A functional and light laptop. I greatly enjoy the laptop, but it does have it's drawbacks. I do not use the touchscreen features and will frequently have issues with the mechanical connect and disconnect features of the screen. I actually rarely ever disconnect the tablet like monitor, yet it routinely has issues even when I am simply using as a laptop. I have no issues running any single program, however it does not always run multiple programs at once very smoothly. High CPU Demand programs being run concurrently will overwhelm this CPU and without an active cooling system this thing can get extremely hot. The batteries will lose their ability to maintain a charge within 18 to 24 months. The heating issue is slightly better with the Surface Book 2 than the ... MoreA functional and light laptop. I greatly enjoy the laptop, but it does have it's drawbacks. I do not use the touchscreen features and will frequently have issues with the mechanical connect and disconnect features of the screen. I actually rarely ever disconnect the tablet like monitor, yet it routinely has issues even when I am simply using as a laptop. I have no issues running any single program, however it does not always run multiple programs at once very smoothly. High CPU Demand programs being run concurrently will overwhelm this CPU and without an active cooling system this thing can get extremely hot. The batteries will lose their ability to maintain a charge within 18 to 24 months. The heating issue is slightly better with the Surface Book 2 than the Surface Book 1. My wife's Surface Book 1 literally has warped screen with burnout spots from the over heating issues. All and all I believe this is a great laptop for casual users, if you are a power user running high graphic demand programs or heavy CPU usage programs, this is not the laptop for you.

Portable Powerhouse

This laptop is an absolute pleasure to use, extremely versatile and incredibly well designed (to my knowledge there is nothing else quite like it on the market).My Favourite Features:All The Right Ports - x1 USB C, x2 USB 3.1 and x1 SD Card Slot (The USB C port be used for charging the device too which is very handy!)Trackpad - Smooth and responsive similar to a MacBook Pro so you don't always have to take out your mouse when working on the go.Digital Comic Book Reader - Thanks to the gorgeous screen reading comics on this device is lovely.Xbox Wireless Built-in (15" Only) - Once connected you can listen to your laptop audio through the headphone jack of your Xbox controller. This feels epic, especially when you want to enjoy some late night gaming without ... MoreThis laptop is an absolute pleasure to use, extremely versatile and incredibly well designed (to my knowledge there is nothing else quite like it on the market).My Favourite Features:All The Right Ports - x1 USB C, x2 USB 3.1 and x1 SD Card Slot (The USB C port be used for charging the device too which is very handy!)Trackpad - Smooth and responsive similar to a MacBook Pro so you don't always have to take out your mouse when working on the go.Digital Comic Book Reader - Thanks to the gorgeous screen reading comics on this device is lovely.Xbox Wireless Built-in (15" Only) - Once connected you can listen to your laptop audio through the headphone jack of your Xbox controller. This feels epic, especially when you want to enjoy some late night gaming without disturbing anyone!Powerful Hardware - The multitasking and gaming capabilities of this laptop are brilliant.Minor Issues:Screen Detach Time - Sometimes detaching the screen can take a few seconds and may also require shutting down a few programs that can't operate without the base attached. Instead of having to close programs it would be great if the device just paused the relevant program until you attach the screen again. This would just make the detaching process a little smoother in my opinion.Surface Pen Could Have Been Included - The Surface Pen really completes the package in my opinion and works so well with the device I feel like it should have been in the box.In Summary:Before I bought this laptop I used to have to compromise on what tasks I could work on whilst away from my desktop computer. Now I can game, read comics, draw/sketch, program, edit high quality media and more, all whilst on the go.This device is like the Swiss army knife of laptops, it handles everything I've thrown at it with ease. It can do so much yet it doesn't feel like I'm stretching the hardware to do anything it wasn't built to handle, which is why I love it.

[Rewarded Review] Fantastic device that can do it all

I'll try to make this review sweet and quick. If you want a laptop that can do a little bit of everything, this is the device for you. The SB2 (specifically the 15 inch version with the GTX 1060), is a laptop that is a jack of all trades type of computer, but a master of none (if that makes sense). The display is fantastic (however not the greatest compared to the OLED displays that many laptops are being shipped with now). The CPU is great for everyday use and even for some heavy processing work such as video/photo editing, music production, and gaming (however not the most powerful).The design is beautiful, and the tablet functionality is awesome to have as well (although if you opt for this 15 inch version, the tablet isn't as practical in its use unless you're ... MoreI'll try to make this review sweet and quick. If you want a laptop that can do a little bit of everything, this is the device for you. The SB2 (specifically the 15 inch version with the GTX 1060), is a laptop that is a jack of all trades type of computer, but a master of none (if that makes sense). The display is fantastic (however not the greatest compared to the OLED displays that many laptops are being shipped with now). The CPU is great for everyday use and even for some heavy processing work such as video/photo editing, music production, and gaming (however not the most powerful).The design is beautiful, and the tablet functionality is awesome to have as well (although if you opt for this 15 inch version, the tablet isn't as practical in its use unless you're doing a drawing session or watching a media while laying in bed or something along those lines). And the battery life is STELLAR (given the display). I'd say you can expect (assuming you're just doing average productivity work), at least 8-9 solid hours, and probably closer to 10 if you put the battery into battery saving mode. Essentially, as long as you're not doing anything too intensive, you can expect to make it through a full day without needing to worry about finding the nearest power socket. The device itself is beautiful as well. Don't be surprised if you go into a local coffee shop and have people looking at your SB2 or even asking what your laptop is.Last thing I'll touch on is the gaming. Now, given that the 15 inch version comes with the GTX 1060 (which those unfamiliar is a mid-tier graphics card), you can expect to play any new AAA titles with no issues. For many demanding titles, you may not be able to play them at Ultra settings, but High and Medium settings will allow you to yield close to or even above 60 fps consistently. I would just recommend if you do plan on using this game, especially if you're planning to game for longer sessions (such as over 2 hours in one sitting) to undervolt the CPU. You can do this using ThrottleStop, but just make sure you do research before doing this as you could potentially damage the laptop. I personally have undervolted the CPU by around 100 mV, and so far it's been working great. This also lends itself to another advantage that this device has over your average gaming laptop. Because of the unique hinge design, the CPU and GPU are at separate parts of the computer, which allows the computer to not get as hot when gaming or doing intensive tasks that requires the GPU.To sum this review up, if you want one device that can do it all, then the SB2 is the laptop just for you. It has an amazing design, unique tablet functionality, probably the most powerful GPU that you'll currently find in an ultrabook, and awesome battery life. The only con that I've come across is the price itself. I would recommend that if you are interested in purchasing this laptop to wait until a sale comes up. You'll at the very least be able to save around $300 for the laptop, so just wait a bit until you see a sale pop up.

[Rewarded Review] Fantastic digital art/production w/solid gaming

I’ve had this computer for about 6 months, and I can easily say that the 15” Surface Book 2 is the best computer I have ever owned. Every computer has tradeoffs, but those made here are minor, and it is well worth the price for the combination of performance and features. There are more powerful machines out there, but this close to the top for laptops - and those small differences become meaningless when you consider the unrivaled pen/touch support.This is an aritists dream with excellent drawing abilities and pressure/tilt sensitivity, and a great mobile graphics card. I’d highly recommend dowbloading “Tablet Pro” for extra features if you are going to do digital art here.Gaming performance is also great due to the aforementioned graphics card, despite this ... MoreI’ve had this computer for about 6 months, and I can easily say that the 15” Surface Book 2 is the best computer I have ever owned. Every computer has tradeoffs, but those made here are minor, and it is well worth the price for the combination of performance and features. There are more powerful machines out there, but this close to the top for laptops - and those small differences become meaningless when you consider the unrivaled pen/touch support.This is an aritists dream with excellent drawing abilities and pressure/tilt sensitivity, and a great mobile graphics card. I’d highly recommend dowbloading “Tablet Pro” for extra features if you are going to do digital art here.Gaming performance is also great due to the aforementioned graphics card, despite this computer not being marketed as a gaming machine - and it DOES support VR, with some minor caveats: in short, if you want VR, get a Mixed Reality headset (Samsung Odyssey recommended, though any work), and you can use both Steam VR and Oculus software with it (with the Mixed Reality Steam VR add-on, and Remixed from Revive for Oculus software support). Rift won’t set up without trickery, and Vive works but doesn’t perform well under most circumstances - but Mixed Reality works near flawlessly for VR with this computer. As an aside, another benefit for gaming: wireless Xbox controllers work out of the box - no adapters or trickery needed, just add them as you would any wireless device - so, if you have an Xbox One, you already have game controllers for this computer.In short: if you have the money, this is a highly recommend computer for anything you want to do.

[Rewarded Review] Not the best for digital artist

Product Has Serious Overheating issue! First let me say that I've done all the research, I watched youtube, read magazine reviews and spoke with every Best Buy Agent I could. I'm a digital artist, I use mainly Adobe products and I was in the market to find 2 in 1 that work support my art on the go. Of course I thought about getting a Mac because it's industry standard (I now understand why), but I really wanted a 2-1 option. I was looking for something I could draw on and use full programs (as tablets only use apps). So I went to Best Buy and spoke with an agent, told them what I was looking for and they recommended the Surface Book 2. I went home did some research and thought it was a good choice. I even went to 3 different Best Buys in my city and every agent I ... MoreProduct Has Serious Overheating issue! First let me say that I've done all the research, I watched youtube, read magazine reviews and spoke with every Best Buy Agent I could. I'm a digital artist, I use mainly Adobe products and I was in the market to find 2 in 1 that work support my art on the go. Of course I thought about getting a Mac because it's industry standard (I now understand why), but I really wanted a 2-1 option. I was looking for something I could draw on and use full programs (as tablets only use apps). So I went to Best Buy and spoke with an agent, told them what I was looking for and they recommended the Surface Book 2. I went home did some research and thought it was a good choice. I even went to 3 different Best Buys in my city and every agent I spoke to assured me that this machine could handle photoshop and was worth the price tag. So I went for it and purchased this very Expensive "Premium" machine.It's been 1 MONTH and it's unusable for me. This computer gets so overheated I can't even draw on it. In the short time I've had it ,I've only been able to complete 1 illustration and I had to wear a scarf over my hand to it. 5 minutes into running Photoshop the tablet starts to get hot, then the base gets hot.This is honestly the last problem I would expect to have from a machine that is nearly (or more than) $3k. I wanted to do digital art tutorials and videos with this computer, but I can't even do simple illustrations in Adobe without this problem. I'm also an influencer on social media and I can not in good confidence recommend this computer to my audience. I'm so disappointed with the performance of this machine and if it wasn't for best buy's 15 day return policy, it would have been back in store on day 19! I hope this review helps another digital artist before they put alot of money down on this machine.

[Rewarded Review] Overall, the best purchase I've ever made.

The Surface Book 2 is amazing at this level. I purchased the {Microsoft - Surface Book 2 - 15" Touch-Screen PixelSense™ - 2-in-1 Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Silver} and, for the money, it is the best around! Touch screen provides surprisingly stunning and fast visuals, and has great touch/pen response for simple/multi-touch gaming (like "Angry Birds", "Cooking Fever" and "Magic: the Gathering") and drawing applications (like "Krita", "Photoshop" and "Sketchbook Pro"). The SSD makes retrieving my saved files faster than any harddrive I've ever used, and the 2 USB-C ports on the side provide quick and easy access to either more storage or charging/connectivity ports for other mediums such as phones or standalone tablets. Speaking of tablets, the ... MoreThe Surface Book 2 is amazing at this level. I purchased the {Microsoft - Surface Book 2 - 15" Touch-Screen PixelSense™ - 2-in-1 Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - Silver} and, for the money, it is the best around! Touch screen provides surprisingly stunning and fast visuals, and has great touch/pen response for simple/multi-touch gaming (like "Angry Birds", "Cooking Fever" and "Magic: the Gathering") and drawing applications (like "Krita", "Photoshop" and "Sketchbook Pro"). The SSD makes retrieving my saved files faster than any harddrive I've ever used, and the 2 USB-C ports on the side provide quick and easy access to either more storage or charging/connectivity ports for other mediums such as phones or standalone tablets. Speaking of tablets, the Surface Book 2's ability to detach from the base and be used in Tablet mode is wonderful, and a 15-inch tablet with PixelSense visuals makes this comparable to ANY iPad Pro on the market. You are able to take the portable charger even if you don't take the base, and still be able to utilize your media. I personally have connected my Surface Book 2 to my Microsoft XBox One controller via Bluetooth to be able to game, and as this particular Surface Book 2 comes with 16GB RAM, it is capable of playing some of the newer games with great fidelity (I personally have tried "DC Universe Online", "KurtzPel" (FreeToPlay) and "Destiny 2 "FreeToPlay", and the only snags I've really run into is my own internet connection slowing me down (the Surface Book 2 kept up exceptionally well). I also plan to use it for video production for tutorials, but as yet have not tried out any video software on it. As the previous owner of a Surface 2017 model build, I had utilized the video card in that unit which was built with an HDD instead of SSD, and the only real difference between these 2 machines is the storage and screen resolution, so I'm confident it will be able to run the video program I had previously been using. One major downfall is that they should have used a larger power supply. I sometimes see my power draining even while connected when utilizing the graphics card at high framerates and graphic fidelity (with screen at max brightness), but other than that, not very many issues. I've owned this unit for 1 month, but when purchasing ANY electronic, I personally recommend getting the 2yr Best Buy Geek Squad Service Coverage . My previous Surface unit had Charger issues (would not charge the unit, with multiple batteries sent to my house and the store), so don't forget to add that to your purchase!

[Rewarded Review] Powerful with Excellent Build

I am in love with this computer! I have owned HP products for a long time and have been constantly disappointed. Even with my HP Spectre x360 from 2015. I finally had enough money to take the leap to Surface and I do not regret it! Worth every penny! The material is stunning and has a wonderful feel and the full size keyboard is the perfect size and a really comfortable experience. My biggest concern was the infamous gap between the clipboard screen and the keyboard but this is probably the most durably engineered part of the computer. I am a full-time graduate student with a handful of part-time jobs and this thing has changed the way I do work. Having the ability to annotate PDFs and documents with the pen just like you would on a regular piece of paper is my ... MoreI am in love with this computer! I have owned HP products for a long time and have been constantly disappointed. Even with my HP Spectre x360 from 2015. I finally had enough money to take the leap to Surface and I do not regret it! Worth every penny! The material is stunning and has a wonderful feel and the full size keyboard is the perfect size and a really comfortable experience. My biggest concern was the infamous gap between the clipboard screen and the keyboard but this is probably the most durably engineered part of the computer. I am a full-time graduate student with a handful of part-time jobs and this thing has changed the way I do work. Having the ability to annotate PDFs and documents with the pen just like you would on a regular piece of paper is my favorite part about this device. The large screen lets me multitask extremely well and I am loving aspect ratio far more than I thought I would. The battery is large enough to last me a full day and the track-pad is a dream. The small details like that really change my experience here. I was able to play Rise of the Tomb Raider at max setting and it was able to play it fairly well. There was a moment where things were very intense and I had to turn down the graphic settings a touch (turn the 4k down to 2k). The quality is outstanding and it JUST WORKS without having to constantly mess with setting or anything. This is honestly the best use of my money (even though I think it is wildly expensive - but you really are getting what you pay for) and I know its going to last me a very long time.

[Rewarded Review] Professional Grade for work or art

I purchased this machine two replace two - I was using an Alienware R17 for work/digital editing, and a Samsung Tab S3 with pen for artwork. While the Alienware was certainly up to any tasks I had for work, the Tab S3 was not keeping up with the demands of current digital art software. I do digital art as a hobby, and AutoDesk Sketchbook is my program of choice. I wanted a larger screen, more horsepower, and access to the full program on Windows (vs. the limited tool set on the tablet app). After a lot of research I bit the bullet and dropped the $3100 for a new Surface Book 2 (516GB SSD, 15"). I also purchased the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. The computer runs flawlessly and actually seems to be running faster after a month, perhaps it's gotten used to me! The ... MoreI purchased this machine two replace two - I was using an Alienware R17 for work/digital editing, and a Samsung Tab S3 with pen for artwork. While the Alienware was certainly up to any tasks I had for work, the Tab S3 was not keeping up with the demands of current digital art software. I do digital art as a hobby, and AutoDesk Sketchbook is my program of choice. I wanted a larger screen, more horsepower, and access to the full program on Windows (vs. the limited tool set on the tablet app). After a lot of research I bit the bullet and dropped the $3100 for a new Surface Book 2 (516GB SSD, 15"). I also purchased the Surface Pen and Surface Dial. The computer runs flawlessly and actually seems to be running faster after a month, perhaps it's gotten used to me! The machine is cool, quiet, and starts up in a flash. My Autodesk Sketchbook runs like butter, not jitter or delays - as close to drawing on paper as I've ever had in an electronic device, but with all the power, flexibility, and convenience of digital vs. paper. The Microsoft Pen is infinitely better than either the Samsung pen or the Apple Pencil. The size and weight, combined with a very nice rubber nib, provide a nice silky glide with enough resistance so it doesn't feel like drawing on glass ala iPad Pro. The Surface Book gives me access to all of the program's powerful features and although I am not a professional illustrator, I would think even a pro would be able to make good use of this computer as a mobile tool. Haven't had much need for the Dial, I think I would have held off on that, but perhaps I will grow into it.Overall, it's a great machine. Wonderful display, great keyboard, plenty of power and speed in a super light machine. I use the detachable screen every time I draw. I just pop the screen and flip it around and reattach in display mode - the screen and base are still very light and thin.No regrets on this purchase, I would recommend to anyone who needs a solid digital art platform but also needs horsepower for day to day computing needs like video editing, graphics editing, and MS Office programs. Do I wish it was cheaper - of course. But there just isn't anything on the market that compares to the Surface Book - giving you all the features of two or three devices in one compact, light, and efficient machine. I think that if you got a high end gaming machine + an artpad you'd end up at the same price point, but with two devices. Throw in a high end 15" tablet and you're now paying more than a Surface Book, so if you look at it as 3 devices in one (which it truly is) then it's a good value.

[Rewarded Review] This thing ROCKS

I have rarely gotten excited about any piece of hardware. My Ipad 3 was Ho Hum. Smart phones are a yawn and most laptops are just more work for me. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.It is obvious for the first time you start it up this is something different. It is not just a laptop and it is not just a tablet it is a new tool that really is crazy simple to use and be productive.First, the PEN is a must and so is a mouse....sounds crazy but hear me out. The pen for using in tablet mode is super helpful....I find myself on a screen and someone says I wish it looked different you click the erase button 2 times, the screen captures the image and pulls it onto the screen for you to draw on with all the tools you need to be productive. highlight, colors, pens, etc. You can ... MoreI have rarely gotten excited about any piece of hardware. My Ipad 3 was Ho Hum. Smart phones are a yawn and most laptops are just more work for me. THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING.It is obvious for the first time you start it up this is something different. It is not just a laptop and it is not just a tablet it is a new tool that really is crazy simple to use and be productive.First, the PEN is a must and so is a mouse....sounds crazy but hear me out. The pen for using in tablet mode is super helpful....I find myself on a screen and someone says I wish it looked different you click the erase button 2 times, the screen captures the image and pulls it onto the screen for you to draw on with all the tools you need to be productive. highlight, colors, pens, etc. You can save, send print etc the image you were just working on. I have impressed more clients will having this tool right at my finger tips and savings time and notes. It is a super simple extremely helpful tool.The screen is removable and you can remove it and flip it 180 degrees and use the keyboard as the stand while working in tablet mode or just to watch a movie or listen to whatever. The touch screen is really very sensitive and simple to use.This is EVERYTHING you wish you could do with an IPAD and CAN'T.Of course the other great things like REALLY big hard drive, memory fast CPU, super easy to adjust to tasking to conserve battery power. 13 hours I think is not attainable but I have gone 6 to 8 and not black out......All in all I have 2 of these now, 1 for me 1 for my son....IF you are not a developer like me or a industrial designer needing lots of horsepower to render images, the smaller CPU are so fast you wont see a difference. I7 is perfect for what I do and virtual machines seem to fly like they are in native mode. Demo software runs great and the keyboard sits on my lap on the train/plane/couch. The other suface products are pretty cool but they just do not sit on your lap this is really great.

[Rewarded Review] Very frustrated so far I hope it is defective

I have had the Surface book 2 i5 13" 8GB RAM for over a year and, was very happy with it, but I am a developer and with visual studio, SQL Server SSMS and a few other tools, it slowed way down. I know i should have gone for the more ram and faster processor on the first round. but, alas hind sight is 20-20This was my goal with the 15" 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM i7 processor.I am so frustrated now though, what was a great laptop/tablet, has now become a curling iron for me. If i use any application with the discrete internal 1060 NVIDIA adapter the keyboard is within minutes so hot i need to put something between it and my lap.I set chrome to use it, and opened up a website and just sat the laptop on a book on my bed next to me. Within 5 mins it was super hot, and ... MoreI have had the Surface book 2 i5 13" 8GB RAM for over a year and, was very happy with it, but I am a developer and with visual studio, SQL Server SSMS and a few other tools, it slowed way down. I know i should have gone for the more ram and faster processor on the first round. but, alas hind sight is 20-20This was my goal with the 15" 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM i7 processor.I am so frustrated now though, what was a great laptop/tablet, has now become a curling iron for me. If i use any application with the discrete internal 1060 NVIDIA adapter the keyboard is within minutes so hot i need to put something between it and my lap.I set chrome to use it, and opened up a website and just sat the laptop on a book on my bed next to me. Within 5 mins it was super hot, and i know that running it this hot will not make for a long relationship with my tablet as it will die a quick death running that hot consistently. The slower laptop ran better for me but to be honest i must have 16 GB RAM and i7 at least processor.I will take this back tomorrow and hope for a defective item but as i read the reviews my fears are already confirmed by other reviewers, and other articles i have googled.Sadly i went from an evangelist of this product to a total dissatisfied customer in the 10 days i have owned it.I have ran the Surface tool, and done all the updates, and verified all the drivers. Basically there is no air vent for the Fan in the keyboard and it is just too hot to run the 4k screen from what i have seen.All the other aspects of the tablet are a plus, the windows pro, the comfortable keyboard, the back light, the beautiful screen, and even the detatch process. The design is rock solid. If i could use the 1060 Graphics adapter with its ram, i would be happy beyond measure.