There are many rumors going around that Microsoft will releases the Surface Book 2 earlier than expected in order to compete with the new MacBook Pros, which are said to be released in the fourth quarter of 2016. According to a site called University Herald, Microsoft is getting ready to announce the updated Surface Book.
“Looks like a good news for gadget freaks as Microsoft is gearing up to launch its next-generation device, the Surface Book 2 during the company’s October event along with the Surface Pro 5. Rumor has it that Microsoft will unveil its new flagship offerings next month.”
When will the Surface Book 2 arrive? [Image by Daryl Deino]
The beginning of the article, like other similar ones announcing the Surface Book 2, could just be clickbait. After all, the article goes on to state that the Surface Book 2 is more likely to hit the store shelves in Spring 2017, when Redstone 2, the second important update to Windows 10, is released. It also believed that Microsoft will wait for the newly released Kaby Lake processors to be in full supply, which they will be by the beginning of 2017. Besides, after several updates, Microsoft has recently made the first Surface Book a usable device that was marred with many glitches upon its release.
When Microsoft first released the Surface Book in October of 2015, CNET gave it four stars.
“The Microsoft Surface Book packs high-end components, including new Intel processors and optional Nvidia graphics, into a smart, slim body. Some components and most of the battery are hidden in the base, so the tablet half is lighter. The high-res screen looks great, and the included stylus pen is excellent.”
However, CNET, as well as others, noted that there were some first generation bugs, and some buyers said their Surface Book was almost unusable until this past spring. Some of the problems included poor battery life, an unresponsive touchpad, and display driver difficulties. Since the Surface Book was a first generation product, it’s doubtful that the Surface Book 2 will be as problematic upon its release date. According to Vine Report, the next generation Surface Book looks to be a great upgrade.
“Microsoft is set to release a new Surface Book, called the Surface Book 2, and it is expected that the device would be delivering improvements on both its hardware and design. In terms of power and specs, it is expected that the upcoming Surface Book 2 laptop/tablet hybrid would be running under the new Intel Kaby Lake series of chipsets.”
The article adds that Microsoft will also be ditching the hinge that caused a lot of problems with the first generation device, even though Microsoft had claimed the hinge was necessary to separate the screen from the rest of the notebook. It will be replaced with a more refined Dynamic-Fulcrum hinge. Others say that at least one version of the Surface Book will have a 4K screen and a higher-end version that will be VR-capable. There is certainly a lot of excitement for the Surface Book 2 on Twitter.
I want it, but I also want to wait for the Surface Book 2; and also don't have lots of money. https://t.co/exLmKpQHzX
Microsoft will face a lot of competition from Apple, who is said to be releasing the updated 2016 MacBook Pro soon. Apple hasn’t significantly upgraded the MacBook Pro since 2012, and according to Bloomberg, that is all about to change.
“Apple Inc. is preparing the first significant overhaul of its MacBook Pro laptop line in over four years, according to people familiar with the matter, using one of its older products to help reverse two quarters of sliding sales,” says columnist Mark Gurman, who adds that the updated notebooks will be thinner, will include a touch screen strip, and contain more powerful and efficient graphics processors.
The 2016 MacBook Pro is scheduled to be released either in October or November. If Microsoft does release the Surface Book 2 at the same time, consumers will have a lot of great options. Which notebook are you looking forward to the most — the Surface Book 2 or the 2016 MacBook Pro? Let us know in the comments section.
[Featured Image by Andrew Burton/Getty Images]
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