The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is expected to launch on November 16, 2017.
There are two Surface Book 2 models, a 13-inch and a more powerful 15-inch version, both with discrete NVIDIA GeForce GPUs for extra graphics power.
Here are the full specifications for both models and how they compare.
Surface Book 2 full specifications
| Model | Surface Book 2 13-inch | Surface Book 2 15-inch |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Core i5-7300U (3.2GHz) Core i7-8650U (4.2GHz) | Core i7-8650U (4.2GHz) |
| Display size | 13.5" PixelSense Display 1600:1 contrast ratio | 15" PixelSense Display 1600:1 contrast ratio |
| Display resolution | 3000 x 2000 3:2 aspect 267 PPI | 3240 x 2160 3:2 aspect 260 PPI |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB | 16GB |
| Native graphics | Intel HD Graphics 620 Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620 |
| Discrete graphics | Core i5: None Core i7: NVIDIA GTX 1050 (2GB) | NVIDIA GTX 1060 (6GB) |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB | 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB |
| Battery | 70WHr Up to 17 hours Up to 5 hours in Tablet Mode | 80WHr Up to 17 hours Up to 5 hours in Tablet Mode |
| Power supply | 39W (i5) 95W (i7) w/ Type-A charging port (5W) | 95W w/ Type-A charging port (7.5W) |
| Wireless | Marvel Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1 | Marvel Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1 |
| Xbox Wireless | No | Yes, built-in |
| Ports | Two USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen1) One USB Type-C w/ video, power in/out and USB 3.1 (Gen1) data Full-size SDXC card reader (UHS-II) Headphone jack (3.5mm) Two Surface Connect ports (1 in tablet, 1 in keyboard base) | Two USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen1) One USB Type-C w/ video, power in/out and USB 3.1 (Gen1) data Full-size SDXC card reader (UHS-II) Headphone jack (3.5mm) Two Surface Connect ports (1 in tablet, 1 in keyboard base) |
| Audio | Stereo Speakers w/ Dolby Audio Premium Windows Sonic for Headphones Dolby Atmos for Headphones compatible | Stereo Speakers w/ Dolby Audio Premium Windows Sonic for Headphones Dolby Atmos for Headphones compatible |
| Security | TPM 2.0 hardware chip Common Criteria (CC) EAL4+, FIPS 140-2 level 2 Windows Hello face sign-in | TPM 2.0 hardware chip Common Criteria (CC) EAL4+, FIPS 140-2 level 2 Windows Hello face sign-in |
| Dimensions | 312 mm x 232 mm x 15-23 mm (L x W x D) 12.3 in x 9.14 in x 0.59 to 0.90 in | 343 mm x 251 mm x 15-23 mm (L x W x D) 13.5 in x 9.87 in x 0.57 to 0.90 in |
| Weight | i5 total: 1,533 g (3.38 lbs) i7 total: 1,642 g (3.62 lbs) Tablet: 719 g (1.59 lbs) | Total: 1,905 g (4.20 lbs) Tablet: 817 g (1.80 lbs) |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer | Ambient light sensor Accelerometer Gyroscope Magnetometer |
| Cameras | 5.0MP 1080p video at 30 FPS (front) 8.0MP 1080p video at 30 FPS with auto-focus (rear) | 5.0MP 1080p video at 30 FPS (front) 8.0MP 1080p video at 30 FPS with auto-focus (rear) |
| Windows Hello | IR Camera | IR Camera |
| Price | Starts at $1,499 | Starts at $2,499 |
| Availability | November 16, 2017 Preorders: November 9, 2017 | November 16, 2017 (U.S.) Preorders: November 9, 2017 |
Surface Book 2 processors
Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models feature the new eighth-generation Intel Quad-Core Core i7-8650U processors with a maximum turbo boost of 4.2GHz and 16GB of RAM.
On the 13-inch model with the Core i7 runs at 15W, while the 15-inch model runs at 20W.
The entry-level Surface Book 2 at 13 inches costs $1,499 and uses an older, seventh-generation Intel dual-core Core i5-7300U processor that maxes out at 3.2GHz. It has 8GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage. This model has no discrete GPU.
Surface Book 2 storage
All versions of the Surface Book 2 use PCIe NVMe SSDs for internal storage. It is not user upgradable. Storage sizes are available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB options.
Surface Book 2 graphics
For the Core i7 models, the 13-inch has a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics card with 2GB of GDDR5 video memory.
The more substantial 15-inch model, however, has a much more powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card and 6GB of GDDR5 video memory.
Surface Book 2 fans
How Microsoft cools the Surface Book 2 depends on the model.
- 13-inch Core i5: No fans.
- 13-inch Core i7: No fan in display or tablet. Fan in keyboard base for NVIDIA GPU.
- 15-inch Core i7: Fan in display and tablet. Fan in keyboard base for NVIDIA GPU.
The 15-inch Surface Book 2 has multiple fans because the Intel Core i7 processor runs at a full 20W all the time, whereas the 13-inch Core i7 runs at 15W and therefore is passively cooled.
Since the 13-inch Surface Book 2 with a Core i5 does not have a NVIDIA GPU, it needs neither a fan in the display or tablet area for the CPU nor one in the keyboard base for graphics.
Surface Book 2 ports
All Surface Book 2s have the same port configuration regardless of size or model.
Microsoft is still using its proprietary Surface Connect for power and the optional Surface Dock. There are also two USB Type-A 3.1 (Gen 1) ports for data and charging out. There is also a full SDXC card reader and USB Type-C instead of a mini DisplayPort.
Surface Book 2 USB Type-C
All Surface Book 2's have a USB Type-C 3.1 port instead of the mini DisplayPort found in the original Surface Book. It is not Thunderbolt 3 compliant, however, so there is no external GPU (eGPU) support.
What the Type-C Display Port can do for output depends on how it is used. When splitting it between power, data, and display, such as through the Surface Dock, users will get only two lanes of PCIe for the screen. That results in a maximum secondary display resolution of 2880 x 1800 at 60Hz allowing the most popular resolution today — QHD (2560 x 1440) — to be used.
Alternatively, if you are only using a secondary display through USB Type-C (using all four PCIe lanes), the Surface Book 2 supports up to a 4K output resolution at 60Hz.
External USB Type-C docks, including third-party options, are all supported through the USB Type-C port on the Surface Book 2.
Surface Book 2 and Xbox Wireless
Only the 15-inch Surface Book 2 features built-in Xbox Wireless support letting users connect an Xbox game controller using the native protocol.
The 13-inch Surface Book 2 can utilize the newer Xbox One S controller via Bluetooth instead, though it loses haptic feedback.
Surface Book 2 charging
All Surface Book 2s use the proprietary magnetic Surface Connect port and charger for power
The Core i5 13-inch uses a small 39W charger, while the Core i7 models (13-inch and 15-inch) both have larger 95W Surface chargers.
While both Core i7 Surface 95W chargers also have a secondary USB Type-A port for charging peripherals, the 15-inch charger supports 7.5W versus just 5W for the 13-inch model.
Users can also recharge the Surface Book 2 with a USB Type-C charger as long as it is powerful enough. Devices can be charged from the Surface Book 2, such as a phone using USB Type-C.
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