Microsoft Launches Cheaper Flagship Surface Book SKU Without Dedicated GeForce GPU
However, Microsoft is now advertising those same specs, minus the dedicated NVIDIA GPU, for $2,999. The new SKU is not yet available for purchase direct from Microsoft, but you can see it in all its glory via the Microsoft Store. Somewhat confusingly, this is the third Surface Book to be made available with a Core i7, 16GB RAM and a 1TB SSD. There’s also a $3,199 SKU that includes a less powerful GeForce GPU for $3,199.
The Surface Book is still a convertible that of often imitated by the competition, although none has resonated quite as loudly. Besides the aforementioned specs, the Surface Book is dominated by a 13.5-inch display with a resolution of 3000 x 2000 (267 PPI). It comes with 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports, a 5MP front-facing camera and an 8MP rear camera.
With the new $2,999 SKU, the Surface Book is rated for up to 12 hours of battery life. However, the Surface Book models with the Performance Base (GeForce GTX 965M) are capable of lasting up to 16 hours per charge.
We’re still waiting on a next generation Surface Book model to launch, hopefully by the end of the year. Although we are not privy to Microsoft’s hardware roadmap, it sure would be nice to see a Kaby Lake- or Cannonlake-powered successor in late 2017 to coincide with the release of Windows 10 Redstone 3.
