14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft took the wraps off the second-generation Surface Book a few hours ago in a surprise announcement that coincided with the release of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, and just like expected, part of the unveiling was dedicated to a comparison with Apple’s own MacBook.
Microsoft says the Surface Book 2 is two times more powerful than the MacBook Pro without any impact on battery performance, as it can last 70 percent more than Apple’s device per charge. Furthermore, Microsoft has praised the display of the Surface Book 2 as well, highlighting that it has 35 percent mote pixels than the Apple model.
Without a doubt, the 15-inch Surface Book was specifically developed to compete against Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Pro, as Microsoft has until now focused all of its efforts on devices with smaller screens.
Tech specs
To determine which one is a better choice, we’re going to compare the tech specs of the top-of-the-range configurations of both models, though it’s worth noting from the very beginning that the MacBook starts with a minor setback due to not having a touch-capable screen.
The Surface Book features a 15-inch PixelSense display with a resolution of 3240 x 2160 pixels and 260 PPI. It has an aspect ratio of 3:2 and contrast ratio of 1600:1. Apple’s model, on the other hand, features a 15.4-inch Retina display with 2880x1800 pixels and 220 PPI.
As for processors and RAM, the top Surface Book 2 configuration comes with the 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8650U quad-core CPU running at 4.2GHz in Max Turbo mode and paired with 16GB RAM 1866Mhz LPDDR3. Apple has picked a 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor that can be increased to a maximum speed of 4.1GHz in turbo mode and which is paired with 16GB 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory.
Storage options are nearly the same, with the MacBook scoring better, as it can be upgraded up to 2TB, while the highest level of the Surface Book is 1TB.
The graphics card on the Surface Book 2 is the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 discrete GPU with 6GB GDDR5 graphics memory, while Apple picked the Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB of GDDR5 memory and automatic graphics switching to Intel HD Graphics 630 for less demanding tasks.
As for ports, the Surface Book 2 features nearly everything you need on a modern laptop including 2 x USB 3.1, 1 x USB-C, 2 x Surface Connect ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack. Apple, on the other hand, embraced a highly criticized approach and is only offering USB-C plus a 3.5mm audio jack.
Microsoft promises the Surface Book 2 can last no less than 17 hours per charge, while Apple claims a battery life of just 10 hours.
The top Microsoft Surface Book 2 costs $3,299, whereas the most expensive MacBook Pro can be yours for $4,199.
| Microosoft Surface Book 2 (2-in-1 form factor) | Apple MacBook Pro (classic laptop form factor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 15-inch PixelSense display 3240x2160 px resolution 260 PPI |
15.4-inch Retina display 2880x1800 px resolution 220 PPI |
| CPU | quad-core Intel Core i7-8650U Turbo Mode: 4.2GHz |
3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 Turbo Mode: 4.1GHz |
| RAM | 16GB RAM 1866Mhz LPDDR3 | 16GB RAM 2133MHz LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | 2TB SSD |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB of GDDR5 memory |
Radeon Pro 560 4GB of GDDR5 memory Intel HD Graphics 630 |
| Ports | 2 x full-size USB 3.1 Gen 1 1 x USB-C 3.5mm headphone jack 2 x Surface Connect ports Full-size SD card reader |
USB-C 3.5mm headphone jack |
| Battery life | Up to 17 hours per charge | Up to 10 hours per charge |
| Price | $3,299 | $4,199 |
