Microsoft launches cheaper models of Surface Book 2 and Surface Laptop

Microsoft is making its last year’s Surface Laptop and the Surface Book 2 slightly more affordable by introducing a cheaper variant for both. Since these models come at low prices, their specifications too have been slightly lowered. These are available in the US and are already listed on the website.

The Microsoft Surface laptop, which came out in May last year alongside Windows 10 , had a starting price of $999. But now, the laptop can be purchased starting $799. The new variant sports Intel Core m3 processor along with Intel HD Graphics 615, 4GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage.

For reference, the $999 model sports Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB/8GB RAM options and 128GB inbuilt storage. The $1,599 variant sports Intel Core i7 processor alongside 8GB/16GB RAM options and 256GB inbuilt storage.
On the other hand, the Surface Book 2, which came out in October last year , has a new variant. This is also its 8th variant. The model previously had a base price of $1,499. Now, the new base model costs $1,199. It has the same specifications as the $1499 model but with reduced inbuilt storage of 128GB. Other specifications include Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB LPDDR3 RAM and Intel HD Graphics 620.

The Satya Nadella-led tech giant recently confirmed that it will be bringing the Surface Book 2 laptop to India. The device will enter the market later this year. This will include both 13-inch and 15-inch screen variants. “Later in the year, Surface Book 2 13″ and 15″ will roll out to Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and the United Arab Emirates,” said the company.

The Surface Book 2 can be used in as many as four models – Laptop mode, Tablet mode, Studio Mode and View mode. All the models come with Microsoft’s ‘PixelSense’ displays. The 13.5-inch screen models come with 3000 x 2000 resolution screen, while the 15-inch models sport 3240 x 2160 resolution screen.

They all support two full-size USB 3.1 Gen 1 ports, USB Type-C post, 3.5mm headphone jack, 2 Surface Connect ports and a SD Card reader. Other features supported are Windows Hello face authentication front-facing 5MP camera. At the back there is an 8MP camera. Users also get front-facing Dolby Audio speakers.

In terms of battery, the Surface Book 2 13-inch models are rated to run for up to 17 hours of video playback, which is the same for 15-inch models.