Should you buy the black Surface Laptop 2?

Best answer: The Surface Laptop 2 with black finish does not differ at all from other models despite the different color. Nearly all the same hardware configurations are available, and the same high-res touch display is included. The only thing to consider is that the black model is not available with the 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) and thus has a starting price of $1,299.Microsoft: Surface Laptop 2 (From $999)

What other colors does the Surface Laptop 2 come in?

Besides the new black finish on the Surface Laptop 2, you can get it in platinum, cobalt blue, and burgundy. The color finish covers the entire laptop, and with the black option, you'll get a matching bezel that really looks sharp. (None of the models except platinum are available with 128GB SSDs.)

The Surface Pen, with which the Surface Laptop 2 is compatible, is also available in the four same color options: platinum, cobalt blue, burgundy, and black. It's sold separately, so you can grab any color you'd like to either match or offset the Laptop 2.

The Surface Laptop 2 has the same Alcantara keyboard

Like the original Surface Laptop, the second generation has the same Alcantara fabric covering the palm rests and keyboard deck. While the rest of the laptop is primarily made from aluminum, the fabric finish adds a certain level of comfort while typing.

Alcantara is a mix of polyester and polyurethane that emulates the feeling of suede. It's relatively durable, it doesn't easily fade, and you can clean it if it gets stained. It's also vegan-friendly, since it's not made of animal products.

The Surface Laptop 2 has mostly the same features and hardware no matter the color

No matter which color finish you decide on for your Surface Laptop 2, you're going to get the same hardware options (save the 128 GB SSD) and basic features. This second-gen device now comes with 8th Gen Intel Core i5 and i7 processor (CPU) options, up to 16 GB of RAM, and up to a 1 TB SSD.

You get the same ports, including USB-A 3.0, Mini DisplayPort, Surface Connect, and 3.5 mm audio jack, and there's in IR camera here for quick and secure sign-ins with Windows Hello. The 13.5-inch display has a 2,256 x 1,504 resolution with a 3:2 aspect ratio for a beautiful picture with touch and pen support. It will even work with the Surface Dial, though only for off-screen interactions.

Grab the black Surface Laptop 2 to stand out

The new black Surface Laptop 2 is sure to turn heads out in public, and that's really the major reason to pick it up over the other colors. There are still platinum, burgundy, and cobalt blue options if black isn't quite your thing. But keep in mind that the color options will cost more than the entry-level platinum version.

Our pick

Surface Laptop 2

8th Gen Intel Core CPUs and a brand new color.

The Surface Laptop 2 has been updated with more powerful CPUs for a performance increase of about 85 percent, and it's available in a new black color option. You still get a beautiful high-res touch display and premium build no matter which color you check out with.

Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than nine years of experience writing about laptops, PCs, accessories, games, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.