14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is expected to take the wraps off the second-generation Surface Book laptop sometime this year, and according to a new report, this new product launch is closer than we expect.
DigiTimes reports that Microsoft has already started production of the Surface Book 2, but this time it’s making some changes that almost nobody could see coming.
First and foremost, Microsoft is said to be planning a transition from the 2-in-1 device category that it invented with the Surface RT in 2012 to a traditional laptop, as the Surface Book 2 could give up on the detachable keyboard. While this sounds very odd at first, especially for a company that has continuously invested in devices that can do more than their basic purpose, the report claims this aligns with efforts to offer a more affordable laptop.
It’s no secret that the Surface Book has been a pretty expensive laptop, so with the new generation, Microsoft might be trying to make it a little bit more affordable, so it’s giving up on some features, including the 2-in-1 form factor and the controversial hinge that’s been received with mixed reactions.
To cost just $1,000
The same report points to another reason for Microsoft to give up on the 2-in-1 approach: the Surface Book cannibalizes the Surface Pro 4, so the software giant could be trying to expand its product portfolio with devices from other categories.
As a result, the Surface Book 2 could cost approximately $1,000, down from the existing $1,499 price tag of the existing base version of the first generation.
Microsoft is likely to stick with the 13.5-inch display and the magnesium aluminum alloy-made chassis, but other hardware upgrades are very likely, including Kaby Lake processors, more RAM and storage.
The report speculates that the Surface Book 2 could launch in late March or in April, but we’re guessing Microsoft picks the next month in order to sync the release of the new hardware with the introduction of the Windows 10 Creators Update, which is scheduled for April 11.