?

If you're worried about a good screen protector impacting your ability to use the touchscreen on laptops like the Surface Book and Surface Book 2, don't be. While it's true that you won't get perfect functionality as you would without a protector, the decrease in sensitivity is so small that it's hardly noticeable. This is especially true if you're using a Surface Pen for inking.

What are some great Surface Book screen protectors?

If you own a Surface Book device and are curious about which screen protector to choose, our top picks are the MEGOO protector and the Spigen protector.

The MEGOO screen protector is an excellent product for Surface Book devices for multiple reasons. One of them is that it uses a special type of adhesive glue to attach to the screen that effectively pushes out air bubbles, which are annoyances that many screen protector customers struggle to deal with on their own. In addition, the tempered glass used with the MEGOO is of the 9H variety, which is the cream of the crop when it comes to protective capabilities. Lastly, the protector has cutouts for Surface Book's camera, microphone, and speakers, which ensures you won't lose any productivity by using it.

If you've mastered the art of manual air bubble removal, it may be worth it to save a few dollars and opt for the Spigen screen protector instead. The Spigen protector matches the MEGOO protector in most ways: both products use the same 9H glass, have similar cutouts, and fully cover the display of Surface Book devices, but the Spigen lacks the special type of adhesive that the MEGOO protector has and thus its more difficult to handle air bubbles when attaching the Spigen. If that's something you don't mind working around, though, there's no reason not to go with the Spigen protector.

Why use a privacy screen?

Privacy screens are essentially polarized plastic filters that you put over your computer screen in order to make seeing the information on them impossible from any angle other than a 60-degree viewing angle from the front — in other words, where you are. Outside of that cone, nobody will be able to peep on your web browsing or work projects.

This can be incredibly useful for pretty much anyone, but it's especially useful for traveling business managers or college students spending time on campus. While the 60-degree viewing angle still leaves sneaky spies an opening, you'll surely catch them in the act at that tight of a viewing cone. Additionally, the filter screen can double as protection against scratches as well, albeit a mediocre one. If display safeguarding is what you're after, you'd be better off getting a dedicated screen protector.

The rest of this article will suggest privacy screens for Surface Book 2 owners. If you have a different laptop, then we recommend searching the name of your computer and "privacy screen" on Amazon in order to find one that works for you.

What are some great privacy screens available?

If you own a Surface Book 2, then you're in luck: some truly excellent privacy screens are available on the market. One of them is the 13.5-inch GeckoCare Privacy Screen, which is a special privacy screen designed to be easily taken on and off of your device at will thanks to the special silicone seal that's used to attach the screen to your Surface Book 2 display. This makes the GeckoCare screen ideal for users who want to use a privacy screen sometimes, like when opening confidential documents, but not all the time.

Another great privacy screen is the 3M Privacy Filter. 3M has a well-earned reputation for being one of the best privacy screen developers in the tech world, and if you use its 15-inch Surface Book 2 filter, you'll see why. On top of effectively hiding your screen from others, the 3M filter is also designed with advanced microlouvre technology that keeps the things you see on-screen just as sharp and detailed as they'd be without a polarized filter.

Why use screen protectors?

Screen protectors are incredibly important tools to have because they, as the name suggests, keep your device's display safe from scratches, smudges, and other forms of damage that can occur when your laptop is in a bag with other objects or when you're attempting to wipe something off of the screen. Without them, there's a good chance that you could ruin the display of the laptop you've spent tons of money on, and nobody wants that.

There are two kinds of screen protectors available: plastic and tempered glass. Plastic ones are cheaper, are prone to scratching themselves, and don't cover the entire screen. Tempered glass protectors are extremely scratch resistant and are capable of fully covering your display, but they cost a little more. In general, we recommend using tempered glass over plastic, though both are better than having a naked screen.

The rest of this article suggests our favorite Surface Book and Surface Book 2 screen protectors, so if you don't have that type of laptop, make sure to look up what the top picks are for your device. Because just about every laptop has a slightly different display, you'll need to make sure that you buy the right protector for your notebook PC. A good place to start is by searching Amazon for the name of your PC and "screen protector." MEGOO and Spigen are brands we trust.

What are some great Surface Book screen protectors?

One of the best tempered glass screen protectors available for the Surface Book and Surface Book 2 is the MEGOO screen protector. It uses a special type of adhesive glue that effectively pushes air bubbles out during installation, and the tempered glass is the 9H hardness variety, which is the best in the business for protection. In addition, the protector has cutouts for the camera, speakers, and microphone on your Surface Book device. Lastly, the MEGOO screen protector is fitted with oleophobic coating, which heavily reduces the smudging effect your skin's oil can cause.

If you want to save a few dollars, another fantastic choice is the Spigen screen protector. Like the MEGOO, the Spigen protector uses 9H glass for maximum protection and also has cutouts for the Surface Book's camera, speakers, and microphone. It has a similar oleophobic coating, and there's an option for the 15-inch variety of Surface Book that only costs a dollar more than the standard price of $16. The catch with the Spigen is that it doesn't eliminate air bubbles during installation nearly as well as the MEGOO protector does, so the installation will be much harder.

Updated December 7, 2018: Microsoft has now pulled cumulative update KB4467682 completely following reports of blue and black screen errors from users. In its updated release notes, Microsoft states: "As a precaution, we have removed this optional update from Windows Update and Window Catalog to protect customers." A fix for the issue is still expected to launch with December's Patch Tuesday updates next week. The original story follows.

If you've been experiencing the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) on your Surface Book 2 recently, you're not alone. Microsoft has confirmed that a recent cumulative update for Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) is causing havoc for Surface Book 2 users, causing the company to put a block in place.

The update in question is KB4467682, which began hitting Windows 10 version 1803 on November 27. In an update to the release notes (via Reddit), Microsoft detailed the error as a known issue:

As a temporary solution, Microsoft recommends using its blue screen troubleshooter. Some users have reported success with uninstalling KB4467682, but getting a BSOD in the middle of the process could wind up bricking your Windows installation. For now, Microsoft has put an upgrade block in place for Surface Book 2 users, so you shouldn't be prompted to install the KB4467682 going forward.

As for when the issue will be fixed, Microsoft is promising a resolution will be available in the December 2018 security update release. That should mean a fix will arrive on December 11 as part of Microsoft's monthly Patch Tuesday updates.

Toast has made a name for itself with excellent wood skins for Surfaces, MacBooks, and laptops from a wide range of other manufacturers, but it's expanding its horizons with a new stylish material for Surface Book owners: leather. If you can justify the price tag, Toast is now offering $100 leather covers for the whole range of Surface Books, including the original and the Surface Book 2.

In all, there are ten colors to choose from, ranging from a standard scotch finish to more adventurous options like yellow and pink. There are even two metallic finishes to pick from if you're feeling particularly bold.

The $100 price nets you a cover for the rear of the display, but you can also add a hinge cover for an extra $20. a bottom cover and trackpad surround are also available for $60 and $30, respectively. On top of those options, you can add a custom design or custom etched text for $30 and $5, respectively.

In other words, things can get expensive real fast if you want to go all out.

See at Toast

Surface Laptop 2 is compatible with the Surface Pen

Despite having a clamshell notebook design, the Surface Laptop 2's 13.5-inch touch display is compatible with the Surface Pen, which is sold separately for about $100. It's important to note that while you will get 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity for a natural inking experience, the Surface Laptop 2 does not feature tilt support.

This omittance coupled with the upright display and fixed hinge on the Surface Laptop 2 will likely turn away those who need a laptop for creativity and design. You can't lay the display flat on a tablet unless you turn it upside down with the main portion of the laptop stuck in the air, and there's also no magnetic attachment that lets you keep your Surface Pen nearby when not in use.

If you need pen support for the occasional notes or sketches, the Surface Laptop 2's clamshell design shouldn't be too much of a hindrance, but there are certainly laptops out there that will deliver a far better inking experience, like the Surface Book 2.

Surface Book 2 is a compromise between tablet and notebook

The Surface Book 2 is generally going to cost quite a bit more than the MateBook X Pro for similarly spec'd configurations, but it will deliver a stellar inking experience when coupled with the Surface Pen (also sold separately here).

The Book 2 is available in 13.5 and 15-inch configurations, it has available discrete graphics (GPU) depending on the size — NVIDIA GTX 1050 GPU for the smaller model and NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU for the larger model — and it has a modular design that really translates well to drawing, sketching, and writing.

The display detaches from the keyboard and touchpad portion to become its own tablet, plus it can be put back together with the screen backward and the bottom portion acting as an adjustable stand for the display. This means you can use the Surface Pen while the tablet is in your hand, flat on a table, or attached at an angle to the base for extra comfort. While together, you get extra performance and battery life from hardware contained in the keyboard portion.

The Surface Pen and Book 2 combined get the same 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, but you also get full tilt support. The Book 2 also has a magnet built into the side that the Pen can snap onto, making it easier to keep tabs on it when it's not being used.

Altogether, the Book 2 is a much better choice for anyone who plans on inking regularly. It's more versatile thanks to the modular design, its ports more closely match those on the MateBook X Pro, and it has the performance hardware available to handle design and creative software.

MateBook X Pro still has a gorgeous display despite no active pen support

It might not work with an active pen, but the MateBook X Pro still has an unreal display. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio just like Surface devices, it has a high 3000x2000 resolution (which is the same as the smaller Book 2 and just short of the larger Book 2), and it supports regular touch function. It hits 99 percent sRGB and 77 percent AdobeRGB color reproduction for an accurate picture, and there's almost no bezel at all. If you don't think you need pen support after all, this is a great pick for an everyday Ultrabook.

Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Book 2 offer active pen support

If you're looking for a device with a clamshell notebook design and active pen support, the Surface Laptop 2 fits the bill. The Surface Pen offers 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, but the upright display that doesn't fold around might be annoying for those who frequently use the pen. For a more appropriate device, the Surface Book 2 is available in both 13.5- and 15-inch models. Here you get a modular notebook design with a tablet that can be removed from the keyboard portion and used on its own. Combined with the Surface Pen, it offers one of the best inking experiences available today.

The Microsoft Surface Pro 6 and previous iterations try to combine the best of tablets and full Windows 10 PCs. While the idea mostly works, the consensus is that Surface is not as good at being a tablet like an Apple iPad. Some of that is due to hardware, some of it is about the software.

One area that can be improved is touch responsiveness. This function is thought to be achieved through a simple registry change on the Surface Pro (any generation) or any Windows 10 PC with touch support, like the new Samsung Galaxy Book2.

What this touch trick does to your PC

In the Windows 10 registry, there are settings to change latency and sample time, both of which will increase the responsiveness of the touch display when decreased. The potential downside, as mentioned above, is decreased battery life. However, many users who make this change say any shift in battery life is imperceptible to detection, or at least not apparent.

Article dispute: Brandon Paddock from Microsoft notes this trick does not quite do what some think it does:

"This value does NOT change the polling frequency or sample rate of the touchscreen. All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job... All it does is lie to the prediction engine about what those values are, breaking its ability to correctly do its job. At best you are giving invalid values that it ignores."

As always, we'll leave it to the user to determine if the experience is worse or better for themselves. Just know that Microsoft evidently does not support or endorse this modification or our article.

If you do notice a massive downgrade in battery or other anomalies, you can quickly revert the registry change and return to normal.

It is important to note that if you're using Windows 10 in S mode, like how the Surface Go or Galaxy Book 2 ship, you cannot access the registry in that configuration and would need to switch out of S mode for this to work.

Finally, the difficulty and risk factor for this "hack" is as "easy" and "low."

How to change touch sensitivity in Windows 10

Since Microsoft does not offer a way to alter touch sensitivity through the Windows 10 OS, the most direct way to do it is through the registry.

Warning: Modifying the system registry can have dire repercussions if not followed precisely, including driver failures, system instability, or not being able to boot into Windows. Users are always encouraged to run a system backup before making any changes to the registry.

To increase or decrease touch responsiveness on your PC, follow these steps:

1. Type in registry editor into the search box.
2. Click yes on the User Account Control window.

3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\TouchPrediction

4. Double-click on Latency and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box.
5. Hit OK when done.

6. Double-click on SampleTime and change value from default 8 to 2 (or less) in the Value Data box. Hit OK when done.

7. Close the Registry Editor.
8. Restart PC to make sure changes take effect.

The exact value to set Latency and SampleTime to is arguable. Most users configure it to "2," but others have set it to "1" or even "0", which presumably makes it even more responsive. Due to the likely hit on battery life setting it to "2" seems like the best choice, as it delivers a substantial improvement without any noticeable side effects.

Does this really improve touch responsiveness?

If you frequently use the touchscreen on your PC, then yes, this does make the PC feel much more natural, fluid, and responsive. As to how much value you get out of it – and whether it substantially affects battery life – is up for debate, but there does not appear to be any dramatic negative consequences hence why we are suggesting it.

The more interesting question is why Microsoft does not set a lower default value. The immediate explanation would appear to be to maximize battery life. One solution for Microsoft could be just to put this under Windows Settings and let users have access to a slider with a small warning that increasing sensitivity could impact battery life.

Like all things Microsoft these days, the best way to send Microsoft your requests is the Feedback Hub built into Windows 10.

Related reading

How to disable adaptive contrast on the Surface Pro and Surface Book

The Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Book 2 are two stellar Microsoft devices, but they fill separate roles. One is a more traditional laptop that albeit comes with a touch display, while the other is a versatile powerhouse with removable display and a couple of size options. Let's break down what really sets these two devices apart to help you decide which is best.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Design and features

These two Surface devices have quite different designs that translate into different usage scenarios. The Surface Laptop 2's clamshell build means the lid can't rotate around for tablet mode, so you're stuck using it as a standard notebook. This is fine for a lot of people, but those who want to use their device as both a notebook and as a tablet will want to check out the Surface Book 2's modular design. You can remove the display from the keyboard and touchpad and use it on its own, or you can replace it backward for a complete package with the extra power and dedicated GPU in the keyboard portion.

There are two different sizes available for the Book 2, so if you need a display larger than 13.5 inches, you'll want to go with the 15.6-inch model. The Surface Laptop 2 weighs less than the Book 2 — 2.76 pounds compared to up to 4.20 pounds for the 15-inch Book 2 — but it's about as thick. For ports, the Surface Book 2 is stocked with twice as many USB-A and a USB-C, which the Laptop 2 does not have. You also get an SD card reader, which the Laptop 2 does not have either. For best connectivity, stick with the Book 2.

When it comes to build quality and design, either of these laptops is a premium device. Keyboard and touchpad are both excellent, but only the Surface Laptop 2 has an Alcantara finish that makes it a bit more comfy for long typing sessions. It's also available in four colors — black, platinum, burgundy, and cobalt blue — whereas the Book 2 comes only in the standard platinum finish.

Extra features, like an IR camera for Windows Hello, TPM 2.0 chip for added security, and all-day battery life, are available on either the Laptop 2 or Book 2.

Display

Whether you choose the Laptop 2 or Book 2, you're getting a touch display with 3:2 aspect ratio that's compatible with the Surface Pen and Surface Dial for an excellent inking experience. The Laptop 2's display is the same size as the smaller Book 2's display at 13.5 inches, but it doesn't quite have the same resolution. The former option hits 2256x1504, while the latter is 3000x2000. The 15.6-inch model has an even higher resolution at 3240x2160.

If you're interested in design or editing, the Book 2 makes more sense, especially with the modular design that allows the display to be removed. The Book 2 also works with Surface Dial on-screen interactions, while the Surface Laptop 2 only supports off-screen interactions.

Want the best display? The Book 2 should be your choice, though the Laptop 2's display will still be quite a knockout.

Performance

The Surface Laptop 2 has hardware inside that will get through a normal day's work, but it simply won't stand up to what the Book 2 can offer. Top Laptop 2 models come with up to 16 GB of RAM, a quad-core 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U CPU, and a 1 TB solid-state drive, with no discrete GPU options available.

The Book 2, on the other hand, is available with the same 8th Gen Core i7 CPU, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB SSD, though the inclusion of either a NVIDIA GTX 1050 or NVIDIA GTX 1060 GPU pushes it over the edge. For gaming or design, it's the Book 2 you'll want to check out with.

Stick with Surface Laptop 2 for a traditional notebook

The Surface Laptop 2, despite not having as high of a resolution for its touch display and no discrete GPU, is still an Ultrabook that can handle a whole lot and look good doing it. You get Surface Pen and Surface Dial support, plus it's available in four different colors.

The Surface Book 2 is more versatile and offers better performance

The Surface Book 2's modular design provides more versatility. Use it as a tablet or a notebook, and take advantage of powerful hardware inside that's more suited to design or gaming purposes.

The Surface Book 2 is sleek, svelte, and damn powerful. Sadly, it also struggles with a maddening battery drain issue during intense loads or when gaming, even while plugged in. This tends to affect the 15-inch model most. Thankfully, there is a workaround you can try to mitigate this problem.

Related: Art, gaming, and hardware - a few days with the Surface Book 2

Why does this happen?

Our Executive Editor Daniel Rubino wrote extensively on the matter previously, noting that the wattage on the Surface Book 2 15-inch adapter isn't powerful enough for the potential contained in this device. From Rubino:

In the vast majority of scenarios, you probably won't run into this issue. The problem arises in games that are intensive on the GPU and CPU, as the Surface Book 2 fans spin up to cope with the additional load. The issue persists in games, particularly those built for DX12, which no longer supports full screen exclusive mode. Full screen exclusive mode allows games to take command of your resolution, shrinking the resolution to match the game automatically. Games like StarCraft Remastered, despite being 2D, run in a window, using up all of the Surface Book 2 15-inch's juicy, power-hungry pixels.

The best way I've found to solve this problem is to simply lower the resolution of the Book 2 manually. Here's how to do that.

How to fix Surface Book 2 15-inch power drain

Follow these steps to change Surface Book 2's screen resolution:

1. Right click on the desktop and select Display settings.
2. Scroll down to Resolution.
3. Select a less intensive resolution setting. (I typically go for 1680 x 1050, because, sadly, there isn't a decent 3:2 option below the Surface Book 2's default.)
4. Alter the layout scaling to your preference. (With a lower resolution, windows and other programs may appear huge with the Book 2's default 200 percent scaling.)

5. Get gaming!

In this resolution, I've found that running games on ultra sttings at around 1080p or lower doesn't even dent the Book 2 15-inch's battery. The display simply wasn't designed with intense graphics in mind, clearly.

Do you have any tips for gaming on the Surface Book 2? Hit the comments and let us know.

See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

Last year, Consumer Reports dropped its recommendation for Microsoft's Surface products, citing reliability issues after a survey of 90,000 tablet and laptop owners. Today, Consumer Reports reversed its stance, giving Surface devices its recommendation, with the exception of Microsoft's latest entry in the lineup, the Surface Go.

"Microsoft's reliability is now on-par with most other laptop brands," allowing its products to be recommended, says Martin Lachter, senior research associate at Consumer Reports. The firm says that this is the first year that brand reliability is being included into the overall scores. Owner satisfaction is also a factor being considered in the overall score.

In all, Consumer Reports now recommends the Surface Pro, Surface Laptop, and Surface Book 2. Whereas these devices were previously considered separately as laptops and tablets, the firm is now rating the devices purely as laptops "based on feedback from Microsoft."

The only Surface laptop to not score high enough for a recommendation is the recently released Surface Go. The reason for the lack of recommendation largely comes down to computing performance, which falls short compared to other laptops. Maria Rerecich, who heads up electronics testing for Consumer Reports, explains: "We weigh processing power heavily when we're evaluating laptops. A computer that doesn't do well in performance testing isn't likely to get recommended."

The reversal is a big deal for Surface as a brand. When Consumer Reports pulled its recommendation for the line last year, Microsoft quickly issued a statement that strongly disagreed with the evaluation, placing an emphasis on the strong consumer satisfaction ratings it has seen among Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book owners.

See at Microsoft

With Microsoft's upcoming media event scheduled for October 2 in New York City (we'll be there, of course) there is a lot of speculation about what will be announced. While no new Surface form factors are expected refreshes for the existing Surface product is likely.

Back when I reviewed Surface Pro (2017) and Surface Laptop last year the lack of USB Type-C was frustrating, but not quite a deal breaker for most. Fast forward one year, however, and I'm finding the absence of this universal port Microsoft's biggest Achilles heel.

The sudden rise of Type-C (and Thunderbolt 3)

Microsoft's hesitation with USB Type-C goes back to the Surface 3, which shipped with a "universal" micro USB port. The concept and expectations with Type-C were similar – it was going to be used by everyone and every device with one port for charging and data.

History has not been kind to Micro USB, and the Surface team learned some valuable lessons. The biggest problem for them was Surface 3 customers losing the Micro USB Surface 3 charger and replacing it with the one for their smartphone. The challenge was the wattage difference between a phone charger, and a Surface 3 is significant. The result was many customer complaints and returns due to slow charging that could not power the Surface 3 faster than it could drain its battery.

Why Microsoft's new Surface Pro doesn't have a USB Type-C port

Microsoft hedged with USB Type-C for the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop and instead played it safe with USB Type-A and a Mini DisplayPort. The expectation was the Type-C would take years to catch on with consumers, accessory makers, phones, and especially enterprise.

Microsoft was very wrong.

With Android phones adopting Type-C nearly across the board, Apple using nothing but Type-C ports on its laptops, and the general usefulness of being able to power devices through the same port for display and data was just too enticing to refuse.

Type-C is quickly (and thankfully) becoming ubiquitous.

In 2018, there is now an abundance of Type-C and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals including portable displays, blazing fast external storage drives, hubs, portable graphics docks and even desktop monitors.

The premium-priced Surface Pro and Surface Laptop can't use any of these. When I travel, I can't take my new HP EliteDisplay S14 with the Surface Laptop or Surface Pro. Surface Book 2 can't leverage Thunderbolt 3 external drives, which is otherwise perfect for content creators. And don't get me started on the rise of eGPUs. Can you imagine using Surface Pro with a new NVIDIA RTX 2080 at home?

While the oddly-designed Surface Type-C adapter helps it is very far from ideal and has its limitations.

Surface Book 2 and Surface Go are good signs

The good news is that Surface Book 2 and the budget-friendly Surface Go both use USB Type-C 3.1. While they equally lack the more powerful Thunderbolt 3 specification (more on this below) they can at least handle the most commonly used Type-C peripherals on the market.

For these reasons, I think it is a foregone conclusion that when Microsoft announces sequels to the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop the inclusion of Type-C in place of the outdated Mini DisplayPort is guaranteed.

The bigger question is what about Thunderbolt 3 support?

Thunderbolt 3 – It's not all Microsoft's fault

Intel's Thunderbolt 3 is the Holy Grail of USB Type-C specifications. It does all that Type-C 3.1 can do plus handle 40Gbps of data making it ideal for external GPUs (eGPUs) as its data transfer is four times that of the USB 3.1 standard. Because of that speed we're also now seeing Thunderbolt 3 external drives, which results in dramatic increase in the rate of data transfers (see my Dell Thunderbolt 3 review).

What's the difference between USB-C and Thunderbolt 3?

So, why didn't Microsoft include it with Surface Book 2 or Surface Go? The problem is much more complicated than simple omission by choice, but rather a technical one too.

Surface Book 2 relies on Intel's i7-8650U processor, which has a maximum number of 12 PCIe lanes. When you allocate those by ports – four for Surface Connect port, four for Surface Cover Connector (for GPU and keyboard), and four the SSD and Type-A port, well, you run out of room for the four lanes needed for Thunderbolt 3.

Surface Go uses the lower-end Pentium 4415Y which only features ten PCIe lanes, and, as far as I know, does not have an option for a Thunderbolt 3 component on the board anyway.

The bottleneck for Microsoft arises from its usage of the Surface Connect port for power and data and Intel's limitation for its Coffee Lake/Kaby Lake Intel U-series processors.

Where things get interesting is Intel's latest refresh to its 8th generation Core processors – dubbed "Whiskey Lake" – bumps support for PCIe lanes from twelve to sixteen in the U-series line. That makes the new Core i7-8565U not only 400Mhz faster, but able to support more PCIe devices. (Despite Intel dropping royalty costs, however, the Thunderbolt 3 controller for Whiskey Lake is still an extra component and not yet built in. That means the cost will have to passed on to the consumer.)

In theory, if Microsoft announces new a Surface Pro and Surface Laptop (and maybe even Surface Book) with Whiskey Lake Intel processors it can finally keep the Surface Connect port and get a fully spec'd Type-C port with Thunderbolt 3 because of that change.

Hope springs eternal

The timing for Whiskey Lake processors is October and November, which lines up nicely with Microsoft's event on October 2.

Whether all of this happens remains to be seen, but at the very least a USB 3.1 Type-C port is very likely for refreshed Surfaces, but there is a possibility here for Thunderbolt 3 too.

If that happens, the Surface line may finally be what we all want it to be, and Microsoft's premium PC line will be future-proofed for many years. Just as importantly, I can stop leaving my Surface Laptop and Surface Pro home when I travel because they can't do as much as laptops from HP, Dell, or Lenovo.

Did Microsoft learn its lesson, and will Intel's refreshed U-series processor line save the day? Tune into Windows Central on October 2 to find out. I'm as curious as you.

At an event in New Delhi, Microsoft has launched its latest Surface devices in the country. Unveiled at the end of last year, the Surface Book 2 offers hardware upgrades from its predecessor, including NVIDIA's GeForce GTX 1060 and eighth-gen Intel Core i7 chipsets. The Surface Laptop, meanwhile,

While it's great that the Surface devices have finally made their way to India, potential customers looking to pick up either notebook won't be as enthused when they look at the prices. The base variant of the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 — with a 256GB SSD and 8GB of RAM — retails for the equivalent of $2,010, or $700 more than what the same model costs in the U.S.

The fully decked-out model with a 15-inch screen, Core i7, 1TB SSD, 16GB RAM, and GTX 1060 costs ₹295,999 ($4,310), roughly $1,300 more than the U.S. — you can pick up another Surface Book 2 in the U.S. for the price you'll shell out for the high-end model in India.

Things aren't any different for the Surface Laptop either, as the difference from the U.S. store is around $500 to $1,000. Here's the full breakdown of what the Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop cost in India.

Surface Book 2 pricing in India

• 13.5-inch/Core i5/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹137,999 ($2,010)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹185,999 ($2,710)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹222,999 ($3,245)
• 13.5-inch/Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 - ₹257,999 ($3,755)
• 15-inch/Core i7/256GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹222,999 ($3,245)
• 15-inch/Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹258,999 ($3,770)
• 15-inch/Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 - ₹295,999 ($4,310)

Surface Laptop pricing in India

• Core i5/128GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹86,999 ($1,265)
• Core i5/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel HD Graphics 620 - ₹114,999 ($1,675)
• Core i7/256GB SSD/8GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹144,999 ($2,110)
• Core i7/512GB SSD/16GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹196,999 ($2,870)
• Core i7/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 - ₹233,999 ($3,405)

Both devices will go up for sale on Amazon and Flipkart as well as chain stores like Croma, Reliance, and Vijay Sales.

I can't help but wonder if Microsoft India has a long-term strategy for Surface devices, because aside from a few enthusiast users, no one will be willing to shell out $2,000 for a base variant of the Surface Book 2. If anything, you're better off buying the laptop directly from the U.S. and paying the $300 customs duty.

What are your thoughts on the latest Surface devices? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

May was the last month the Surface Book 2 received a new batch of firmware updates, but Microsoft is breaking out another set to kick off August. There's a long list of updates tagging along this month, but they all have one thing in common: system stability.

According to Microsoft's value indicator, these latest firmware tweaks should improve the Surface Book 2's security, reliability, and compatibility. Just don't expect any changes in the way of performance, battery life, or connectivity.

Here's the rundown of all of what's new:

• Intel AVStream Camera 2500 – Camera - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel UHD Graphics 620 – Display adapters - 24.20.100.6136 improves system stability
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 & 1060 – Display adapters - 23.21.13.9140 improves system stability.
• Surface ME – Firmware - 11.8.50.3448 improves system stability.
• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware - 182.510.137.0 improves docking compatibility.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware - 389.2268.769.0 improves system security.
• HID PCI Minidriver for ISS – Human Interface Devices - 3.1.0.3524 improves system stability.
• Intel Precise Touch Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.2.0.100 improves system stability.
• Intel Display Audio – Sound, video and game controllers - 10.25.0.8 improves system stability.
• Intel Control Logic – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel CSI2 Host Controller – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework General Participant - System devices - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Manager - System devices - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Power Participant – System devices - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Dynamic Platform and Thermal Framework Processor Participant – System devices - 8.3.10207.5567 improves system stability.
• Intel Imaging Signal Processor 2500 – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Intel Integrated Sensor Solution – System devices - 3.1.0.3524 improves system stability.
• Intel Management Engine Interface – System devices - 11.7.0.1057 improves system stability
• Intel Serial IO GPIO Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO 12C Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Serial IO UART Host Controller – System devices - 30.100.1725.1 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) Audio Controller – System devices - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST) OED – System devices - 9.21.0.3347 improves system stability.
• ISS Dynamic Bus Enumerator – System devices - 3.1.0.3524 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Camera Front– System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Microsoft Camera Rear – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Microsoft IR Camera Front – System devices - 30.15063.6.6082 improves system stability.
• Surface Base 2 Firmware Update – System devices - 1.70.139.0 improves battery stability and keyboard backlight.
• Surface Integration – System devices - 4.8.136.0 improves hibernation and system stability

If you're using a Surface Book 2 as youre daily driver, these updates are available for devices on the Fall Creators Update and later via Windows Update now.

The Surface Book 2 is the best device I have ever owned. It's sleek, sexy, relentlessly powerful, and has impressive battery life. However, I have had my fair share of issues with some of its more unique features.

The Book 2, like its predecessor, has a detachable display, which comes with a few benefits. You can use the display separately as a tablet if you want to, but the most useful function here is the ability to reverse the screen, so you can rest it flat for inking, or set the laptop upright in tent mode.

When detached, the dedicated NVIDIA d-GPU becomes separated. The CPU and integrated GPU power the laptop from within the screen. It's this unique design that helps Microsoft get the different segments of the device so flat and so thin, but occasionally the Surface Book 2 will sometimes refuse to detect the d-GPU in the base, even when docked. Thankfully, it seems to be pretty easy to fix.

See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft

Check if your NVIDIA GPU is connected to Surface Book 2

If your Surface Book 2 has been struggling with graphics-intensive tasks such as games or certain types of editing, you might be suffering from phantom d-GPU syndrome. Here's how to check if your Book 2 is correctly seeing its d-GPU:

1. Right click on the Start Menu.
2. Click on Device Manager to open it.

3. Scroll down and select Display Adaptors.

You should now be able to see both your Intel Graphics driver, and your NVIDIA GeForce d-GPU driver. If you can't see the NVIDIA d-GPU, you have a problem.

If you see the d-GPU but still think it's not providing juice to your games and apps, here's a separate article detailing how to force your programs to use the powerful NVIDIA d-GPU in your Surface Book.

Detaching, reattaching, and cleaning your Surface Book 2

The first thing to check is that your Book 2's display is properly docked with your PC, and that the connectors are adequately cleaned. Here's how:

1. Disconnect all USB devices and power charging cables from your Surface Book.
2. Close any programs you can find.
3. Press the Surface Detach key. (See below.)

4. Once it has turned green, and you hear a clicking sound, you can safely remove the display by gently pulling upwards.
5. Locate the connectors as seen in the picture below.
6. Use compressed air to gently remove any dust or lint from the sockets, or a soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

7. Check to make sure no small magnetized metals or other small debris has become lodged in the socket.
8. Gently place the display back on the connectors.
9. Go back to Device Manager (detailed in above section) to see if your d-GPU drivers have reappeared.

Boot Surface Book 2 from the BIOS

Cleaning the connectors seemed to serve as a temporary fix for me, but what fixed it permanently was booting from the BIOS menu (thanks Joshua for the tip).

1. Save all of your work, then press and hold down the power and volume up buttons on the top of the display for around 30 seconds. (After a few seconds, the Surface Book 2 will reboot.)

2. Keep holding the buttons down until you see the Surface UEFI BIOS screen.
3. You do not need to change any settings here. Simply click or tap Exit.

The Surface Book 2 will reboot, having refreshed some BIOS settings. Note that some login tokens for certain apps might expire as a result of this, but now your Surface Book 2 should be able to detect the d-GPU more reliably. You can also check the Device Manager to see if your d-GPU NVIDIA drivers have reappeared.

Surface Support

If none of these things fix your issue, you might need a replacement unit. Consult the guide below on how to get your Surface serviced by Microsoft.

How to get a Surface repair from Microsoft

More Windows 10 resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:

• Windows 10 on Windows Central – All you need to know
• Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks
• Windows 10 forums on Windows Central

I was a big Surface Book 2 user, rocking it as a creative powerhouse with a bit of gaming on the side. I was primarily using it to create content, via video editing, blogging, podcasting, and streaming on Mixer. I'm also doing some light gaming on the side, indulging in PC-only games like Stellaris, World of Warcraft, and Heroes of the Storm, alongside Windows Mixed Reality. I've sinced moved over to a Razer Blade 15 for more gaming chops, but if you're looking for accessories for your Book 2, look no further.

The Book 2 is the most versatile device I've ever used, wrapped in a svelte and portable package. Thanks to its serious GTX 1060 GPU, I can finally use it the way I wanted to use my Surface Book 1. And for those that have been asking, I thought I'd round up the accessories I was using to get the job done.

See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft Store

Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro

Recently I was lucky enough to test out Microsoft's IntelliMouse Pro, and while I expected it to be an average mouse that would gather dust in a drawer after review, I so far haven't been able to put it down.

The IntelliMouse is an aggressively ergonomic mouse with one of the most robust sensors I've ever used. My antique wooden desk is a barren wasteland of pockmarks, scratches, and dried paint from decades of art abuse, but the IntelliMouse laser makes short work of it even without a mouse mat. It has a bunch of improvements over the IntelliMouse Classic too, including better materials, a braided cable, and RGB lighting.

It comes with two additional buttons which can be programmed with all sorts of extra features, and a scroll wheel that feels as good as it is functional. This has become my favorite mouse of recent times. There's a reason kids at my school always used to steal the original IntelliMouse from the 90s. It can be yours for just $60.

See at Amazon

Razer Vespula V2

While the Microsoft IntelliMouse can be used on practically any surface (even glass), I figured I should treat my wrist as well as my palm after I received the IntelliMouse, so I picked up a Vespula V2 mousemat from Razer.

The Vespula comes with two different textured sides for different purposes. The plastic side offers faster mouse movements, while the rougher, fabric side allows for more precision. The best feature for me, though, is the generous memory foam wrist rest that forms its base. No longer do I have to rest my wrist on the wood of my desk, and my arm feels way better for it. The Vespula V2 can be yours for around $40.

See at Amazon

Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament (PC Edition) headset

I use a lot of headsets in this job, and there's one product I always go back to: Turtle Beach's Elite Pro Tournament headset. It's supremely comfortable, durable, reliable, and sounds tremendous. Furthermore, the omni-directional microphone with in-line controls is surprisingly high quality for creating voice overs for YouTube clips, making it a versatile companion for gaming and creativity.

The PC edition comes with a USB interface, but there are 3.5mm cabling options out there too if you want to go mobile. You can combine the headset with a Elite Pro Tactical Audio Controller too for consoles, making it an extremely powerful esports-grade headset, with accurate DTX 7.1 surround and a cavernous soundstage. Cannot praise this headset enough. You can grab the Elite Pro for around $200.

See at Amazon

Surface Dock

I actually have two of these, and regard them as absolutely essential if you're a frequent desk hopper. I purchased one to use at work in the office at my previous job, and kept one at home too, so that I could just dock and go.

The Surface Dock is a large, heavy brick with four additional USB ports, ethernet, two additional mini-display ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It connects via the Surface Connect port, providing power and data, allowing you to just connect up your Surface and gain all of those additional devices at your desk. The weight is to prevent it from sliding around when you have several accessories plugged into it.

The Surface Dock has a couple of limitations, in the sense that its charger has lower power than the Surface Book 2 charger, leading to some battery drain issues in more intensive situations. Additionally, despite sporting four USB ports, it feels like it can get easily overwhelmed if you connect up too many devices. I use it primarily for my mouse, and my Elgato capture equipment. You can grab it for $200.

See at Microsoft Store

Hex Sleeve

I picked up this "15-inch MacBook" sleeve on a whim from our own Surface Book 2 sleeve roundup, purely based on the aesthetics, and I'm extremely happy with it.

The Hex Sleeve fits the Surface Book 2 near perfectly, and has generous amounts of cushioning to keep it safe in your bag. The material on the outside is extremely durable, made of a waterproofed wax canvas. It's not the cheapest bag you can get at $40, but I have no regrets.

See at Amazon

Surface Pen

Another essential piece of kit for any Surface user is some type of pen, and rather than branch out with third-party options, for now I've picked up the $99 Surface Pen. The latest Surface Pen supports tilt, 4,096 points of pressure, and a clickable eraser on the reverse end. It's also magnetic with the Surface Book, which makes it convenient to store (and not lose). Although I had some driver issues initially, once I got everything set up and running properly with the Surface Book 2, the latency between ink and pen is almost imperceptible.

It comes in a range of colors, and is available for $99.99.

See at Microsoft Store

Surface Dial

I always wondered if the Surface Dial was a superfluous gimmick or the real deal, and after finally giving it a go for myself, I can't imagine drawing without it now.

The Surface Dial is a hockey puck-like device that can rest on your compatible Surface's display, creating contextual menus for all sorts of popular inking apps. So far, I've only been using it in Sketchable, and found it to be an incredibly intuitive option for changing the size and intensity of my brush, without having to defer to the app's menu or use a set of hotkeys on the side.

I'll be going over the powers of the Surface Dial in more detail in the future, but if you're already eager to go, it's available for $99.99.

See at Microsoft Store

Elgato HD60 capture card

For streaming on our Mixer channel, I'm utilizing a combination of XSplit and Elgato's HD60 USB capture card, plugged into my Surface Dock.

The HD60 captures video game footage at a maximum of 1080p with 60 frames per second. While my upload speed here is nowhere near strong enough to use the HD60 to its full potential, the ease of use, small product size, and affordable price makes it an absolutely essential piece of kit for any streamer. While you can stream directly from Windows 10 or an Xbox One console, you need an Elgato and compatible streaming software such as XSplit to get stream overlays and other triggers, and the HD60 is a great place to start.

There is a more powerful USB-C option (and an even more powerful PCI-e option with 4K capture), but if you'd like to keep your USB-C port free, this is a great option at around $160.

See at Amazon

Elgato Stream Deck

If you'd rather not rely on bots to deliver your messages to chat while streaming, you have to take a look at the Elgato Stream Deck, which features 15 programmable buttons and toggles, with deep integrations for all sorts of services. However, the interesting thing about the Stream Deck for Surface users is that it can provide you with a range of hotkeys when you're using the Surface Book 2 in canvas mode, which for artists, creates a valuable proposition for programs like Clip Studio Paint, Adobe Animate and Photoshop.

You can set up different profiles for different programs, making it extremely versatile, even for non-streamers. The Stream Deck is available for $150.

See at Amazon

HP Mixed Reality headset

Thanks to the GTX 1060 GPU inside this thing, the Surface Book 2 is a capable VR machine for use with Windows Mixed Reality. I've been using it with my HP Mixed Reality headset to that end, and found the experience to be totally solid and comparable to that of my Razer Blade.

While you're going to need a USB-C HDMI adapter to leverage Windows Mixed Reality on the Surface Book 2, due to a lack of HDMI port, the impact the dongle has on the experience is imperceptible.

HP's Mixed Reality headset isn't as good as the Samsung Odyssey headset, but it more than gets the job done if you want to jump in for an early adopter experience. The Mixed Reality headset, complete with motion controllers, is available for around $261 on Amazon right now.

See at Amazon

That's a wrap!

Those are the main accessories I'm using with my Surface Book 2 right now, although I'm looking into external monitors, desk mounts, and a desk stand too to get some additional elevation. The Surface Book 2 isn't cheap, but if you're planning on using all of its features, there really is no laptop on the market that can exude this level of versatility, with this amount of power and craftsmanship. Head over here for some more of my early Surface Book 2 impressions, and over here for our official review from Executive Editor Daniel Rubino.

If you're rocking a Surface of any kind, let us know what your favorite accessories are in the comments!

Update July 26, 2018: I have updated this article with the new mouse and mousemat I am using, because they are awesome.

Amazon may be snatching all of the attention this week with its Prime Day sales, but Microsoft is throwing its hat in the ring as well for anyone looking to pick up a Surface Device. For the next two days, you can snag a free Surface Dock when you pick up at Surface Laptop or Surface Book 2 at Microsoft.

To recap, the Surface Dock usually costs $199.99 and adds a slew of extra ports to your Surface device. In all, the dock includes two Mini DisplayPorts, one ethernet port, four USB 3.0 ports, and one audio out port. Connecting via the Surface Connect port, the dock also operates as a power brick for your device.

All you have to do to get the deal is add the Surface Dock to your cart alongside your Surface Book 2 or Surface Laptop at checkout, and the promotion should automatically apply to your cart. You'll want to move quickly, however, as the deal is set to end at 11:59 p.m. PT on July 17.

• See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop at Microsoft

One of the perks of my job is being exposed to a lot of laptops. While that may seem like a dream for many the question of which laptop is the best for my usage is, well, complicated.

I recently did a comparison video between the new Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (3rd generation) compared to the Surface Book 2. While there are plenty of similarities between the two, there are some core differences as well.

Microsoft Surface Book 2 vs. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Yoga (2018): Unfolding the best convertible PC

But if I had to choose only one laptop, which would it be? In our latest video I'll tell you why I think the X1 Yoga is the better laptop – at least for my needs – compared to the Surface Book 2.

To be clear, I'm not claiming the X1 Yoga is the better choice for everyone – far from it. But when it comes to features, what you pay for, and what you need, well, it's not always about the specification list or raw power (see my HP Envy x2 review, as an example).

The bottom line is this: even for me picking the right laptop in 2018 is getting harder. After we shot this video, I received our review unit of the new Dell XPS 15 (9575) 2-in-1, and I'm now reviewing the HP EliteBook 1040 G4 – both of which are too tempting to ignore.

Where to spend your money on a new laptop is now a reality because there are so many good choices – but that's a problem worth having, for once.

• See X1 Yoga at Lenovo
• See Surface Book 2 at Microsoft