Microsoft Surface Book
The logo of Dow Jones Industrial Average stock market index listed company Microsoft (MSFT) is seen on a Surface Book in Los Angeles, California, United States, April 22, 2016. Picture taken April 22, 2016. Reuters/Lucy Nicholson

Microsoft is expected to release its next line of Surface devices by the end of 2017, and Surface Book 2 definitely is part of the line. Microsoft unleashed the Surface Book i7 late 2016, powered by Intel’s previous generation processor. Along with Surface Pro 5, the Surface Book 2 is also said to have the Intel Kaby Lake processor for faster processing and less power consumption. The Surface Book 2 display is said to receive a bump and may have a 4K display. The device could come with an updated Surface Pen.

According to a recent report by Tech Radar, Microsoft Surface Book 2 release date details are still a bit dodgy and the company hasn’t released any official information on the device. Considering the fact that the Surface Book i7 released in October 2016 and is still fresh, Microsoft may choose to release the Surface Book 2 later. Thus, proper information on the laptop may start flowing in only after two months or so. The current model sports a 13.5-inch display with screen resolution of 3,000 x 2,000 pixels.

It has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 GPU. The upcoming Surface Book 2 could offer a more conventional 4K resolution, as Kaby Lake architecture includes better graphics, that improves playback of 4K video and 3D graphics. Microsoft may also think of a better way to detach the screen from the keyboard. The current model has faced a lot of criticism because of its hinge’s locking system. The Surface Book 2 needs a functional hinge that will enable the keyboard to be detached irrespective of whether the device is on or off.

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 also needs a better battery to support 4K content and for the built-in Surface Pen recharge dock. Gamers are also expecting a better graphics chip. Rumours state that the device could be VR-ready. Certain reports have provided an April release date though that’s still unconfirmed. It could come with a price tag of US$1,500 (AU$1,950 approx). Recently the price of the Surface Book was increased in the UK as a result of Brexit.

“In response to a recent review we are adjusting the British pound prices of some of our hardware and consumer software in order to align to market dynamics ... For indirect sales where our products and services are sold through partners, final prices will continue to be determined by them,” a Microsoft spokeswoman recently told Tech Crunch.

It will be interesting to see if Microsoft brings forth the Surface Book 2 in the market amidst the Brexit turmoil. Stay tuned on IBT AU for more updates on Microft’s Surface line of products.

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