New 15-inch Surface Book 2 configuration available sporting an Intel Core i5

What you need to know

  • A new Core i5 configuration of the Surface Book 2 is available.
  • It lowers the entry price of the 15-inch Surface Book 2 by $500.
  • It uses Intel's integrated graphics rather than discrete graphics.

The Surface Book 2 is a unique convertible laptop thanks to its ability to have the screen detach from the laptop base and function as a tablet. Now, a new configuration of the convertible laptop is available from Best Buy (via Neowin).

The new configuration uses an Intel Core i5-8350U processor rather than the Core i7 chip that was already available on other models. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The Core i5 variant of the Surface Book 2 is $500 cheaper than the previous cheapest version of the 15-inch Surface Book 2.

A notable difference between this version and its more expensive siblings is that it comes with Intel's integrated graphics rather than discrete graphics. This helps the price stay lower but comes at the cost of having less power.

The option to have a 15-inch version at a lower price point means that consumers have the option to get the form factor of a larger Surface Book without having to pay for discrete graphics and a core i7 processor.

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.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott brings nearly a decade of experience covering Microsoft and Windows news to Windows Central. He joined our team in 2017 as an app reviewer and now heads up our day-to-day news coverage. If you have a news tip or an app to review, hit him up at sean.endicott@futurenet.com.