The Microsoft Surface family will see an upgrade this holiday season with the Surface Book 2 shipping on Nov. 16, followed by the Surface Pro LTE on Dec. 1.
The Surface Pro 2 is the first proper jump in technology for the Surface Book brand that only saw a minor upgrade in 2016 with the Surface Book i7, and what a jump it is. Highlights include the latest 8th-generation Intel Quad-Core processors, a USB-C port (the first for the Surface Book), and up to 17 hours of battery life. Plus, this time there will be two versions of the Surface Book 2: the normal 13.5-inch and a new 15-inch model.
Microsoft is clearly putting an emphasis on how powerful the Surface Book 2 is compared to its predecessors. When the device was announced, Microsoft’s head of engineering for all devices, Panos Panay, said that in terms of graphics the 13-inch model is three times more powerful and the 15-inch is five times more powerful than the original Surface Book.
And those hoping to use the Surface Book 2 as their primary work device will be pleased. Microsoft has maintained the two USB ports, full-size SD card reader, and two Surface connect ports, with the only change being the USB-C port that replaces the mini-display port.
In Canada, the Surface Book 2 starts at $1979. Pre-orders begin on Nov. 9 and it will ship on Nov. 16.
Following the release of the Surface Book 2 is an LTE version of this year’s Surface Pro, although initially, the LTE version will only be available for businesses. Microsoft has yet to confirm pricing, anticipated battery life, or when it will be available for consumers.
The Surface Pro LTE will be available for businesses on Dec. 1.
