• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises

3

Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises

3

Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
TechMicrosoft

Hands-on with Microsoft’s Surface Book, the ‘ultimate’ laptop

By
Kif Leswing
Kif Leswing
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Kif Leswing
Kif Leswing
Down Arrow Button Icon
October 6, 2015, 4:10 PM ET
Kif Leswing

On Tuesday, Microsoft announced several new products at its hardware event in New York City: two new Lumia smartphones running Windows 10, a new fitness-focused wearable called Microsoft Band 2, and Surface Pro 4 tablet.

However, the most-buzzed about product at the launch was the laptop/tablet hybrid Surface Book, which the company is calling the “ultimate” laptop. The Surface Book, Microsoft’s first in-house laptop, starts at $1499 for its entry level model equipped with a Intel Core i5 processor and 128GB, and goes up to $2,699 for a model with 512GB and a Core i7 processor. Unlike previous devices, the Surface Book is a laptop first, and a tablet second: The laptop’s screen detaches from the keyboard to become a standalone tablet.

In a small area connected to the event, I was able to try out Microsoft’s (MSFT) latest tablets, which included putting its new trackpads and keyboards through its paces and short conversations with Microsoft’s digital assistant Cortana.

The first thing you need to know about the Microsoft Surface Book is that it’s light. Microsoft put a lot of effort into making both the keyboard and screen components skinny and durable, and for the most part they’ve succeeded. In fact, when the Surface Book’s 13.5-inch screen is detached and separated from its keyboard, it makes the smaller Surface Pro 4 feel thick and heavy.

In tablet mode, the Surface Book—which is bigger and more unwieldy than the the company’s new 12-inch Surface Pro 4—works better for extended use thanks to its weight. Without the keyboard, the Surface Book is 1.6 pounds, much lighter than the Surface Pro 4 that clocks in at 1.69 pounds and features a smaller screen.

The Microsoft Surface Book is a formidable laptop. According to Microsoft, it has a standalone Nvidia graphics processor installed in its keyboard, which means it can run professional-level apps like AutoCAD and Adobe Photoshop. Several other high-end Windows laptops have included discrete graphics cards before, but it’s impressive that Microsoft was able to cram an Nvidia GPU into a tablet. However, when you convert the Surface Book into a tablet, it won’t be able to use its Nvidia GPU, reverting to the graphics processor included with its Intel processor.

Converting the Surface Book from a laptop into a tablet is easy. On the device’s keyboard, there’s a button on the upper right-hand side of the keyboard, which was once used to eject CDs. Now that space features a new button that when pressed lets you detach the Surface Book tablet from its keyboard. There’s a satisfying vibration when the keyboard is removed.

The keyboard and trackpad attached to the Surface Book are both fantastic. The trackpad is certainly comparable to those found on MacBooks. The keyboard is fully-sized, but has chiclet-style keys that offer a significant amount of resistance when pushing down. However, in my brief time using it I don’t expect its physical interface to be a deal breaker for anyone, and I can see the keyboard gaining fans of its own.

Meanwhile the Surface Pro 4 received an upgrade all its own, but you should think of it as an “S-year” upgrade. There isn’t a whole lot that’s new with the Surface Pro 4, but on the whole it’s more refined. The laptop’s size remains the same as last year’s model at 12-inches, but Microsoft has shrunk its bezels to pack in a little bit more into the screen. According to Microsoft, it’s added a new chipset to make its touch interface smoother and more effective. Like most upgrades, it’s slightly faster and skinnier than its predecessor.

The Surface Pro 4 starts at a more affordable $899, gets a better keyboard cover and significantly larger trackpad, which addresses one of the biggest issues with its predecessor.

Unfortunately, the device’s Type Cover keyboard pales in comparison to hardware included with the Surface Book. The Pro’s keyboard is one of the biggest reasons to opt for the Surface Book.

Ultimately, one of the most interesting aspects of Microsoft’s new devices is a newfound Apple-like attention to detail.

For example, both the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book have a new way to attach Microsoft’s stylus pen to the tablets: magnets. There are strong magnets in both the pen and the Surface Book and Surface Pro. It’s a lot better than the fabric loop Microsoft used in the past, and it’s a whole lot better than a holster, like the one found on Samsung’s Galaxy Note phones. The Microsoft pen comes with an “eraser” that can be used to remove notes on the back of the stylus without diving into the device’s settings menu.

The Surface line of tablet hybrids has been both a strength and weakness for Microsoft since it first launched in 2011. It’s a strong enough product that now both Google and Apple are offering similar big, powerful tablets with detachable keyboards. It’s also been a drain on Microsoft in the past, which had to write down millions on unsold Surface tablets, and has poured even more money into large advertising campaigns.

Microsoft’s always angled its Surface tablets as laptop replacements. If you’ve ever wished your Surface Pro was a little bit more like a laptop, the Surface Book is targeted at you. But my first impression is that, in the end, the Surface Book may simply be a better deal than the Surface Pro 4.

Sign up for Data Sheet, Fortune’s daily newsletter about the business of technology.

For more on Microsoft, check out the following Fortune video:

About the Author
By Kif Leswing
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Tech

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Tech

trader
CommentarySoftware
The 50-year-old law that governed every software company just broke. Here’s what replaces it
By Martin Casado and Abhishek NagarajMay 20, 2026
1 hour ago
Exclusive: Circle cofounder raises $30 million for Series A ‘AI-native bank’ Catena Labs
CryptoVenture Capital
Exclusive: Circle cofounder raises $30 million for Series A ‘AI-native bank’ Catena Labs
By Ben WeissMay 20, 2026
2 hours ago
FJ Campbell, MD, is chief medical officer at Ardent Health.
CommentaryHealth
A doctor shortage is coming. AI could be the only realistic fix
By FJ CampbellMay 20, 2026
3 hours ago
Alex Israel crosses his arms
AITerm Sheet
How Metropolis built a $5 billion AI infrastructure company out of America’s parking problem
By Lily Mae LazarusMay 20, 2026
3 hours ago
Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai in Mountain View, California on May 19, 2026. (Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
NewslettersFortune Tech
At Google I/O 2026, it’s AI, AI, and more AI
By Andrew NuscaMay 20, 2026
4 hours ago
Exclusive: Advocacy groups file complaint against Roblox, alleging its manipulative design puts kids at risk
CybersecurityRoblox
Exclusive: Advocacy groups file complaint against Roblox, alleging its manipulative design puts kids at risk
By Catherina GioinoMay 20, 2026
4 hours ago

Most Popular

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
17 hours ago
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
Politics
The Bezos family just donated $100 million to help achieve one of Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s top campaign promises
By Jake AngeloMay 12, 2026
8 days ago
Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of May 19, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerMay 19, 2026
1 day ago
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
Future of Work
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
By Mike Householder and The Associated PressMay 17, 2026
3 days ago
Employers are quietly pausing 401(k) matches again. The last time this happened was the 2008 recession and Covid
Personal Finance
Employers are quietly pausing 401(k) matches again. The last time this happened was the 2008 recession and Covid
By Courtney Vinopal and HR BrewMay 18, 2026
2 days ago
Spirit Airlines apologizes to all the Americans who can't afford any summer vacation flights as it shuts down
Travel & Leisure
Spirit Airlines apologizes to all the Americans who can't afford any summer vacation flights as it shuts down
By Rio Yamat and The Associated PressMay 18, 2026
2 days ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.