Clamshell notebook
The Surface Laptop 2 is available at a cheaper price than the Surface Book 2, but it's not as versatile with its clamshell design and lack of discrete GPU, and its display isn't quite as stunning. However, if you want a standard notebook without the extra modular features, it remains a standout device.
Pros
- Light, slim build.
- Cheaper than Surface Book 2.
- Four colors available (including black).
- Traditional notebook experience.
Cons
- No discrete GPU.
- Not as versatile as Surface Book 2.
Modular powerhouse
The Surface Book 2 really can do it all, thanks to a modular design, high-res touch display, and powerful hardware options. It's available in 13.5- and 15-inch sizes to help fit your needs, but it's certainly going to cost you more than the Surface Laptop 2.
Pros
- Higher resolution display.
- Two sizes available.
- Modular design.
- Discrete GPU options.
Cons
- More expensive than Surface Laptop 2.
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
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Surface Laptop 2 | Surface Book 2 (13.5 inch) | Surface Book 2 (15 inch) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | 8th GenIntel Core i5-8250UIntel Core i7-8650U | 7th GenIntel Core i5-7300U8th GenIntel Core i7-8650U | 8th GenIntel Core i7-8650U |
| RAM | 8, 16 GB | 8, 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Storage | 128, 256, 512 GB1 TB | 256, 512 GB1 TB | 256, 512 GB1 TB |
| Display size | 13.5 inchesTouch | 13.5 inchesTouch | 15 inchesTouch |
| Display resolution | 2,256 x 1,5043:2 aspect ratio | 3,000 x 2,0003:2 aspect ratio | 3,240 x 2,1603:2 aspect ratio |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 620 | Intel UHD Graphics 620NVIDIA GTX 1050 | NVIDIA GTX 1060 |
| Ports | USB-A 3.0Mini DisplayPortSurface Connect3.5 mm audio | Two USB-A 3.1USB-C 3.1Two Surface Connect3.5 mm audioSD card reader | Two USB-A 3.1USB-C 3.1Two Surface Connect3.5 mm audioSD card reader |
| Biometrics | IR camera for Windows Hello | IR camera for Windows Hello | IR camera for Windows Hello |
| Battery | Up to 14.5 hours | 70 Wh | 80 Wh |
| Dimensions | 12.13 inches x 8.79 inches x 0.57 inches(308.1 mm x 223.37 mm x 14.48 mm) | 12.3 inches x 9.14 inches x 0.51 - 0.90 inches(312 mm x 232 mm x 13 - 23 mm) | 13.5 inches x 9.14 inches x 0.59 - 0.90 inches(343 mm x 251 mm x 15 - 23 mm) |
| Weight | From 2.76 pounds | From 3.38 pounds | From 4.20 pounds |
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.
Notebook computing done right.
With 8th Gen Intel Core CPU options, a beautiful touch display, and light, slim build, the Surface Laptop 2 is perfect for handling a standard day's work.
It costs more, but it has a lot to offer.
The Surface Book 2 can handle just about anything you throw at it thanks to powerful hardware and a design that lets you use it as a notebook or tablet. Gaming, design, or standard tasks, the Book 2 won't complain.
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.
