Most 15″ models come with a GTX 1060, which should be enough to run most modern games at 1080p 60 fps and high settings. The 13.5″ inch version opts for a GTX 1050, which should still provide a decent gaming experience at medium settings.
Surface Book 2 Specifications
As predicted, both will feature Intel’s 8th generation i7 processor, or a choice of an i5 6th-gen model. Here’s a rundown of all the specs:
Graphics (13.5″): Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete GPU w/2GB VRAM Graphics (15″): Intel UHD Graphics 620 integrated GPU, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU w/6GB VRAM Display (13.5″): PixelSense Display, 3000 x 2000, (267 PPI),1600:1 contrast ratio, 10-point multi-touch G5 Display (15″): PixelSense Display, 3240 x 2160, (260 PPI),1600:1 contrast ratio, 10-point multi-touch G5 CPU: 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8650U (quad-core) with up to 4.20 GHz Max Turbo, 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7300U with up to 3.50 GHz Max Turbo Memory: 16 GB 1866Mhz LPDDR3, 8 GB 1866Mhz LPDDR3 Storage: 256 GB SSD, 512 GB SSD,1 TB SSD Battery: Up to 17 hours of video playback Cameras: 5 MP front-facing with Windows Hello, 8.0 MP rear-facing Ports: 2 USB 3.0 Type-A, USB Type-C, UHS-II SDXC card reader, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2 Surface Connect Audio: Front-facing stereo with Dolby Audio Premium
Other than graphics, the other difference is in the display. Both have the same 3:2 aspect ratio, but the 15″ opts for a 3240×2160 resolution and a slight decrease in PPI.
Of course, the larger form factor also adds to the weight, but overall, both are reasonable. The 13.5″ model weighs starts at just 3.38 lbs, while the 15″ starts at 4.2 lbs. In comparison, the current i5 Surface Book weighs 3.34 lbs, so both are heavier. However, according to Gizmodo, the weight is balanced better this time around, meaning you won’t experience any real strain while holding either. You can also detach the display, bringing the weight down to 1.59 lbs for the 13.5″ and 1.8 lbs for the 15″ variant. On its own, the display will last about 5 hours, but this time Microsoft has taken a step forward. You’ll be able to charge the Surface Book 2 via that USB-C slot as well as the Surface port. It’s a significant upgrade, and that comes with a big price. The base 13.5″ model will range from $1500-$2000, while the 15″ starts at $2500. Pre-orders open on November 9 at the Microsoft Store and will ship on November 16.