Microsoft is no longer just a boring software company.
The US tech giant been producing its own hardware for a while and has had great success with its Surface range of tablets.
Now the firm is adding to its range of hardware with the launch of its very first laptop.
The all-new Surface Book is Microsoft’s first attempt at a dedicated portable computer and with a super fast processor, long battery life and detachable screen it’s certainly got plenty going for it.
Sadly, like many of Microsoft’s early products the Surface Book has its problems and they might be enough to put you off buying one.
Here’s our full review.
Surface Book review
SCREEN
Hit the on button and the one thing that instantly stands out is the Surface Book's display.
This 13.5 inch PixelSense beauty is one of the best screens we’ve seen on a laptop and is truly sensational.
Microsoft has packed a stunning 3000 x 2000 pixels into the display – that works out at an unbelievable 267pixels-per-inch.
Surface Book Review
For comparison, Apple’s 13 inch MacBook Pro with Retina Display packs 227pixels per inch, and Google’s new ChromeBook Pixel has 239pixels per inch.
The Surface Book’s display looks phenomenal and is bright, pin-sharp with great viewing angles.
It also has a very neat trick up its sleeve which will leave Apple fans weeping into their keyboards.
The Surface Book’s screen detaches at a tap of button turning laptop into a high powered tablet.
It’s a massive bonus and this feature gives the Surface Book an edge of most of its rivals.
Although we love the concept it's worth noting that the tablet only has a three hour battery life once removed from the keyboard.
MIGHTY: Microsoft has packed a stunning 3000 x 2000 pixels into the display
DESIGN
On first impressions the design of the Surface Book is impressive.
Its industrial style oozes class and the laptop feels solid and very well made.
However, there are some niggles with the design and this is where the Surface Book gets irritating.
Unfortunately, the ability to swap between a tablet and a fully-featured laptop does result in a device with a few compromises.
To make this party trick work, the Surface Book includes what the firm calls a Dynamic Fulcrum hinge – and it's not pretty.
Perhaps the worst part of this eye-catching hinge is small gap it leaves between the display and the keyboard when the laptop lid is shut.
This means the Surface Book never completely seals and, although it's not a deal breaker it just looks odd.
Surface Book Review
MIND THE GAP: The Dynamic Fulcrum hinge leaves a little to be desired
The hinge also doesn’t hold the display with quite enough strength and tapping the touchscreen returns a frustrating wobble and bounce from Microsoft’s stellar screen.
There's also another issue with the design and it's all down to what's been packed inside the screen.
Because the display has to function as tablet, it has all sorts of gadgetry inside and that makes it heavy.
Unfortunately this means the device has a habit of toppling over when it’s resting on your lap. And that’s not great for a laptop.
The weight distribution also means you’ll struggle to open the Surface Book one handed and, if you're used to using an Apple MacBook, you'll instantly realise how often you fling open the screen with one finger.
Finally at 1.57kg this thing is heavy and you'll certainly notice it when it's popped inside your bag.
Surface Book review
PERFORMANCE
The Surface Book comes in numerous styles and Daily Star Online was lucky enough to test the top-end machine.
This ships with an Intel Core i7 processor and it will easily cope with everything you throw at it.
Sadly, during our tests the Surface Book crashed on a number occasions with the screen instantly turning darker than a winters night.
Microsoft are fixing these bugs with regular updates but it did make us lose trust in this very expensive machine.
On a more positive note Microsoft has done a stellar job on the chiclet keyboard
The keyboard is quiet when you type, phenomenally accurate and is an absoulte joy to use.
STUNNING:The 13.5 inch PixelSense beauty is one of the best screens we’ve seen on a laptop
TABLET: With the screen removed you've got the ultimate tablet
BATTERY
Microsoft boasts a 13-hour battery life and we certainly found no issues with running low on juice.
This laptop will easily see you through a long-haul flight and still have power left in the tank.
It’s a shame that the screen only has three hours of battery once removed from the keyboard but it’s not a deal breaker.
In all, the Surface Book has impressed us with what it can achieve on a single charge and its battery life is as good as its premium rivals.
EXTRAS: The Surface Book features Microsoft's Pen
EXTRAS
For your cash you not only get a laptop that transforms into a tablet but also a screen that turns into a notepad.
Like the Surface Pro, Microsoft's new tablet comes with a Surface Pen which allows you doodle on the display.
It’s a nice bonus and the pen now sticks firmly to the side of the screen with some very strong magnets.
Other features include a two full-size USB 3.0 ports and there's a 5 megapixel front-facing camera and 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with autofocus and 1080p HD video recording.
As well as taking pictures these cameras are used to recognise your face and log you in, so there’s no need for passwords.
This facial recognition feature is excellent and even works when the lights are low.
Finally, the Surface Book includes front-facing stereo speakers with Dolby audio.
PRICE
If you were hoping to treat yourself to a Surface Book be prepared for an almighty shock.
The starting price for this new laptop is £1,299 and this rises to a staggering £2,249 for the top of the range model.
Even Apple’s MacBook Pro starts at a lower price and we can’t help thinking this is simply too much for a laptop.
VERDICT
Microsoft's new laptop is a mixed bag.
There's plenty to like about this computer and, with its fast processor, long battery life and stunning detachable screen, it should be must-have gadget.
But sadly there's just too many niggles to make this the ultimate laptop.
The Surface Book is too heavy, too unstable on your lap and just way too expensive.
The fact it crashed so many times during our test is also a major worry, although Microsoft says it is sorting the software issues.
However, this is Microsoft’s first attempt at a laptop and it's certain to get better.
And when it does this computer will have the competition very afraid.
If you're desperate to own the Surface Book you will enjoy using it, but we've got a feeling the Surface Book 2 will definitley be worth waiting for.
Source:Daily Star UK
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