What you need to know

• Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 recently received firmware updates.
• The updates include several security updates and bug fixes.

Microsoft's Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 each have a firmware update available. As is normally the case, the updates don't include any new features but have several improvements and bug fixes.

People with the original Surface Laptop will see the following changes:

The changes for the Surface Laptop 2 are mostly the same, though the version number of the first change is different, and you'll also receive one more change:

You should be able to grab the latest firmware update through Windows Update now.

What you need to know

• New updates are available for the Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2.
• The updates bring improvements to battery life, audio performance, and stability during playback of applications.
• Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2 users can download the updates now via Windows Update.

Microsoft's Surface Pro (5th Gen), Surface Pro 6, and Surface Laptop 2 all have updates available. The updates are largely the same for each device. They improve the stability of apps during playback, improve audio performance and battery life, and improve integration between system services.

Here's what's new for the Surface Pro (5th Gen):

Here's everything new for the Surface Pro 6:

The Surface Laptop 2 has a similar changelog but has one additional fix:

You can grab these updates now through Windows Update.

What you need to know

• A new firmware update is rolling out for the Surface Laptop 2.
• This update adds greater stability while Surface Laptop 2 is hibernating.
• You can grab this update now via Windows Update.

There's a fresh update rolling out for Surface Laptop 2 owners, but don't expect a long list of fixes. The firmware update is a tiny one, only containing a single fix related to hibernation.

According to Microsoft's release notes, this update adds more stability while the Surface Laptop 2 is hibernating. If you were hitting any snags with hibernation before, this may be the fix you were looking for. Here's how Microsoft puts it:

• Surface - Firmware - 138.3261.768.0: Improves device stability during hibernate.

This is the second firmware update released for Surface Laptop 2 in July. The previous update, released on July 17, added reliability fixes for the Surface Dock 2, along with fixes for touch and pen issues.

The Surface Laptop 2 has been supplanted by the Surface Laptop 3, which launched last fall. Alongside the usual 13.5-inch model, Microsoft also added a 15-inch model to the mix.

What ports does the Surface Dock 2 offer?

We've been waiting for an updated Surface Dock for years, and it's finally here in the form of the Surface Dock 2. Most notably, it brings a modern selection of ports, better charging capabilities, a longer connection cable, and better external display support. It still uses the proprietary Surface Connect port to hook up to Surface devices, and it should have no issues working with the Surface Laptop 2.

The front of the dock has two USB-C 3.2 ports, each with 15W of charging power for connected accessories. The back holds the majority of ports, with Ethernet, dual USB-A 3.2 (10Gbps), dual USB-C 3.2, and 3.5mm audio. The side of the dock has a Kensington lock slot for increased security in an office environment.

The dual rear USB-C ports are meant to connect external displays, and the Dock 2 is capable of powering up to two 4K displays each at a 60Hz refresh rate or two 5K displays, each at a 30Hz refresh rate. If you want to turn your Surface Laptop 2 into a workstation with high-res monitors, you should have no issues.

What about charging and other compatibility?

The Surface Dock 2 can now offer up to 120W of charging back to a connected laptop, up from 90W in the original Surface Dock. That's more than enough to keep the Laptop 2 topped up, allowing you to simply unplug and hit the road without worrying about the battery's charge.

The Surface Dock 2 should work with any Surface products released 2017 or later, so along with the Surface Laptop 2, these devices make up the compatibility list:

• Surface Book 2
• Surface Book 3
• Surface Pro (2017)
• Surface Pro 6
• Surface Pro 7
• Surface Pro X
• Surface Go
• Surface Go 2
• Surface Laptop
• Surface Laptop 3
• Surface Studio 2

Get the Surface Dock 2 and add ports to your Surface Laptop 2

The Surface Dock 2 will allow you to use wired internet with your Surface Laptop 2, as well as connect dual external 4K displays at 60Hz for a truly powerful workstation. Your devices will charge while connected, as will your Surface Laptop 2.

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.

These two clamshell Ultrabooks have a lot in common, but there are some discerning differences that will no doubt sway you one way or the other. Let's break it down.

Dell XPS 13 (7390) vs. Surface Laptop 2 tech specs

Design and features

Whether you choose the Surface Laptop 2 or Dell XPS 13 (7390), know that you're getting a premium Ultrabook with a clamshell design, slim build, and excellent display. Either one can fit easily into a backpack, and both have their perks and downsides.

A major standout with the XPS 13 is its port selection, which includes USB-C and two Thunderbolt 3 with 4x lanes of PCIe each, allowing you to connect peripherals like a performance docking station for added connectivity. The Surface Laptop 2 does have a USB-A port, which the XPS 13 doesn't include, but thereafter you're stuck with Mini DisplayPort and Surface Connect. Both laptops will likely have you reaching for a dongle or adapter eventually, but at least the XPS 13 is looking to the future.

The Surface Laptop 2 is available in four color options — black, platinum, burgundy, and cobalt blue — with accessories to match, whereas the XPS 13 currently only comes in platinum silver (more colors expected sometime in 2019). With the XPS 13, models have a carbon-fiber palmrest construction that holds up to use quite well, but it's rather regular. For some extra style and comfort, the Surface Laptop 2 comes with Alcantara fabric to match the rest of the laptop. It holds up to use and abuse as well, and you can even clean it if it becomes stained.

Camera location was a big issue with older models of XPS 13, but the 7390 moved it back above the display for a natural angle. The thin bezel doesn't have space for an IR camera, but there is a fingerprint reader built into the power button for secure sign-ins. The Surface Laptop 2 does have an IR camera for Windows Hello, and it's located in the normal spot above the display for a more direct angle.

Display

The Surface Laptop 2 comes with a single 13.5-inch touch display option. It has a 3:2 aspect ratio, 2256x1504 resolution, and it's compatible with the Surface Pen and off-screen Surface Dial interactions. If you want to draw, sketch, or take notes, the Surface Laptop 2 is really your only choice since the XPS 13 doesn't have pen support no matter the configuration.

What the XPS 13 does have is three different 13.3-inch screen options, all with a more conventional 16:9 aspect ratio. Go with a non-touch 1920x1080 (FHD) display for better battery life and a cheaper price, touch FHD, or opt for the touch 3840x2160 (4K) model if you like the extra resolution. The XPS 13's displays have almost no bezel around them for a picture that seems to stretch edge to edge, whereas the Surface Laptop 2 holds onto more bezel.

Performance

XPS 13 (7390) configurations are slightly limited at the moment, though there are more expected to come. Currently, you can get up to a 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10210U CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB PCIe solid-state drive (SSD). Baseline configurations start at about $1,000 and come with a Core i3-10110U CPU, 4GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, and non-touch FHD display. All models do include a Killer AX1650 wireless adapter, compatible with Wi-Fi 6 for future networking.

The Surface Laptop 2 starts at about $899, making it cheaper than the XPS 13 if you're on a tight budget. The baseline model includes an 8th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM, 128GB SSD, and touch display with higher resolution. You won't get the same 10th Gen Intel CPUs, but you will pay less for a Core i5, twice as much RAM, and a touch display.

If you'd like the latest hardware from Intel, you'll have to go with the XPS 13 (7390), though 8th Gen Core i5 and Core i7 options in the Surface Laptop 2 still hold up well today. Overall, you're going to be able to get better performance for less from the Surface Laptop 2, and the touch display with 3:2 aspect ratio is stunning.

The XPS 13 (7390) has better port selection and latest Intel hardware

Dell's XPS 13 (7390) is one of our favorite laptops for good reason. It's built incredibly well, it looks great, and it has configurations available with 10th Gen Intel Core CPUs. Get up to a 4K touch display and take advantage of ports that are ready for the future.

Stick with Surface Laptop 2 for pen support and 3:2 aspect ratio

The Surface Laptop 2 has Surface Pen and Dial support for an excellent inking experience, and it's also built to high Surface standards. Choose from four colors and enjoy Alcantara fabric finish for extra comfort.

What you need to know

• The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle and several Surface devices are on sale through the Microsoft Store.
• Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, though some continue later into September.
• Essentials bundles for the Surface Laptop 2, Surface Go and Surface Studio 2 are also on sale.

The Surface savings continue to roll through the Microsoft Store. Several Surface devices and bundles went on sale last month. Many of these sales were set to end on August 10, but the Surface deals page lists multiple offers that run into September. The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is available for up to $330 off depending on the variant that you choose, and there are also sales on the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go. Many of the sales end on September 2, 2019, so you'll need to act quickly to get the best deals.

The Surface Pro 6 + Type Cover bundle is one of the best deals currently listed and it is one of the deals that ends on Labor Day. You can save $330 on the Intel Core i5 version with 256GB of storage. That brings the price down to $999 compared to its standard price of $1,329. You can also save $260 on the cheaper Intel Core i5 variant with 128GB of storage, bringing the price down to $799.

The most affordable Surface on sale is the Surface Go + Platinum Type Cover bundle. It's $80 off, bringing the price down to $519. There are also Essentials bundles available on the Surface Laptop 2 (up to $50 off), Surface Studio 2 (up to $100 off), and Surface Pro 6 (up to $80 off).

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.

Update: Microsoft is getting in on this Surface Laptop 2 sale too, offering the same prices as Amazon while offering a few additional configurations to choose from.

Amazon has various models of the Surface Laptop 2 on sale today for as low as $799. Some of the configurations are even discounted by more than 20% while supplies last.

The base model of Microsoft's Surface Laptop 2 in Platinum is the most affordable today at $799, saving you $200 off what it sells for regularly. It's equipped with an Intel Core i5 8th Gen processor, 8GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and a vibrant 13.5-inch touchscreen PixelSense display with a gorgeous resolution.

Those who like to draw or write can do so right on the screen with the Surface Pen, though you'll have to add one to your cart separately. This laptop can last for nearly 15 hours on a single charge and runs Windows 10 Home. Meanwhile, you'll find various colors of the 256GB version on sale for $999, saving you $300 off the regular cost.

We reviewed this laptop late last year, remarking that its small improvements on its predecessor's design actually make a big difference while rating it with 4.5 out of 5 stars.

What you need to know

• 10 UK students can win the right to buy a Surface Laptop 2 for £8.79.
• Students need to send their A-Levels or Scottish Highers results for a chance to win.
• Students need to send in their marks by 11:59pm on August 22, 2019.

10 students in the UK can win the right to purchase a Surface Laptop 2 for only £8.79 (via The Mirror). To enter, students need to send their A-Levels or Scottish Highers results in. The winning students will receive a code which allows them to purchase a Surface Laptop 2 for £8.79.

The Surface Laptop 2 is an excellent laptop, especially for students going off to university. The laptop is thin, light, and gorgeous. It comes in a variety of colors and supports touch and pen input, so students have a wide range of ways to take notes.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. MacBook Pro: Which should you buy?

Only ten students can win this competition, but it's worth sending in your results if you're on the hunt for a new laptop for university. You need to send in your results by 11:59pm on August 22, 2019 to enter. If you don't win a Surface Laptop 2 discounted to almost nothing, you can get one for up to $300 off at the Microsoft Store 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.

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

• A leaked Microsoft advertisement features a man named Mac Book.
• The ad compares the Surface Laptop 2 and the Mac Book.
• The commercial highlights several areas in which the Surface Laptop 2 beats the MacBook.

A leaked advertisement for the Surface Laptop 2 features a man named Mac Book comparing the Surface Laptop 2 and the MacBook. The commercial is tongue-in-cheek and reminiscent of a Taco Bell advertisement in which Taco Bell hired several people named Ronald McDonald to say they liked Taco Bell. The Microsoft commercial was leaked by Twitter user WalkingCat.

The ad compares the Surface Laptop 2 to the MacBook in regards to battery life, speed, and touch screen. As you'd expect, the commercial highlights areas in which the Surface Laptop 2 beats the MacBook.

It's worth pointing out that the fine print in the commercial says that the comparison is against the MacBook Air.

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.

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.

Microsoft pushed out a new set of firmware updates for both the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 this week. Included in each update is the same patch, which improves the reliability of the ambient light sensor (via MSPU.

Here's a look at the official release notes for both the Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2:

• Surface Intersil Ambient Light Sensor (HID) – System devices: 4.1.139.0 improves device stability.

If you're using either generation of the Surface Laptop, you should be able to grab this update now via Windows Update. These are the first firmware updates to hit both models since January.

Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are currently available starting at $699 and $945, respectively.

The Surface Laptop 2 and MacBook Pro are really for very different target audiences. The Surface Laptop 2 is one of the best Windows laptops you can buy, but it's not equipped for the professional or serious power user. The MacBook Pro has the hardware for that type of buyer, with the added bonus of being able to boot into Windows 10 as well.

Surface Laptop 2 vs MacBook Pro basic tech specs

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is the closest to the Surface Laptop 2 in terms of outright specs, but Apple still has more options on the table for its professional buyers. There are two sizes, and in the larger 15-inch model you can build a quite ridiculously powerful laptop.

The Surface Laptop 2 has quad-core Intel Core i5 or i7 processors with Intel UHD 620 graphics, a 13.5-inch 2256 x 1504 resolution touch display, up to 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

By contrast, Apple has options on the MacBook Pro that include quad-core Intel Core i5 and i7 processors on the 13-inch model, and six-core processors up to a Core i9 on the 15-inch model. The 13-inch can support up to 2TB of storage and 16GB of RAM, while the 15-inch goes up to 32GB of RAM and an insane 4TB of SSD storage.

All models of the MacBook Pro 13-inch use Intel Iris Plus graphics, while on the 15-inch you have options for Radeon Pro 560X, Vega 16 or Vega 20 dedicated GPUs from AMD.

Surface Laptop 2 is a nice upgrade on its predecessor

The Surface Laptop 2 itself is only a mild upgrade to the original model, but it has some important improvements. In our review, we determined you can expect at least an extra hour from its battery, despite the processor having been bumped to a quad-core over the dual-core from the first one.

It isn't perfect — there's no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 for example, and the Alcantara keyboard can certainly get quite dirty — but it's still an excellent laptop. You're getting cutting edge hardware, with a gorgeous high-resolution, pen-enabled screen thrown in for good measure.

It's also cheaper at the entry level, while offering a better spec and performance compared to the cheapest MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro has (mostly) superior specs

Even though there are no longer any legacy ports on the MacBook Pro, it still has a fairly big advantage over the Surface Laptop 2. Not only does it have the new USB-C, it has Thunderbolt 3 as well. And Thunderbolt 3 opens up a world of possibilities. You can attach high resolution displays to it, connect fast external storage, and perhaps most interesting of all, hook up an eGPU, putting a full desktop graphics card into your MacBook Pro. Even the integrated graphics on the 13-inch MacBook Pro are better than those on the Surface Laptop 2.

The Surface Laptop 2 has no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 and to get the most from it, you'll need to buy the first-party Surface Dock.

Besides this, the MacBook Pro has the latest generation six-core processors from Intel right up to the Core i9, options for dedicated graphics that go up to AMD's Radeon Vega Pro, up to 32GB of RAM and up to 4TB of storage.

The outlier is the base model 13-inch MacBook Pro with a dual-core processor and 128GB of storage. It costs quite a bit more than the Surface Laptop 2 for no gain, and you're going to be hitting the $1,799 price point for the Touch Bar model before you see any real advantages.

Different laptops for different people

The Surface Laptop 2 is a closer match to Apple's MacBook Air, in the sense that they're both highly portable yet capable Ultrabooks, and they appeal to the same type of laptop buyers.

The MacBook Pro is simply in a different class. It's a pro-grade laptop with a ton of powerful options, much better graphics capabilities and if your wallet will go far enough, even a ridiculous Core i9 processor. It also comes in two sizes, 13 inches and 15 inches, while the Surface Laptop 2 is limited to the single 13.5-inch model. The base model might be a bit of a dud, but the higher specs start to move away.

If you're already looking at the Surface Laptop 2 as something you think you'd like to buy, get it. The MacBook Pro isn't really a direct competitor, and you're going to end up spending a lot more money on the Mac. If you're thinking of the very bottom spec MacBook Pro, the Surface Laptop 2 will offer better value

Microsoft today took the wraps off of some new Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 configurations for businesses. In response to feedback from its business partners, commercial customers will now be able to pick up either PC with 16GB of RAM in the Intel Core i5 models. Previously, the 16GB of RAM option was only available with a Core i7 processor.

According to Microsoft, the new options will only be available in the U.S. and Canada starting this month. There's potential for them to arrive in other territories, as Microsoft says it is considering expanding these configurations "more broadly in the future."

In addition to the new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 configurations, Microsoft says it has now authorized its commercial partners to sell both PCs to business customers in 11 more European markets. Those include the following:

• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Czech Republic
• Estonia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Romania
• Slovenia
• Slovakia.

There's no indication that consumer sales of the Surface Laptop 2 or Surface Pro 6 will eventually allow 16GB of RAM options with the Intel Core i5 models, but it's something that would likely be a welcome addition.

The Surface Laptop 2 is a more significant update than the exterior would have you believe, and where its predecessor was fairly easily overshadowed by Dell's class leading XPS 13, it's a lot closer competition this time around.

XPS 13 vs. Surface Laptop tech specs

Some give and take

Overall performance isn't an issue on either of these laptops. Both now come with quad-core processors from Intel (albeit the XPS 13 has slightly more updated versions), options for plentiful RAM, and stacks of storage.

The main differences are exclusive to each laptop. For example, the Surface Laptop 2 not only has a taller, 3:2 display, it supports digital pen, great for not only writing but for digital artists. You get 4K and touch on the XPS 13, but no pen. However, while the Surface Laptop 2 gives with one hand, it takes away with the other, having no support for USB-C or Thunderbolt 3.

The Thunderbolt 3 support on the XPS 13 is a big deal, too. Not only does it mean the new USB-C standard connector is available, but you can hook up peripherals like external high-resolution displays, docks, and even eGPUs to turn your laptop into a powerful desktop gaming PC or workstation. The lack of USB-C even on the Surface Laptop 2 without an adapter is a pretty big omission.

You also can't forget the Alcantara-covered keyboard on the Surface Laptop 2. Alcantara is an Italian-made fabric that looks and feels a lot like suede and has been used on a number of Microsoft products. Fabric gets dirty easily — that's just fact — which means if you decide on the Surface, you're going to have to deal with a mess after a few weeks (although you can clean it).

A harder choice than ever

The Dell XPS 13 is the quintessential Ultrabook. It hasn't been significantly updated in a number of years, but it was well ahead of the curve when it first fell into our hands back in 2015. The latest model continues to follow an upward curve in that it's more powerful, boasts better battery life and now, finally, has the webcam back in the traditional place. Rejoice for no more Skype calls staring up your nose!

The Surface Laptop 2 on the other hand is equally impressive in its own right. Some of its better features are things the XPS 13 doesn't have, like a 3:2 display and digital pen support. It has its own unique, iconic style, but that alcantara is going to get pretty grubby. It's a shame that Microsoft didn't get even USB-C into the Surface Laptop 2, because when it comes to outright performance the XPS 13 has it beat by virtue of its flexibility.

With the Surface Laptop 2 you need to buy into the Surface ecosystem to expand its abilities and use it in a desktop environment. The XPS 13, by virtue of having Thunderbolt 3, can support a range of accessories and docks, as well as an eGPU which can turn your sleek, sophisticated Ultrabook into a frame-ripping gaming rig.

At a pinch, the XPS 13 is still the better overall pick for most people. But if you're a creator in particular, the Surface Laptop 2 will serve you better thanks to that taller display and support for the digital pen. It also has a better entry level model than the Dell while matching it on price.

One of the defining features of the Surface Pro and Surface Laptop is the Alcantara fabric used on their keyboards. But while that fabric covering may only serve to add some good looks, for now, it could become a whole lot more functional in future iterations – if a new patent from Microsoft is any indication.

Titled "Forming Touch Sensor on Fabric," the patent (via Windows Latest) explores methods for embedding touch sensors into fabric surfaces, along with possible uses. Due to the complexity of building a capacitive surface into the uneven surface of a fabric, Microsoft describes different materials and processes that could be used to form touch-sensitive areas. Generally, however, the process would involve using conductive ink and a thin, smooth dielectric structure bonded to the fabric.

The result, as Microsoft describes, would be touch-sensitive areas of fabric that could be applied to everything from tablets and wearables to furniture. No matter the application, the touch-sensitive fabric could be configured to respond to gestures and interact with apps or connected devices.

Imagine, for example, being able to swipe a defined portion of your Surface or HoloLens to adjust your volume or quickly switch between apps. On a piece of furniture, the touch-sensitive surface could be paired to a TV to change channels or a thermostat to adjust the temperature.

As with all patents, it's worth remembering that this technology may never make it to a shipping product. Microsoft patents a lot of things, many of which either never see the light of day or end up implemented in entirely different ways. Still, the idea of putting that Alcantara to use with touch gestures is alluring.

Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 all made their debut in October, but they've been limited to going on sale in a handful of countries since. However, this week, Microsoft is rectifying that by launching its latest Surface devices in a slew of new markets.

In total, all three Surfaces are launching in 20 new markets starting February 7. Further, for anyone looking to get their hands on the Cortana-equipped Surface Headphones, they'll be headed to eight new markets in March, Microsoft says.

Unfortunately, Microsoft isn't exactly forthcoming with exactly where these 20 new markets are. You'll have to check your local Microsoft Store pages for the Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 to see if they're available in your region starting today.

As for the Surface Headphones, Microsoft did reveal where we can expect the headphones to launch in March. The list of new markets includes:

• Australia
• Austria
• Canada
• France
• Germany
• Ireland
• New Zealand
• Switzerland

If you're a part of today's rollout, you can grab the latest Surface lineup via the Microsoft Store now.

• See Surface Pro 6
• See Surface Laptop 2
• See Surface Studio 2
• See Surface Headphones

Microsoft is pushing out a fresh set of fixes and improvements to both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Go LTE this week. Coming along for the ride are a number of updates related to the Surface Pen, along with general stability tweaks (via Neowin).

Here's a look at what's new for the Surface Laptop 2:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices - 3.0.10.1 ensures reliability of Pen top button click on Surface Pen with no clip-on Windows 10 October 10 2018 Update, version 1809.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Surface Integration Service Device - 4.18.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface ME – Firmware - 11.8.56.3522 improves system stability.
• Surface System Aggregator - 145.106.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface Touch - Firmware - 145.106.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface UEFI - Firmware - 137.2439.769 improves system stability.

And here's a look at the fixes available for the Surface Go LTE:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices - 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent Pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip, post Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices - 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.
• Generic IO & Memory Access - System - 1.5.4.0 improves compatibility issue and enables update to Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

No matter which device you're using, you can pick up the latest updates via Windows Update now.

Unlike the Surface Pro, the Surface Laptop launched as a version 1.0 device with very few flaws. Sure, the port selection was meager, and it is expensive, but there really wasn't much to criticize. The Surface Laptop delivered what people had been asking Microsoft for: a traditional Surface clamshell PC the rivaled Apple's MacBook.

Just 16 months later, Microsoft is giving us the Surface Laptop 2. Like the Surface Pro 6 there's not a lot that's new, but the upgraded processor and new black color option make this PC even more desirable. That's not to say all is perfect, as this refresh can easily be thought more of a Surface Laptop 1.5 rather than a full generational upgrade. Here's why.

About this Surface Laptop 2 review

Microsoft supplied a loaner Surface Laptop 2 for this review. The unit tested is black with an Intel Core-i5 8250U, with 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, priced at $1,299. The starting price of the Surface Laptop 2 is $999 (platinum only) for a Core i5 with 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, and it maxes out with a Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage for $2,699 in platinum. Color options include platinum, black, burgundy, or cobalt.

Surface Laptop 2: What's new?

Like the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Laptop 2 brings only two significant changes this year:

• New Intel 8th Gen processors – Jumping from dual-core to quad-core is a big deal for performance. With nearly double the multi-core executions, the new Surface Laptop 2 is substantially faster (more than 85 percent faster, according to Microsoft) than last year's model. That's thanks to the Intel Core i5-8250U and Core i7-8650U processors now being used. Matching that is a new thermal solution to keep the heat at bay without running fans too loudly.
• Black color scheme - There is now an optional all-black color option for Surface Laptop 2. That new color is in addition to the three other colors, which stick around for 2018.

Other smaller improvements include an improved instant-on feature letting Surface Laptop 2 turn on and log in via Windows Hello facial recognition even quicker, plus enhanced solid-state drive (SSD) performance.

There is no longer a Surface Laptop Core m3 entry-model with 4GB of RAM and 128GB starting at $799. Instead, there is a quad-core Core i5 with 8GB and 128GB for $999 – a substantial bump in price but also performance.

There is also no longer an option for a more powerful Intel Graphics Iris Plus 640 graphics in the Core i7 model due to Intel not making such a GPU for the 8th Gen of 15W processors. Instead, all Surface Laptop 2's feature the Intel Graphics UHD 620 chip. To accommodate the new quad-core processors, which generate more heat, Microsoft updated the thermal solution (heat pipes and fan) for Surface Laptop 2. Not only is the fan quieter, but it should come on less frequently compared to last year's model.

Another shift is moving away from Windows 10 in S Mode (which has been modified). Instead the Surface Laptop 2 ships with Windows 10 Home. Previously, users could switch out of S Mode to Windows 10 Pro for free, but now users will need to pay a $99 upgrade fee for the Pro version of Windows 10. Enterprise and education editions of Surface Laptop 2, however, still ship with Windows 10 Pro.

Dual to quad

Surface Laptop 2 tech specs

Not a lot has changed since last year, but here's the full rundown of Surface Laptop 2 specs.

Jumping from dual- to quad-core processors for the i5 and i7 has been a trend since late 2017, which is when Intel introduced the Core i5-8250U and Core i7-8650U processors to the market. That makes these processors part of the "Coffee Lake" era of Intel chips and not the slightly improved "Whiskey Lake" which are just now hitting laptops. The uptick is the drivers used for these processors are very mature giving users a stable experience.

While on paper the shift from dual- to quad-cores may sound trivial, it results in a massive gain in processing power. Add to that the excellent battery life and faster SSD, and the Surface Laptop 2 is much more about refinement than redefining. It is a shame about the lack of an Iris Plus 640 option for graphics, but this is not Microsoft's fault. Intel does not offer anything higher than UHD 620 for its new quad-core range likely due to the increased thermal constraints. Nonetheless, the UHD 620 is still an excellent graphics option for most users.

still premium

Surface Laptop 2 design

Nothing has changed between Surface Laptop (first generation) and Surface Laptop 2 regarding design.

There is still the exceptional aluminum body, which is smooth and creak-free with no screws or visible seams. As we noted last year "Everything from the grating on the rear vent to the edge of the back of the display is symmetrical and impeccable-looking." That's all true this year too.

What is different is the new black color option. With a jet-black matte finish, matching black Alcantara keyboard deck, and blacked-out ports, the Surface Laptop 2 looks slick. It's a striking combo and makes choosing between it and the classic burgundy (our favorite) difficult. (There is also now a fifth pink color called "blush" that's available only in China.)

The black version is not as resistant to fingerprints as lighter colors and still requires an occasional wipe down. But since the deck is fabric, it hides any sweat or stains quite easily.

Everything you need to know about Alcantara

The Alcantara fabric holds up well on the Surface Laptop despite concerns of staining from long-term use, but there are still incidents where brown staining is visible, mainly on the platinum models.

While we did not do a scratch test, the first generation of Surface Laptop was prone to easy damage, if metal scraped the soft aluminum body, for example. Presumably, that is still the case.

Unfortunately, the ports have not changed either with Surface Laptop 2. There is still USB Type-A and mini DisplayPort. Unfortunately, there is no USB Type-C with 3.1 support for power, display, and data, like on the budget Surface Go, which is a weird choice for late 2018.

still a great display

Surface Laptop 2 display

There is nothing new with the screen for 2018, which is fine as this is one of the best in its class. The Surface Laptop 2 features a 2256 x 1504 (201 ppi) PixelSense multi-touch display. That is a lower resolution than the 12.5-inch Surface Pro 6 at 2736 x 1824 (267 ppi) and the 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 3000 x 2000 (267 ppi). But it would be difficult to eyeball any difference.

The bezels are thin, and you can use a Surface Pen with the Surface Laptop 2 although it would be best for signing documents or a quick sketch than a professional drawing machine. It's a great display, but maybe just a bit too glossy. It's also oleophobic to resists fingerprints, and Microsoft claims it has "the thinnest and lowest parallax LCD touch module on any laptop."

Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protects the display from scratches, and each screen is calibrated for 100 percent sRGB. In my color calibration test, I saw 99 percent sRGB and 81 percent AdobeRGB. That's slightly ahead for AdobeRGB than Surface Pro 6 at 79 percent.

Brightness is decent with a peak of 330 nits in the center of the display, which is above average, but below the Suface Pro 6 at 470 nits.

My only grievance, still not addressed with this model, is the display could use some punch in the contrast. Surface Pro 6 features an "enhanced" color mode in addition to a sRGB color profile, which is not found here.

best typing around

Surface Laptop 2 keyboard and trackpad

The Surface Laptop 2 features a full-sized chicklet style keyboard with 1.5 mm of travel (versus 1.3 mm in Surface Pro 6) and three-stages of backlighting. It's an excellent keyboard especially with the non-metal keys, non-aggressive responsive curve, and soft Alcantara deck. The whole typing experience is luxurious – a rarity for laptops.

Some reports suggest that the keyboard is now quieter than last year's model, but the original Surface Laptop is already super quiet to type on, and there is nothing noticeable regarding sound improvements with Surface Laptop 2.

The large 105 mm x 70 mm Precision trackpad with a glass layer is also unchanged this year. That's OK, because Surface Laptop easily has one of the best trackpads around.

really good sound

Surface Laptop 2 audio

The are no visible grates or holes for speakers. This results in a clean-looking laptop compared to the rest of the market. Instead, Microsoft hides the Omnisonic speakers below the keyboard. That may sound like a bad design choice, but it works. To quote our review last year:

In short, these are great speakers and when combined with the excellent 3:2 display, they result in a very satisfying multimedia experience.

So much faster

Surface Laptop 2 performance, heat, and noise

One of the complaints about the original Surface Laptop was the slow performing SSD, which betrayed the Surface Laptop's very high price point and class.

Microsoft has addressed that issue with Surface Laptop 2, which now features a zippier 256GB Toshiba KBG30ZPZ256G drive almost tripling read speeds from 486 MB/s to 1,500 MB/s. Likewise, write speeds jump from 244 MB/s to a more acceptable 811 MB/s.

Those SSD speeds are still below what many high-end laptops ship with, but they're still respectable. (Higher speeds are likely to be had with the 512GB, or 1TB models as the parallel nature of NAND memory favor larger drives).

CPU

For synthetic benchmarks, the Core i5-8250U is outstanding. While the new Core i5 trails last year's Core i7 in single-core, that's not by much. This year's Core i5 multi-core score (13,233) trounces last year's Core i7 (9,535) thanks to those added cores.

Geekbench 4.0 benchmarks (higher is better)

While we did not have the new Core i7 Surface Laptop 2 to evaluate, the Core i5-8250U is an outstanding performer and fine for most users.

GPU

While not as powerful as the Iris Plus 640 due to the doubling of graphics lanes (48 versus 24), the Intel Graphics UHD 620 was admirable in an OpenCL test, besting the Iris Plus 640 from last year.

Geekbench 4.0 OpenCL (higher is better)

SSD

Raw SSD speeds have never been a strength of the Surface line; they tend to fall in the above average range but are never top performers. That's still the case in 2018, but the Surface Laptop 2 notably improves upon last year's model with a tripling in read speeds – the most important to the overall user experience.

CrystalDiskMark (higher is better)

Note that the speeds for Surface Laptop 2 were with a 256GB SSD which is a Toshiba KBG30ZPZ256G. The 512GB and 1TB models are likely to have better results due to having more channels (NAND flash chips) that run in parallel.

PCMark

Looking at PCMark Home Accelerated (where it uses the GPU) – which is an overall performance test - the new Surface Laptop 2 also does well.

PCMark (Home Accelerated 3.0)

Combined with the much-improved processor and speeds of the SSD is a quicker "instant-on." When a user opens Surface Laptop 2, the time it takes for the display to turn on and enable Windows Hello until it is logged into Windows 10 is less than last year's model. It's clear that Microsoft is doing some low-level tweaks to the software, OS, and drivers to make that happen, and it pays off.

While the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't turn into a gaming PC suddenly, nor will it crush the competition in raw performance, it is the combination of all these enhancements that make it a delight to use.

For heat and noise, the Core i5 version was cool and quiet – even more so than the first Surface Laptop. The fan rarely came on, and when it did, it was barely audible after running the CPU at 100 percent for 10 minutes.

Temperatures are the same compared to last year's Surface Laptop – 104 degrees Fahrenheit (F) (40 degrees Celsius [C]) for the bottom as a max and only around 100 degrees F (38 degrees C) for the top deck when running at full throttle for 10 minutes. These temperatures were warm, but not hot.

Casusual gaming according to PCMark 8 jumps from 32.4 frames-per-second (FPS) to 40.1 FPS - a significant boost in performance.

PCMark 8 Home Battery Accelerated

As seen on the new Surface Pro 6 battery life is also improved on Surface Laptop 2. Using an accelerated battery rundown test, which levies both the CPU and GPU in multiple repetitive tasks (e.g. web browsing, word processing, casual gaming, photo editing, and video chat) the Surface Laptop 2 beat out the original Surface Laptop by sixty minutes.

Those results may see short of the 14.5 hours promised by Microsoft, but in more casual usage the Surface Laptop 2 can easily push past eight hours and much closer to ten. That's an extra hour of usage compared to last year's model.

When you combine that improved battery life, much faster system performance, and extremely low fan noise the Surface Laptop 2 becomes the ideal laptop for work and play.

sum of its parts

Bottom line on Microsoft's Surface Laptop 2

This is one of the most beautiful, enjoyable and expensive laptops around, but it has stiff competition.

At least with Surface Pro Microsoft so far does not have too much rivalry even from its OEM partners. Each has a Surface Pro-like device, but the Surface Pro is still very much a perfected Microsoft creation, making it the head of its pack.

Standard clamshell laptops are a different matter. Dell, HP, Lenovo, and even Huawei have shown that they can create outstanding hardware that looks great and performs well, for a significantly lower price than Microsoft. That makes recommending Surface Laptop 2 rather complicated especially since some competitors offer much more functionality for a lot less money.

The biggest offender with Surface Laptop 2 is still the lack of a Type-C. It seems absurd to pay upwards of $2,700 for a laptop that does not have Thunderbolt 3. That makes Surface Laptop 2 a bit of an irrational purchase; it's expensive, has fewer features than most laptops, and it's delicate too.

And yet, I love it.

One of the most challenging things about explaining anything Surface to someone who has never used one is just how delightful they are to use. The keyboard, trackpad, display, weight, build quality, looks, colors, instant-on and smoothness of the OS are all nearly perfect. Even opening and closing it is a subtle art, not to mention the warm and inviting Alcantara. While other laptops can do more for less, they rarely achieve such a blissful feeling in execution.

The new Core i5 version with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage ($1,300) is the sweet spot, and I see little reason to get the Core i7 unless you need the power of that processor. For color, black or burgundy are the best choices, but cobalt and platinum also look great.

Microsoft created a laptop that is as much art as it is functional. That balance is not for everyone, but I'm OK with it being an option for consumers. If something brings you joy and is visually stunning that has value. That's why I can say I adore using Surface Laptop 2. It's a perfect blend of art and technology for those who want a traditional laptop form factor. It may be irrational, but love almost always is even if we wish it could be even better.

Pros

• New quad-core CPU is powerful.
• Much better SSD performance.
• The instant-on feature is now quicker.
• The black color option looks fantastic.

Cons

• No Type-C or Thunderbolt 3.
• No option for 4G LTE.
• Expensive.

The Surface Laptop and the MacBook Air both appeal to a similar type of user — in particular students — especially since they're priced about the same. But there are still plenty of differences to consider.

Surface Laptop 2 vs MacBook Air tech specs

Until the recent refresh, it was impossible to suggest anyone buy a MacBook Air over the Surface Laptop 2, whether you were a Mac fan or not. However, Apple has finally brought its popular laptop back into the present. It now packs a gorgeous display, current hardware, and still comes in an eyecatching design — just like the Surface Laptop 2.

MacBook Air has better outputs

Even though there are no longer any legacy ports on the MacBook Air, it does have a fairly big advantage over the Surface Laptop 2. Not only does it have the new USB-C, but it has Thunderbolt 3 as well. Not only is that future proofing, ensuring the MacBook Air is compatible with the next generation of accessories, but the Thunderbolt 3 opens up a world of possibilities.

You can attach high resolution displays to it, connect fast external storage, and perhaps most interesting of all, hook up an eGPU, putting a full desktop graphics card into your MacBook Air.

The Surface Laptop 2 has no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 and to get the most from it, you'll be getting the first-party Surface Dock.

That's a pretty big deal for the MacBook Air to have.

Surface Laptop 2 is a nice upgrade on its predecessor

The Surface Laptop 2 itself is only a mild upgrade to the original model, but it has some important improvements. In our review we determined you can expect at least an extra hour from its battery, despite the processor having been bumped to a quad-core over the dual-core from the first one.

It isn't perfect — there's no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 for example, and the alcantara keyboard can certainly get quite dirty —but compared to the MacBook Air, it's leagues ahead. You're getting cutting edge hardware, with a gorgeous high-resolution, pen enabled screen thrown in for good measure.

Compared to the MacBook Air on its own, the Surface Laptop is simply more powerful. It has a quad-core processor, better onboard graphics and the option for a Core i7 for those who need it.

Best overall value

Microsoft made small, but important upgrades in the Surface Laptop 2, and it's one of the most complete packages you'll find in this price bracket. It's powerful, has great battery life, a high-resolution touch display, digital pen support, and a design that arguably outdoes Apple.

MacBook buyers can do better

The MacBook Air is finally a laptop Mac fans can consider, but if you're open to Windows then the Surface Laptop 2 is still a better bet. Nevertheless, Apple has delivered the MacBook Air the world has always wanted, and finally brought its iconic model into the present.

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.

Ultimately the battle between the Pro and the Laptop boils down to their form factors. Do you need 2-in-1 with great inking support, pr would you prefer something a little more traditional?

Inking vs. Lapability

On paper, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 share many of the same internal characteristics, revolving around the latest quad-core processors from Intel, with improved thermals to reduce throttling as seen with the previous generation. We have full, comprehensive reviews of both the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6 available for more information. They're both solid devices, but which one you go for depends on what you're looking for.

The Surface Laptop 2, like its predecessor, is slim and light, perfect for plugging away at a desk or in your lap. Unlike the Surface Pro line, the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't have a kickstand, and should feel a lot more natural to use when you don't have a desk handy. Sadly, it doesn't include a 360-degree hinge, which prevents it from providing a solid inking or tablet experience, despite sporting a digitizer and a 10-point touch screen. At best, you'll be signing documents, annotating, and doing the occasional tap here and there. Of course, if you're not interested in doing much digital inking, all of these facts might be a plus, rather than a negative.

On the flip side, the Surface Pro 6 is a bit awkward to use as "lapable" device, but the trade off is a better inking experience. If you're a digital artist or student who prefers taking hand-written notes (which are, studies say, better for learning), then you'll want a Surface Pro 6 (of course, be aware that that the Surface Pen costs extra). There are other differences between the two worth being aware of, though.

The Surface Laptop 2 gets slightly better performance overall than the Pro 6 owing to its form factor — there's simply more spare room to distribute heat. The Pro 6 by comparison is packed a lot more densely. The trade off is that the Pro 6 is designed to be a true "mobile" experience, with a reverse-facing camera which is surprisingly capable, as well as an accelerometer and a gyroscope. It also comes with microSD expandable storage, whereas the Laptop 2 does not.

Additionally, the Laptop 2's alcantara fabric keyboard finish is often the subject of controversy. Some say it stains easily over time, and isn't particularly easy to clean. Plus, if it gets damaged, you'll have to send away the whole laptop to get it repaired, whereas with the Pro 6, you need only send the detachable keyboard in for repairs. However, some think it adds some luxury to the product, so it depends on your preference.

The Laptop 2 has a slightly worse display than the Pro 6, with a lower PPI density across a larger panel. Digital artists will enjoy the Pro 6's richer display, but will envy the Laptop 2's battery life, which is at least two hours better than that of the Pro 6.

So, which should you buy?

Most of the differences between the two devices are relatively minor. The Laptop 2 gets slightly better battery life and performance while the Pro 6 gets a better display and more feature versatility. The biggest question is: how much do you value inking?

The Pro 6's form factor lends itself to inking far better than the Laptop 2, with an experience completed with magnetic Pen storage. If you're a digital artist or student looking for a perfect note-taking companion, look no further than the Pro 6. If you want something more traditional you can use in your lap, and don't care so much about inking or tablet-style usage, get the Laptop 2.

Microsoft this week rolled out its first round of firmware updates for its latest devices, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. But if you've already gotten your hands on one of the recently launched Surfaces, the updates you get will depend on what version of Windows 10 you're running.

If you installed the Windows 10 October 2018 Update before it was pulled from its public release, you'll see two updates related to the Surface Pen on both devices. Here's a look:

• Surface Pen Firmware Update – System devices: 3.0.10.1 resolves intermittent pen top button click failure on Surface Pen with no clip-on Windows 10 October 2018 Update, version 1809.
• Surface Pen Integration Device – Human Interface Devices: 1.0.9.0 enables firmware update to Surface Pen with no clip.

If you're running the Windows 10 April 2018 Update or later, however, you'll see the following list of changes on the Surface Pro 6:

• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 239.5.139.0 improves system stability.
• Surface UEFI – Firmware: 234.2344.769.0 resolves an issue where processor speed may be capped at an unexpected low frequency.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED: 9.21.00.3755 ensures music streaming services will not be interrupted after resume from sleep.
• Intel Display Audio: 10.25.00.10 resolves battery consumption issue associated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

And for Surface Laptop 2 devices on the April 2018 Update or later, you'll net the following:

• Surface System Aggregator – Firmware: 239.5.139.0 improves system stability.
• Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel(R) SST) OED: 9.21.00.3755 ensures music streaming services will not be interrupted after resume from sleep.
• Intel Display Audio: 10.25.00.10 resolves battery consumption issue associated with Windows 10 October 2018 Update.

Both batches of updates are dated October 23, though they only appeared today on the Surface Update History tracker.

If you're still eyeing a Surface Pro 6 or Surface Laptop 2, both PCs are now available starting at $900 and $1,000, respectively.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft

Significant improvement on the previous model

During the course of our Surface Laptop 2 review battery life was one of the key metrics we benchmarked. Using the PC Mark 8 Home Battery test, the Intel Core i5 Surface Laptop 2 came away with a score of six hours and 20 minutes.

The Core i5 2017 model Surface Laptop, by comparison, scored only five hours and seven minutes. Not only is the Surface Laptop 2 better, it's significantly better. You can expect at least a full extra hour of use from the Surface Laptop 2 over its predecessor.

It doesn't run any cooler than the original Surface Laptop, but the fan noise is fairly low, and when you consider that the Surface Laptop 2 has made the jump to a quad-core processor, it makes the results all the more pleasing.

Surface Laptop 2 handily beats Surface Pro 6

Not only is the Surface Laptop 2 a significant improvement on its predecessor, but it's also much stronger in the battery department than the Surface Pro 6.

At five hours and 25 minutes from the same PC Mark 8 test, the Surface Pro 6 outperforms the first Surface Laptop, but falls a long way short of the Surface Laptop 2.

If battery life is a key factor, the Surface Laptop 2 has the edge, and when you consider the pricing of a Surface Pro 6 with a Type Cover, the Surface Laptop 2 looks even more attractive.

Don't be alarmed by the benchmark

It's easy to look at the figures above and be a little alarmed. But you shouldn't be. The PC Mark test is designed to leverage both the CPU and GPU, and so it will always come out lower than you'd expect to see in day to day life.

Indeed, more regular computing, such as web browsing, media consumption, and work inside apps like Microsoft Office will yield a much stronger battery life. Microsoft's claims of 14.5 hours might be a stretch, but in everyday use, you can easily expect 8-10 hours from it.

The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are two excellent clamshell devices from Microsoft. Both are identical in many ways, with the only real differences being on the inside. If you want more power, the Surface Laptop 2 is for you, but if power isn't your main concern, you might be better off saving a few bucks and getting last years Surface Laptop instead.

Surface Laptop 2 vs. Surface Book 2 tech specs

Design and features

The Surface Laptop and Surface Laptop 2 are identical in almost every way. There isn't one single feature or design change that you can't find on both, because the Surface Laptop 2 is just a refresh of the original Surface Laptop, meaning nothing has changed on the surface. There is an additional color choice for the Surface Laptop 2 however; it now comes in black.

The black finish is really nice, and looks just like the original Surface RT and Surface Pro did back when they were announced in 2012. It's a callback to Surface's roots, and a subtle one that only fans will recognize. The black finish does give the Surface Laptop 2 a slightly different texture, but it's not something worth buying the Surface Laptop 2 specifically for.

Both displays are identical too, featuring the same 2504x1707 resolution and screen technology. They both feature touchscreens and pen support, and are all-round great displays. Even the port selection, which is limited to just USB-A 3.1 and Mini DisplayPort, are the same across both devices. No USB-C on the Surface Laptop 2, unfortunately. So, which to get is more-or-less entirely down to what's on the inside, unless you really must have it in black.

Performance

Here's where things start to diverge quite a bit. The Surface Laptop, released in mid-2017, is rocking Intel 7th Gen processors, meaning it's technically an older and less capable machine. However, in real-world usage, that's absolutely not the case. The 7th Gen i5 and i7 in the Surface Laptop is more than fine for daily tasks, including web browsing, editing documents in Office, listening to music in Spotify, and even doing a little bit of Photoshop.

There are some benefits to going for the 8th Gen processors found in the Surface Laptop 2 however. For one, there's more power. Unlike the 7th Gen processors, which are dual-core, the 8th Gen processors in the Surface Laptop 2 are quad-core, meaning programs that can take advantage of additional cores will perform faster — it's great for gaming, Photoshop, and video editing.

Battery life and instant-on is also improved on the Surface Laptop 2, lasting a couple more hours than the Surface Laptop did, and also powering on faster from sleep. The original Surface Laptop already had good battery life, and its instant-on capabilities aren't bad at all, but there are slight improvements in this area on the Surface Laptop 2.

In regards to graphics, both feature integrated graphics meaning you won't be getting much out of the graphical processor in either device. The Surface Laptop 2 should squeeze a bit more out of its Intel HD Graphics processor, but not by much. Neither of these devices should be your first choice for gaming or heavy video editing.

Why get the Surface Laptop 2

If you need the extra cores, slightly improved battery life, faster instant-on capabilities, and quieter keyboard, then the Surface Laptop 2 is the best choice for you. It also comes in black, so if that's something on your must-have list, then this is your only option.

Why the original Surface Laptop might be a better pick

The Surface Laptop 2 is a minor upgrade over the original Surface Laptop, meaning you can get 95 percent of what the Surface Laptop 2 offers with the original Surface Laptop, but for a lot less. What's more, the original Surface Laptop has way more configurations, including an Intel Core m3 with 4GB RAM option, great for college students.

Outside of upgraded processors and a fresh matte black finish, the new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are virtually identical to their predecessors, and it looks like that extends to the difficulty of self-repairs as well. The folks at iFixit have dug into both devices, revealing that they're just as difficult to crack into as last year's Surface Pro and the original Surface Laptop, making repairs a pain.

For the Surface Pro 6, iFixit gave the device a "repairability" score (a one-to-ten scale on how easy something is to repair) of one out of 10. That's the exact same score given out to the 2017 Surface Pro, and it largely comes down to the newer tablet's complex construction. You're required to perform the delicate task of removing the display to get access to the Surface Pro 6's internals, at which point you're pretty limited in what you can replace. That's due to a combination of components that are either glued into place or unremovable.

Scoring even lower, however, is the Surface Laptop 2, which achieved the same zero out of 10 score as its predecessor. The low score comes down to the fact that you essentially have to destroy the Alcantara keyboard cover to get at the internals. Complicating things even further are the CPU, RAM, and storage, which are all soldered in place.

If you're big into repairing your own devices, the low scores here are no doubt a blow. But, for most people, the delicate task of repairing a laptop or tablet on their own doesn't even factor into the equation. If something goes wrong, it's likely most would opt to seek a return or take advantage of their warranty. Still, this presents a problem for devices that are outside of their warranty period, at which point buyers might prefer to avoid potentially costly replacements.

If you're unfazed by things like repair scores, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are available now starting at $899 and $999, respectively.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft
• See at Best Buy

Surface Dock Updater, a tool for IT administrators to check the firmware status of Surface Docks and perform manual updates, has been updated to support Microsoft's latest devices, the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. The update is included as part of Microsoft's Surface Tools for IT, and ticks the version number up to 2.23.139.0 (via Reddit).

Other than support for the two new Surface devices, the update doesn't bring anything else to the table, at least according to the release notes:

This version of Surface Dock Updater adds support for the following:

• Add support for Surface Pro 6
• Add support for Surface Laptop 2

Surface Dock Updater isn't updated very often, with the last new version coming in July to add support for Surface Go. Prior to that, it saw an update in January that brought updates for the Surface Dock's main chipset and DisplayPort firmware.

In any case, curious IT admins can grab the latest version of Surface Dock Updater by downloading Surface Tools for IT at Microsoft. And if you've had your eye on either the Surface Laptop 2 or Surface Pro 6, both are available to purchase starting today.

• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft
• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft

The Surface Laptop 2 just isn't good for inking

The Surface Laptop 2 is a powerful, sleek, and sexy device, and while it does support inking, its form factor simply doesn't lend itself well to doing so.

The Laptop 2 has a fixed hinge that doesn't allow you to convert the laptop into a flat configuration, not without angling the keyboard up in the air at least. The display does support inking with 4,096 levels of pressure complete with tilt support, but, the fact that you can't lay the device out flat just prevents it from being a pleasant experience. At best, you'll be signing documents or perhaps annotating a picture, but for that, you can purchase a cheap non-digital stylus or simply use your finger.

Unlike the Surface Pro, Surface Book, and Surface Go, the Surface Laptop 2 doesn't even have magnetized edges for storing the Pen, since it just kind of knows its not designed for frequent inking.

Thankfully, literally every other type of Surface not only has some form of flat screen configuration, but also includes magnetic storage for the pen. If you're going to get your ink on, look elsewhere.

If you want a laptop-like form factor with the option of inking, the Surface Book 2 should be your first consideration. Some configurations come with dedicated graphics too, allowing you to enjoy VR, higher-end gaming, and intensive programs such as Adobe Premiere. If you want something portable but powerful, the Surface Pro 6 features quad-core processing, wrapped in a tight form factor ideal for taking to university or work, while still packing enough power to run high-end programs and even 3D games. If you simply want inking without breaking the bank, the cheap and cheerful Surface Go might not be the most powerful device in this piece, but it's small, sleek, and cheap, and is more than capable of running quality inking tools such as Sketchable, Photoshop, and OneNote.

Our picks

If you're interested in inking on a Surface device, there are a range of great alternatives built from the ground up with inking in mind.

Following their announcement earlier this month, Microsoft's Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are now available to pick up in 10 global markets. Coming in multiple configurations, the Surface Laptop 2 is available starting at $999, while the Surface Pro 6 starts at $899. Each is available starting today in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, Germany, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S.

Neither upgrade is revolutionary; both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 resemble their predecessors on the outside. But Microsoft has made changes in two areas that may be enough to pull in new buyers and some looking for an upgrade from a previous Surface.

The biggest visible change is that both devices now come in an attractive matte black option. On the inside, Microsoft has stepped up to Intel's 8th Gen processors, bringing big performance improvements to each device. According to Microsoft, the shift to the newer chips means the Surface Pro 6 is now up to 67 percent faster, while the Surface Laptop 2 manages to hit performance that is up to 85 percent faster. Microsoft also boasted that the keyboard on the Surface Laptop 2 is now quieter than that of the original.

If you already preordered either device, your shipment should be arriving today. Otherwise, you can go ahead and pick up a Surface Laptop or Surface Pro 6 starting today at the Microsoft Store and other retailers. And for more of an in-depth look at each, check out our reviews for the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Microsoft
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Microsoft
• See at Best Buy
• See at Amazon

The best choice of Surface Laptop 2

Simply put, the place to get the best choice of Surface Laptop 2 (see our review) is at Microsoft. It isn't the only place you can purchase, but it's about the only place you can guarantee being able to get the exact spec and color choice that you want.

Amazon configurations start at a higher price

Currently the lowest priced Surface Laptop 2 you can order on Amazon, the other big place you're likely to look. It comes in at $1,299, which is $300 more than the entry level model available at Microsoft.

If you're looking for this model, that's OK, but it highlights the problem with going to a third-party retailer over getting a Surface Laptop 2 directly from Microsoft. The choice isn't as wide and there aren't a variety of options, so if you do want the entry model, you might not be able to get it. If you want something more powerful than the entry-level model, you're equally at a disadvantage.

It'll also be a little while before anyone starts offering discounted prices, so right now you're not going to be paying more by going to Microsoft. That might change down the line.

Bundle up with accessories and save

One of the other big benefits to buying from Microsoft is that you can build a bundle that includes the Microsoft Complete plan, which provides additional protection against accidental damage for free.

There are also a ton of accessories and software you can get. Choose the Surface Laptop you want, add an Office 365 and other accessories like a mouse and bag at a discount instead of buying each of them separately on Amazon.

Why no USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 for Surface Laptop 2?

Microsoft is often criticized for its dismissal of USB-C, touting its own Surface Connect Port for things like docks and extra ports, such as Microsoft's own Surface Dock. Frustratingly, it prevents the Surface Laptop 2 and similarly USB-C-less Surface Pro 6 from accessing external GPUs, which would vastly increase the usefulness of those devices, particularly as a true desktop replacement.

Microsoft tends to refer to market demand for USB-C when defending its lack of support for the input. It's certainly true that other, older standard USB ports are more widespread, particularly when it comes to legacy devices. However, USB-C and particularly Thunderbolt 3 are far more useful and versatile that Microsoft could really be doing more to push the tech, sporting vastly higher bandwidth. That said, Thunderbolt 3 tends to be more costly to implement than old-school USB ports, which would undoubtedly drive the price of the Surface Laptop up even more. Intel dropped the licensing fee associated with Thunderbolt 3's implementation, though, in an attempt to improve adoption. So far it seems to have helped with almost every OEM ... except for Microsoft.

Microsoft isn't ignoring USB-C completely though, including it in its Surface Book 2 and upcoming Surface Studio 2. There's still no support for Thunderbolt 3, though, and that's frustratingly.

Best alternatives

While we wait for Microsoft to get with the program, there are many great alternatives worth your consideration if you need Thunderbolt 3-powered USB-C ports. These are a couple of our favorites.

The Dell XPS 13 more closely matches the Surface Laptop 2's form factor, but if you're interested in spending a little more for additional features like inking and multiple display configuration modes, check out the versatile HP Spectre x360.

Microsoft recently unveiled the Surface Laptop 2, its latest revision of the slimline PC Ultrabook. Equipped with 8th Gen Intel processors and other general hardware refinements, the low-key refresh keeps the device relevant going into 2019. And while the Surface Laptop 2 was announced in four color options, Chinese buyers have another finish on the way.

Chief Product Officer at Microsoft, Panos Panay, has taken to Twitter to detail a new "Blush" finish for Surface Laptop 2, putting a pink spin on its all-aluminum body. But sadly for those in the west, the new finish appears to be a regional exclusive.

Preorders for the Surface Laptop 2 in Blush are now live for China at JD.com (via The Verge). Store listings indicate this finish is limited to the midrange Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256 GB model, retailing for ￥9988 (around $1,450). You won't be able to buy it, but there are some pretty photos to look at.

For those in the U.S., the Surface Laptop 2 is set to release on October 16, starting at $1000.

See at Microsoft

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.

Why no LTE?

The primary reason for no LTE is due to the Laptop 2's form factor. In order to fit an LTE modem into the chassis, adequate space has to be allocated within the body of the PC. Throw in complications that arise from baking in antenna arrays, interference from the metal chassis, finding a slot for the SIM tray, and beyond, and the Laptop 2 just doesn't lend itself well to the inclusion of LTE connectivity at this time.

There's reason to believe that Microsoft might reconsider LTE for a future Surface Laptop, however. The company is actively exploring the idea of ARM-powered Windows devices under its "Always Connected" branding, which takes a more mobile approach to computing. So far, the push for Windows 10 on ARM hasn't yielded a large response from consumers, but when Microsoft unveils the more modular WinCore OS in the future, that could change.

At least for now, there's no possibility of an LTE Surface Laptop without a significant hardware revision, and considering how incremental the update to the Laptop 2 was, I'd say it's fair to assume the Laptop 3 will be a larger update. Thankfully there are a few alternatives with LTE worth considering.

The Surface Pro (2017) has an LTE version

The Surface Laptop 2 doesn't have LTE, but if you want a slim Windows PC with LTE connectivity, and you're dedicated to the Surface brand, 2017's Surface Pro is still on the market. You'll still be getting a great laptop with all-day battery life, a beautiful display, and improved Surface Pen integration. Plus, you get all the advantages of the Surface brand, namely the 2-in-1 modular design, in a small package.

HP Envy x2

For the ultimate in Windows portability, consider the HP Envy x2. Running on ARM, the HP Envy x2 is designed for long periods away from a power outlet, and indeed Wi-Fi, owing to its LTE connectivity. You can get around 22 hours worth of battery life out of this thing, complete with a keyboard cover and stylus, making it ideal for inking on the go.

What are the benefits a 2-in-1 laptop like the Surface Pro 6?

Unlike a standard clamshell notebook with a lid that opens up, at most, about 180 degrees, a 2-in-1 device has a keyboard portion that can be removed. This opens up the possibility of using the remaining display as a tablet, which is one of the main draws of the Surface Pro lineup.

When combined with a Surface Pen, the tablet becomes a versatile pad for drawing, sketching, and writing out notes. Yes, an active pen can still be used with the Pro 6 when a keyboard is attached.

A convertible laptop, which is a term often used interchangeably with 2-in-1, generally points more toward a device that can convert into tent, stand, and tablet modes thanks to a 360-degree hinge system. The display on a convertible cannot be completely removed from the keyboard portion.

The Surface Laptop 2 is neither a convertible nor a 2-in-1, but if you're looking for a traditional notebook, it will certainly fit your needs.

Does the Surface Laptop 2 have pen support?

Despite not being a 2-in-1 device, the Surface Laptop 2 has a touch display that does support the Surface Pen. You get most of the same perks here as you would on other Surface devices, including 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, and use of the end as an eraser.

How does performance compare between the Surface Laptop 2 and Surface Pro 6?

Both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 come stocked with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processors (CPU), up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to a 1 TB solid-state drive (SSD). We've yet to take an inside look and run our own benchmarks, but it's expected that they should both perform similarly.

You'll likely be able to get better battery life from the Surface Laptop 2, but only the Surface Pro 6 has a built-in microSD card reader. Keep these features in mind when making a final decision.

Stick with the Surface Pro 6 for a true 2-in-1

The Surface Pro 6, with removable Type Cover keyboard an and adjustable kickstand, is a real 2-in-1 device with the hardware inside for great performance.

If Amazon is your go-to retailer for all things tech, Microsoft's latest Surface devices are now up for preorder there. The Surface Pro 6 is available starting at $899, while the Surface Laptop 2 is only currently available from Amazon in configurations starting at $1,600.

Both new devices sport some significant speed boosts over their predecessors, with the Surface Pro 6 coming in at up to 65 percent faster, while the Surface Laptop 2 boasts up to 85 percent better performance. The other big change is the inclusion of a new matte black color option for both, though it's worth noting Amazon doesn't have that option available for order just yet.

Currently, there are more configurations and colors available for Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 at the Microsoft Store and Best Buy, but it's never a bad thing to have more retailers on board. No matter who you go with, Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are expected to start shipping out to buyers on October 16.

If you're still on the fence, be sure to check out our hands-on previews with both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 as well.

• See Surface Pro 6 at Amazon
• See Surface Laptop 2 at Amazon
• $770 at Walmart

WaterField Designs already makes some of the best premium sleeves and bags out there for laptops, and it's continuing to bolster that reputations with Microsoft's latest Surface devices. Hot on the heels of the reveal of Microsoft's new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2, WaterField has unveiled the new Vero leather sleeve build to protect both devices.

The Vero sleeve is built to hold both devices as snug as possible with a distressed leather exterior and a plush interior liner. There are no zippers to speak of, but a leather strip meant to serve as a handgrip is present along the sleeve's base. On the rear of the sleeve, there's also a dedicated slot to hold a Surface pen while you're on the go.

The Vero Leather Sleeve is available in two finishes: "grizzly brown" or "dark chocolate." As for pricing, the premium case also comes in at premium pricing of $119. But if the Vero appeals to you, you can preorder the sleeve now ahead of its expected October 19 shipping date.

See at WaterField Design

Of all the new Surface products announced this week, the one that caught most everyone off guard was the Surface Headphones, an upcoming $350 set of headphones with Cortana integration, capacitive touch controls, and advanced noise cancellation. But as it turns out, Surface Headphones could be the first step in a bid to "[complete] the Surface experience," according to a new interview with Surface head Panos Panay.

Speaking with The Verge, Panay commented on the impetus behind creating the Surface Headphones, driving towards that idea of a complete Surface Experience. From Panay:

Further in the interview, Panay also hinted that Microsoft isn't done with exploring new ideas for this complete experience. Turning his attention to the Surface Hub 2, Panay hinted that we could eventually see a USB-C camera based on the Hub 2's high fidelity shooter.

Surface Hub 2 notably also features a modular design that allows users to upgrade its internals. And it turns out that is something Panay could see trickling down to the Surface Studio at some point – though that's far from a guarantee. When asked whether a modular design may be in the cards for Studio, Panay responded:

In any case, Microsoft is certainly focused on filling out its Surface lineup with a cohesive experience that encompasses more than just its PCs. The Surface Headphones and various mice and keyboards are just a part of that, but we could potentially see more surprising additions going forward.

For now, the latest Surface Pro 6, Surface Laptop 2, and Surface Studio 2 are all available for preorder, with prices starting at $899 for Pro 6 and moving north of $3,500 for Studio 2.

• See at Microsoft
• See at Best Buy

Two of Microsoft's new Surface kids on the block are now available to preorder at Best Buy. Several models of both the new Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 are up for grabs in multiple colors – including the hot new matte black option.

Each new device is a modest refresh over its predecessor, but they bring some significant speed boosts to the table. The main upgrade is that both the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2 now sport Intel's new 8th Gen Core processors. This lets each perform much faster than its predecessor, with up to a 65 percent performance boost for the Surface Pro 6 and up to 85 percent for Surface Laptop 2, according to Microsoft.

The one big exception to this is the Intel Core m3 Surface Pro 6, which appears to feature the exact same internals as the previous Surface Pro.

The other major addition is a new matte black finish. The color is a throwback of sorts to the original Surface RT, which was available in a black finish of its own.

For more with each device, you can check out our initial hands-on previews of the Surface Pro 6 and Surface Laptop 2. But if you're ready to pull the trigger, both are up for grabs at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store now. Prices start at $899 for the Surface Pro 6 and $999 for the Surface Laptop.

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Alongside the Surface Pro 6, Microsoft this week unveiled the Surface Laptop 2, another modest refresh that still manages to bring a significant speed boost to the table.

From the outside, the Surface Laptop 2 looks exactly like the original Surface Laptop, albeit with a new matte black color option. On the inside, however, the laptop is now powered by Intel's 8th Gen processors, making it up to 85 percent faster than the original, Microsoft says. The typing experience has also been improved with a quieter keyboard, and Microsoft has revamped the cooling system so that the fan only kicks on at around 90 percent CPU usage.

For more, check out our initial hands-on look at the Surface Laptop 2 above. And if you're ready to snag one for yourself, the Surface Laptop 2 is available to preorder starting at $999 ahead of its expected October 16 launch.

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Everything Microsoft announced at its October 2 Surface event

Outside of a couple of rumors and obvious expectations, there wasn't much to go off of going into today's Surface event. But Microsoft had quite the packed lineup in store, including refreshes to three Surfaces, the launch of the October 2018 Update, and a new accessory that no one saw coming. Here's a look at everything Microsoft announced.

Surface Pro 6

To kick things off, Microsoft unveiled its latest Surface Pro refresh, the Surface Pro 6. The biggest outward change here is that the Surface Pro 6 comes in new white and black models. But the device has amped up in terms of power as well, picking up Intel's latest 8th Gen processors.

And yes, despite the brief flirtation with ditching numbers on its last model, Microsoft has cozied back up to numerals with the Surface Pro 6.

Surface Pro 6 is available to preorder now starting at $899 and is expected to launch on October 16.

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Surface Laptop 2

Switching gears to the more traditional laptop crowd, Microsoft unveiled the Surface Laptop 2. Like the Surface Pro 6, the Surface Laptop 2 is also available in a sleek black finish, and it has cranked up the power as well.

Surface Laptop 2 is significantly speedier than its predecessor, with Microsoft claiming it's up to 85 percent faster than the original Surface Laptop. That's largely thanks to new 8th Gen Intel processors, no doubt. Other than the speed boost, the Surface Laptop 2 also packs a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, and the typing experience should now be quieter thanks to an improved keyboard.

Surface Laptop 2 is available to preorder now starting at $999 and is expected to launch on October 16.

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Surface Studio 2

Going into today's event, a refreshed Surface Studio wasn't necessarily expected, but it seemed likely. And for fans of the unique all-in-one, Microsoft didn't disappoint in announcingthe Surface Studio 2.

All of the updates here are for the internals, with the Studio 2 keepingthe same design that was introduced with its prior incarnation. Graphics have seen a step up to NVIDIA's GTX 1070 chip, which is a big step up from the original's GTX 980M. The device's processing game has also seen a bump to Intel's 7th Gen 7820HQ processor.

According to Microsoft, the screen has been upgraded with a "new liquid crystal material" that should provide deeper blacks. Around back, you'll also find the addition of a USB-C port, but it's unclear as of now if it supports Thunderbolt 3.

Surface Studio 2 is available to preorder now starting at $3,499 and is expected to launch by November 15.

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Surface Headphones

While one could resonably guess everything else Microsoft announced today, this one came totally out of left field. Complementing Microsoft's growing lineup of Surface accessories is a new pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones simply dubbed "Surface Headphones."

Though they look a little chunky, the headphones unmistakably fit into the Surface lineup. And they're packing some smarts, too, with Cortana integration, 4-beam forming mics, and different levels of noise cancellation that you can tweak as needed.

There's no release date yet for Surface Headphones, but, with the price set at $350, you'll be shelling out a pretty penny once they do arrive.

Surface All Access

If you're looking for a way to pay for all of this new Surface gear, Microsoft also introduced the new Surface All Access program. The financing program replaces the Surface Plus, which was abruptly retired in August, but it operates in a similar manner.

With prices starting at $25 per month, you can finance a Surface device over 24 months with a two-year subscription to Office 365. Unlike Surface Plus, it doesn't look like there's an option to upgrade to a new device after 18 months for accounts in good standing, but it's still a solid way to spread out your purchase over time.

And more

Today also marked the official launch of the Windows 10 October 2018 Update, with Microsoft now allowing anyone who wants it to update now. The update will automatically begin rolling out for everyone starting on October 9.

Finally, Microsoft also teased a major new feature coming to the Your Phone app in a future update: phone mirroring. As the name implies, you'll soon be able to use Your Phone to mirror your phone's screen on a Windows 10 PC, letting you open and interact with apps and, well, do anything else you'd normally do with your phone in your hands.

Surface Laptop 2 preorders are now live on the Microsoft Store, with prices starting at $999 for the entry level model. Unlike last year, the new Surface Laptop 2 doesn't have a 4GB configuration, which explains the price bump for the "entry" model. Base spec now features 8GB RAM and an Intel Core i5 processor, with no Intel Core m3 option in sight.

The Surface Laptop 2 features a 13.5-inch PixelSense display, with an Intel 8th Gen processor and integrated graphics. Weirdly, there are no USB-C ports present on this years model, something many were hoping to see in a refreshed Surface Laptop. Shipments for the new Surface Laptop are expected to begin on October 16.

• Preorder at Microsoft
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Everything Microsoft announced at its October 2 Surface event

Alongside the new Surface Pro 6, Microsoft today took the wraps off of the Surface Laptop 2. Like its tablet sibling, the Surface Laptop 2 comes packing Intel's latest 8th Gen (8650U) processors, along with a matte black finish as a color option in addition to the usual Surface colors.

According to Microsoft, the Surface Laptop 2 is significantly speedier than its predecessor, coming in at 85 percent faster. The screen has also seen a bump to a 1,500:1 contrast ratio, so your images and documents should be pretty poppy. Rounding things out is an improved keyboard that provides a quieter typing experience.

Surface Laptop 2 is expected to be available on October 16 at a starting price of $999 and preorders are available now.

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Everything Microsoft announced at its October 2 Surface event

Today, Microsoft is expected to announce updates to its current Surface PC lineup, including a new Surface Laptop 2, new Surface Pro 6, and new Surface Studio 2. Also, some news around software, services, and maybe even gaming may be announced, as well as a few accessories. The announcement should be about one hour long.

Microsoft is not live streaming the event, so if you want to know what happens in real-time make sure you watch our live blog starting at 4 PM ET / 1 PM PT. We're on the ground in New York City covering the event all day. We also have a community chat room for you to hang out and discuss with others.

This page is your destination for our Microsoft October 2 new Surface event live blog and stream. Here's everything you need to know!

Microsoft's October 2, 2018, Surface event

• When: Tuesday, October 2 at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST / 1:30 AM IST. Find your exact time with our event announcer.
• What's happening: Read our everything to expect at Microsoft's October 2 hardware event post for the lowdown.
• Where to watch: There is no livestream of the event (but we can post photos).

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