Microsoft Surface Book (8GB + 256GB) 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.