Microsoft Surface Book (16GB + 512GB) Review | 168 Data compared

The Verge's 2015 review praises the Microsoft Surface Book as a high-powered hybrid that succeeds primarily as a top-tier traditional laptop, boasting a durable magnesium chassis and a unique "dynamic fulcrum hinge". Key advantages include an excellent keyboard, a productive 3:2 display, and long battery life in laptop mode, with higher-end models offering discrete NVIDIA graphics. However, the design is criticized for a hinge gap that leaves the device partially open, a top-heavy structure when used on a lap, and a very short battery life for the detached tablet portion.

The 2015 Wired review describes the Microsoft Surface Book as a premium, versatile hybrid featuring a unique "Dynamic Fulcrum" hinge and "muscle wire" technology for secure, detaching 13.5-inch display functionality. Key advantages include the versatile "Canvas Mode" for drawing with the Surface Pen, a high-resolution 3000x2000 display, and Windows Hello facial recognition. However, notable drawbacks include a high price point, significant performance reduction in tablet mode due to the GPU being housed in the keyboard, and a slight gap when closed.

The 2015 CNET review describes the original Microsoft Surface Book as a premium, "laptop-first" hybrid featuring a unique "dynamic fulcrum" hinge, a 13.5-inch 3,000x2,000 resolution detachable screen, and an excellent backlit keyboard. A key pro is its clever power distribution, with the keyboard base housing 75% of the battery and an optional Nvidia GPU for up to 12 hours of video playback and robust performance. Despite praising the precise Surface Pen, the review notes cons including a high price, an awkward gap when closed, and a touchpad that underperforms compared to Apple’s, ultimately calling it a powerful "first draft".

The Microsoft Surface Book is a groundbreaking, Editors' Choice-winning detachable hybrid featuring a magnesium-alloy chassis, a unique "dynamic fulcrum hinge" for stability, and a 13.5-inch 3,000-by-2,000 resolution screen. It boasts exceptional battery life (over 15 hours) and strong performance for prosumers, including a detachable tablet with a magnetic Surface Pen. While praised for its design, the laptop has a high price tag and a screen that does not lie flat when closed, plus limited port selection.

The Microsoft Surface Book is a premium, high-performance, 13.5-inch detachable-hybrid notebook featuring a durable, sleek magnesium-alloy design and a brilliant 3,000-by-2,000 resolution display. It earns high praise for its innovative "dynamic fulcrum" hinge and electromechanically detachable screen, though the hinge design prevents the device from laying entirely flat when closed. Pros include powerful performance via 6th-gen Intel Core processors, a functional included Surface Pen, and over 15 hours of battery life with the keyboard base attached, making it a versatile Editors' Choice selection. However, cons include a premium price tag, and limited battery life for the tablet-only portion (~4 hours) and lack of ports on the tablet itself, with most connectivity on the dock.

The Microsoft Surface Book is a premium "laplet" featuring a unique "dynamic fulcrum" hinge, a high-resolution 13.5-inch detachable display, and a dedicated Nvidia GPU for powerful performance. It boasts exceptional build quality, a comfortable keyboard, and an industry-leading trackpad, marking it as a top Windows 10 device. However, the design introduces balance issues, making the device top-heavy on a lap and leaving a gap when closed. The tablet-only battery life is limited to roughly three hours, and the 3:2 screen ratio is less optimized for wide-screen media consumption. Ultimately, the high-cost machine serves as a "no-compromise" tool with a superior stylus experience, though users must contend with a high price point and some software instability. It is considered an ambitious, versatile workstation despite its awkward folded thickness and inherent design compromises.

The Microsoft Surface Book is praised by Photography Life as a premium, "laptop-first" 2-in-1 featuring an exceptionally sturdy magnesium alloy chassis and a high-quality 3:2 aspect ratio display ideal for photographers. Key advantages include strong performance from the dedicated NVIDIA GPU and fast SSD storage, particularly enhancing Lightroom and Photoshop workflows. However, the tablet-only battery life is limited to approximately three hours, and the device carries a high price point that may be hard to justify, according to the review. Drawbacks highlighted in the review include the Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge, which causes noticeable screen wobble and leaves a gap when closed. While the device handles heat well, it can become uncomfortably warm during charging. The review concludes that while it sets high standards for Windows build quality, the high cost is a significant factor, especially for higher-end configurations. Photography Life

In a 2016 real-world review for Forbes, Ewan Spence characterizes the original Microsoft Surface Book as an ambitious but flawed attempt to redefine high-end laptops, calling it a "frustrating view of the future". The review highlights the device's strengths, including a sharp 3000x2000 screen, an excellent keyboard, and a high-quality magnesium chassis. However, significant drawbacks are noted, particularly its poor stability on a lap due to a top-heavy design and a thick, bulky profile caused by the "fulcrum hinge".

The Microsoft Surface Book is a premium, "laptop-first" 2-in-1 hybrid featuring a robust magnesium design and a unique "Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge" that allows for a detachable "Clipboard" screen. Performance is driven by a split architecture, housing the CPU in the tablet and an optional Nvidia GPU in the keyboard base, alongside a vibrant 3:2 PixelSense display and accurate Surface Pen. While offering high performance for its class, the device is criticized for its high price, early software bugs, shorter-than-advertised battery life, and a noticeable gap when closed.