Microsoft’s new two-in-one hybrid SurfaceBook portable notebook could become a new reference design that sets a high standard for this category of portables.
right off its sleek top there are numerous features that make Surface Book the platform to watch.
It’s 13,5-inch, detachable tablet screen is bright enough and has enough screen real estate and deep resolution to make the new Microsoft portable a great platform for any graphics intensive application. Surface Book overcomes my objection with many of the large screen tablets--including Apple’s -- and most of the hybrids I’ve reviewed with its high resolution 3000x2000 pixel display.
The demonstration I saw of the $1,499 entry- level Surface highlighted its graphics and processing power.
The basic configuration of the new two-in-one hybrid includes a 128GB SSD, 8GB of system memory and a Intel i5 processor. Compared to hybrids with smaller screens, Surface Book appears to be equipped to handle any task.
The design of Microsoft’s first-ever labeled computer, is first rate.It’s light, weighing just under 3.5 pounds and it has a remarkable fit and finish. without any protruding edges that could get snagged on a book bag or other carrying case. The case of the SurfaceBook is made of magnesium, which will help hold up to rough service
Any hybrid portable user who has to live with their machines extended periods will appreciate mechanical features like its hinge, screen tablet release mechanism and keyboard.
The keyboard is easy to use for extended periods and, unlike those used on most other two-in-one notebooks (except Lenovo’s Yoga) feels crisp. a stylus ships standard with the Surface Book.
Worried about battery life on a long haul flights? Don’t give it a second thought. Microsoft claims Surface Book's battery life is 12 hours even when running battery vampire applications such as playing videos.
It’s more likely someone would tire using this computer before its battery drained.
Microsoft SurfaceBook is a great demonstration of this pioneering company’s to marshal all of its assets (applications, design usability, plus research and development) behind a single project.
One of the effects of this cooperation is that Surface Book comes standard with a trial to MicrosoftOffice subscription and Microsoft's video editing application
The net effect here is a product that excels as a big screen tablet and notebook computer.
Priced at $1,499, SurfaceBook is more expensive than other two-in-ones, but it may be the standard that becomes a reference design for this form factor in the years ahead.
As for me,I know two things:1, I want to spend a couple of days testing this platform to make sure it’s ship shape and squared away and 2, I'm pretty sure I’ve dropped enough hints to the Powers That Be to make sure they know what I want for my upcoming birthday and Christmas.
I’m anxiously awaiting an opportunity this week at a conference to be able to play with a Surface Book for several hours.My hopes are up--Jim Forbes on November 1, 2015.