Processor 6th generation (Skylake) Intel Core i7 Is this a good upgrade? No, unless you really need that additional storage. What you’re paying extra for: $300 over the Surface Book i5/8 GB/256 GB model to upgrade from 256 GB to 512 GB of storage. The dGPU in this model provides little advantage for most productivity workers, is not suitable for video games, and will impact battery life slightly. What you’re paying extra for: $200 for an NVIDIA GeForce dGPU with 1 GB of GDDR5 memory. Is this a good upgrade? Yes, if you need the additional storage. What you’re paying extra for: $200 to upgrade from a 128 GB SSD to a 256 GB SSD. Processor 6th generation (Skylake) Intel Core i5ĭedicated GPU: No Surface Book i5/8 GB/256 GB Models are listed in order of price, with the least-expensive model first. So here’s what the lineup looks like today, ahead of an expected Spring 2017 release of Surface Book 2. A model with a 1 TB SSD was added in early 2016, and this month Microsoft announced higher-end Performance Base models with a revised keyboard design and a speedier dGPU with more RAM.

Surface Book debuted in October 2015 with several models, but it has expanded this product line a few times since. Some higher-end Surface Book models also feature a dedicated graphics processor (dGPU) with either 1 or 2 GB of RAM. That display contains the “guts” of the PC and a small battery, and it can be detached from the keyboard base and used like a giant tablet that Microsoft calls a clipboard. Each model features an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, 8 to 16 GB of RAM, 128 GB to 1 TB of speedy SSD storage, and a 13.5-inch 3000 x 2000 (267 ppi) PixelSense Display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. Surface Book, in case you missed it, is Microsoft’s detachable laptop. Here’s what Microsoft’s Surface Book lineup looks like today. While I was told months ago not to expect a Surface Book 2 at this month’s Windows 10 event, Microsoft has nonetheless expanded the existing product lineup with several new models.

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