Surface Book i7
A Microsoft Surface Book i7 laptop rests on a tabletop at an event in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., October 26, 2016. Reuters/Lucas Jackson

Within a few days from each other, Microsoft and Apple released the next generation in their successful line of notebooks -- the Surface Book 2 and the 2016 MacBook Pro respectively. Both devices offer unique features, such as a detachable screen and an option Touch Bar, but also hold their own when stripped down to their essentials.

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The Microsoft Surface Book 2

Technically called the Surface Book i7, the Surface Book 2 is powered by the sixth generation Intel Core i7 processor. And as Microsoft has partnered this with a Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M GPU, it is one of the most powerful non-gaming laptops that also offers stellar graphics. To handle this, however, the device experienced a redesign from the inside and weighs a relatively heavier 3.63 pounds.

The Surface Book 2 sports a 13.5 inch screen, which boast a display of 3000 x 2000 pixel resolution. The device has two full-sized USB 3.0 ports, as well as a full-sized SD card reader. Microsoft claimed a 16-hour battery life, but C|Net clocked it in at just over 11.5 hours. The Surface Book i7 is already available for pre-order and is priced at US$2,399 (AU$3,130).

Watch the Surface Book i7 introduction

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The 2016 MacBook Pro

Before the 2016 MacBook Pro was officially announced, the public was itching for a Mac upgrade, and Apple delivered in terms of power. The new generation is powered by Intel’s sixth generation Core i5 processors, which Apple confirmed are configurable to the Core i7 processors. The device also sports an Intel Iris Graphics 540 chip for the standard 13 inch variant and an Intel Iris Graphics 550 chip for the 13 inch model with TouchBar.

The 2016 MacBook Pro display boasts a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution with a LED-backlit display and IPS technology. The device also sports two Thunderbolt 3 ports and weighs in at just over 3 pounds. Its battery life is also better than its predecessor with 10 hours of continuous web use. The lowest-end version of the device is available for pre-order for US$1499 (AU$1,960), while the highest-end variant is priced at US$2,399 (AU$3,130).

Watch the 2016 MacBook Pro introduction

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