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10 Features to Look for in New Microsoft Surface Book 2 Hybrid
When Microsoft releases its second-generation Surface Book, expect some significant improvements, including a 4K display and better battery life.
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The Display Will Go to 4K
Microsoft is eyeing ways to get the Surface Book 2's display to 4K resolution, according to several rumors. The company believes that offering a hybrid with a 4K screen could go a long way in competing against Apple's Retina display technology. It could also enhance the device's credibility among gamers, graphic designers and the increasing number of people interested in super-high-resolution content.
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Bring On the USB-C Port
Following Apple's lead in the MacBook, Microsoft is reportedly planning to add a USB-C port to the Surface Book 2. The port would allow for charging and data transfers, as well as the ability to connect to an external display.
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Microsoft Will Keep the Hinge Technology
Since Microsoft gloated about the hinge technology built into the Surface Book last year, it will certainly be part of the next Surface Book. The hinge is designed to allow users to flip the screen around into tablet position without disconnecting it. In the land of hybrids, that's an extremely appealing feature--and one that helps the Surface Book stand out.
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Better Internal Components, of Course
The second-gen Surface Book will come with better internal components. According to rumors, the device will feature higher-powered Intel processors, as well as a better graphics chip than the Nvidia GeForce GPU it's already offering. That said, Intel isn't expected to launch its seventh-generation Intel Core CPUs until next year, which has thrown some cold water on rumors that the Surface Book 2 will be substantially more powerful than its predecessor.
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The Design Won't Change
Microsoft has little to no interest in changing the Surface Book's design. And why would it? It's already a thin, good-looking device with a top-notch hinge. Until Apple, Lenovo or HP can come up with a dramatically different look for a hybrid, there's just not that much value in changing the Surface Book's design.
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Expect the Latest Version of Windows 10
The Surface Book 2 will run the latest build of Windows 10. Microsoft is trying its hardest to get customers to Windows 10, and any product it sells will come with the operating system. Don't expect anything else.
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Microsoft Will Find Better Battery Life
One of the core complaints about the Surface Book is that it doesn't always deliver on its promised 12 hours of battery life. Expect Microsoft to address that in the Surface Book 2 by making tweaks to the internal components (and perhaps even bundling a bigger battery). Battery life must be better in the Surface Book 2.
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Expect Upgraded Front and Rear Cameras
Since the Surface Book is a hybrid at heart, the device will likely come with upgraded cameras, enabling users to take better snapshots and enhancing video-conferencing quality. The current 5-megapixel front-facing camera might get a boost to an 8-megapixel lens, and the 8-megapixel sensor on the back could go to 12 megapixels.
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The Surface Pen Will Remain
The Surface Book 2 will come with the Surface Pen. However, expect Microsoft to make some of the improvements to the accessory to make it a bit more appealing. The Surface Pen is fine for writing, marking up papers and more, but Apple has fired a salvo over Microsoft's bow with its Pencil. Expect Microsoft to respond with an updated Surface Pen.
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Don't Expect Any Price Changes
There's little reason for Microsoft to change the price on its Surface Book 2. The original Surface Book got off to a strong start and remains one of the more popular products the company sells. By offering enhanced features at the same price, the Surface Book 2 could be an attractive competitor in the notebook market.
Microsoft's Surface Book could be getting an upgrade soon, according to news reports. In an effort to blunt Apple's appeal in the notebook market and attract customers seeking a convertible hybrid PC, Microsoft could launch a second-generation Surface Book as early as June. Other reports, however, say that Microsoft will launch Surface Book 2 at a later date. Whatever the case, Surface Book 2 is coming, and when it does, expect the device to include some significant improvements. Microsoft will likely deliver a better display and fix the battery life troubles that plagued the first-generation model. But Microsoft will also keep some things the same by reportedly sticking with the bundled Surface Pen and keeping the device's popular hinge technology. The Surface Book 2, in other words, will be a mix of new and old. This slide show talks about a combination of new and existing features that Microsoft could offer when it introduces what the market is assuming will be called the Surface Book 2 in the coming months.
- eWeek