With the recent release of the Microsoft Surface Laptop vs Surface Book, many people are wondering which device they should get. This blog post will compare these surface devices to help you decide. The first section will talk about what each device has to offer and then go into detail about its pros and cons.
In the second section, medCPU will answer some frequently asked questions that may have come up during your research process. At last, we’ll conclude by talking about which one is best for you!
About Surface Laptop:
The Surface Laptop is Microsoft’s take on an ultra-portable laptop. It comes in two sizes: the 13.53″ model and the 15″ variant that was just introduced last year to replace the now-discontinued 14″. The latter has been redesigned with a new hinge system that allows for more angles than before, as well as a new dark finish.
The 13.53″ model is lighter and thinner than its predecessor, coming in at just over a kilo (or less than two pounds) – making it one of the lightest laptops on the market today.
Pros:
+ Lightweight for an ultra-portable laptop
+ Sleeve included with purchase
+ Speakers are placed on the top of the keyboard, allowing for a better sound experience
+ New hinge system offers more viewing angles than the previous model
Cons:
– Battery life is not as good as its predecessor in the 14″ size (should get up to 16 hours).
Read also our guide about Laptop vs Tablet Comparison, Click here.
About Surface Book:
The Surface Book is Microsoft’s take on a high-powered laptop. It has an updated, slimmer design that makes it less bulky than before – and one of the thinnest laptops in its class.
The new 15″ model weighs just over two pounds (less than what most ultraportable laptops weigh) and comes with a detachable screen – making it a hybrid laptop/tablet.
The 13.53″ variant doesn’t have a detachable screen but comes with an included keyboard cover that features Alcantara fabric for better keys and touchpad experience when not in use.
Pros:
+ Surface Book is slimmer than the previous model (includes new hinge system)
+ Screen is detachable, making it a hybrid laptop/tablet device
+ Keys and touchpad are covered by Alcantara fabric when not in use
Cons:
– Battery life is less than 15″ model (should get up to 12 hours) – with the screen detached. With the screen attached, battery life drops to around three hours
– Thicker than the previous model.
Surface Laptop vs. Surface Book
Specs & Price
| Microsoft Surface Laptop | Microsoft Surface Book | |
| Price Range | $999 to $2,199 | $1,499 to $3,299 |
| Weight & Thickness | 2.8 pounds, 0.6 inches thick | 3.3 pounds, 0.9 inches thick |
| Colors | Platinum, burgundy, cobalt blue, graphite gold | Silver |
| Materials | Aluminum, Alcantara keyboard deck | Magnesium |
| Display | 13.5 inches, 2256 x 1504 | 13.5 inches, 3000 x 2000 |
| Ports | USB 3.0, mini DisplayPort, headphone jack | Two USB 3.0 ports, full-size SD card reader, mini DisplayPort, headphone jack |
| CPU | 7th Gen Core i5, Core i7 | 6th Gen Intel Core i5, Core i7 |
| RAM | 4GB, 8GB, 16GB | 8GB, 16GB |
| SSD | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB |
| Graphics | Intel HD 620, Iris Plus 640 | Intel HD 520, Nvidia GeForce GPU (1GB), Nvidia GeForce GTX 965M (2GB) |
| Special Features | Works with Surface Pen and Surface Dial | Works with Surface Pen (included) and Surface Dial. Detachable display |
Design
While the Microsoft Surface Laptop was designed with form in mind and the Surface Book with function in mind, it is clear that the Microsoft Surface Book is all about functionality. The Surface Laptop is a jaw-dropper with its aluminum construction measuring just 0.6 inches thick, a shiny Windows logo, and an Alcantara deck.
It’s soft, comfortable, and reminiscent of a luxury car interior. The Surface Laptop comes in platinum on all models. However, the $1,299 model allows you to choose from three additional colors: cobalt, graphite, and burgundy.
The Surface Book is heavier at 3.3 pounds and thicker at 0.9 inches. The Surface Book is not what you’d expect from a regular laptop. It has a fulcrum hinge with bendable treads connecting the display to its base.
It’s otherwise plain and gray with the sleek, rounded edges you’re used to from premium notebooks. Surface Book is different from the Surface Laptop in that the display can be detached and used as a tablet to draw and ink. It can be flipped back into the dock to use as a drawing tablet or display.
Display
The Laptop and the Surface Book both have 13.5-inch displays. However, the latter has more pixels. The surface Book’s resolution is 3000×2000, while the Surface Laptop’s resolution is 2256×1504.
The difference between the two screens is so subtle that most people will not notice it. Both screens can be touched with input via the Surface Pen or Surface Dial. Only the Book has the stylus.
We are excited about the Surface Laptop because it is bright (387 nits), vivid (98.5 percent of the sRGB gamut), and vibrant. When it arrives in our labs, we’ll be able to see how it compares.
Ports
Microsoft Surface Book features two USB 3.0 ports, an SD card reader full-size, and a mini DisplayPort. It also has a headphone jack. Although there aren’t many ports on the Surface Book, it has enough to satisfy most users.
The Surface Laptop’s ports selection is far less than the Surface Laptop. The Surface Laptop comes with a single USB 3.0 port and a mini DisplayPort. There is also a headphone jack.
The charging connector is unique to both machines. This connector can also be used to charge the Surface Dock ($200 optional peripheral). As there are many accessories, we would prefer to see the Surface Laptop have a USB Type C port.
The Surface Book is given a pass because it’s an older design. However, we would love to see it return there when it comes time for a refresh.
Battery Life
The Microsoft Surface Book could withstand 12 and a quarter hours of continuous browsing over Wi-Fi by Laptop Mag Battery Test. This is a lot of endurance. Microsoft promises that the Surface Laptop will last for 14.5 hours with Windows 10 S. When it arrives in our labs, we’ll test it.
Surface Laptop 4 vs Surface Book 3: What’s the Difference?
The Laptop and Book look very similar on the surface. Both can be used to provide portable computing services and are designed the same way as a traditional laptop, but they’re both extraordinarily slim and well-designed.
The Book’s removable display is where they diverge. You can remove the Book and use it as a Windows tablet. However, it is worth noting that both the Laptop (and the Book) have touchscreens and are compatible with Microsoft Pen.
The Laptop is better for work, but the Book is better for creativity and play.
Both models are great options for those working in the pandemic era. They can bridge the gap between home and office thanks to their power, as well as the excellent battery life.
Surface Laptop 4 Compared with Laptop 3
The answer to your question if you want to upgrade from your Surface Laptop 3 to the Surface Laptop 4 is yes. The Laptop 4 has more powerful processors than the Surface Laptop 3.
However, it isn’t a big leap over the Laptop 3, and the newer models offer more value for money than the Laptop 3 models. If you already own the Laptop 3 model, this won’t be a comfort.
However, one leap is battery life. The Surface Laptop 3 took around 11 hours to charge, while the Laptop 4 takes up to 19.
If you are new to the Surface Laptop range, the 3 is not for you. Instead, get the 4!
FAQs about Surface Book and Surface Laptop
Can the Surface laptop’s touchscreen display also function as a tablet?
Yes! The touch screen features of this device make it easy for users to switch between modes. This allows them to enjoy all that their computer has to offer without having to worry about being limited when they use their machine in different ways.
Is there any difference between Microsoft’s new Surface Pro and its predecessor?
No! While some people may have hoped that Microsoft would release an updated version of the original Surface Pro, these hopes were dashed upon the company releasing information regarding their newest product line; both devices are perfect options for those that want a laptop and tablet in one device!
Which model of the Microsoft Surface is best for me?
Ultimately, this decision will come down to your needs. If you plan on taking your computer everywhere with you or if its battery life is extremely important to you then we recommend going with the surface Laptop.
However, if these factors are less crucial to you then go with whichever product speaks most to what features are most important for that specific person.
Conclusion: Which one should you get?
In conclusion, both devices have their own pros and cons but ultimately they’re interchangeable options based upon different preferences from users. We believe that either machine would be a perfect option so it really comes down to a personal choice between two wonderful products offered by Microsoft!
Eyal Ephrat serves as the co-founder and CEO of medCPU.com, where technology is making significant strides in the field of medicine. Through his experience in purchasing PC and laptop equipment and various other tech products, Eyal Ephrat contributes valuable insights to medCPU’s mission.
