At a Glance
Our Verdict
It’s clear that this is a fairly minor refresh from Microsoft with largely everything about the Surface Laptop staying the same. What you’re namely getting is a new Intel 8th-gen processor for a speed boost. This might not be enough for existing owners to upgrade, despite the gorgeous matt black model. But for anyone looking for a laptop now, this is an improved model at the same price.
Price When Reviewed
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Best Pricing Today
Best Prices Today: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
Microsoft has announced a new version of its popular Ultrabook, but how does the Surface Laptop 2 compare to the first generation and what are the new features? We’ll answer those questions in this comparison.
It’s more than just a new black colour, just.
Surface Laptop 2 vs Surface Laptop: Price
When the first Surface Laptop launched, it cost £979 and $999 in the US. The top spec models pushed the price to £2,699/$2,699.
Now the Surface Laptop 2 is here and it also starts at £979/$999 once again. It goes up to £2,079/$2,699 with a large difference there as the 1TB model is only available in the US as it stands.
Surface Laptop 2 vs Surface Laptop: Design
There’s little to say in this section as Microsoft hasn’t tried to reinvent the stylish and sleek design of the Surface Laptop .
Really, the main thing to note is that the Surface Laptop 2 comes in a new matt black colour option – and it looks stunning.
Otherwise, you get the same Alcantara material cover around the keyboard and the aluminium case. The laptop still weighs 1.25kg and tapers to around 14.5mm.
Surface Laptop 2 vs Surface Laptop: Specs and features
This refresh is a bit like Apple’s ‘S’ devices, where the design remains the same but the core specs get various upgrades.
So, the Surface Laptop 2 brings the benefit of an 8th-generation Intel Core processor – i5 or i7 once again. Microsoft says it’s an ‘astounding 85 percent faster than the original’ which had a 7th-gen Kaby Lake chip.
With the new chip also comes new graphics, so you get UHD Graphics 620 regardless of whether you opt for the i5 or i7.
This time around the device comes with at least 8GB of RAM and the option to double that to 16GB, when the original started at just 4GB. When it comes to storage, things are the same with 128-, 256, 512GB and 1TB options. The largest is only available in the US at the time of writing.
Other specs remain the same including all the ports and the 13.5in PixelSense screen which supports the Surface Pen (optional extra). Microsoft has also kept the same claim for battery life 14.5 hours.
Check out the table below for a keyspecs comparison:
Specs
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2: Specs
- Windows 10 Home
- Microsoft Office 365 30-day trial
- 13.5in PixelSense Display, 2256 x 1504 (201ppi), aspect ratio 3:2, 3.4 million pixels
- Surface Pen enabled
- Compatible with Surface Dial off-screen interaction
- 10-point multi-touch
- Corning Gorilla Glass
- 8th Gen Intel Core i5 or i7
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- 8GB or 16GB RAM
- 128/256/512GB/1TB SSD
- 720p HD camera (front-facing)
- Stereo microphones
- Omnisonic speakers with Dolby Audio Premium
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- USB 3.0
- Mini DisplayPort
- Surface Connect port
- 802.11ac Wi-Fi wireless networking
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Up to 14.5 hours video playback
- 308.02 x 223.20 x 14.47mm
- 1.25kg
- 12 months in-store support and technical assistance
Best Prices Today: Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
Author: Chris Martin, Managing Editor, Tech Advisor
Tech Advisor Managing Editor Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been with us for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
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