At the start of October, Microsoft held a press event in NYC to launch its new round of hardware for 2018. Along with some upgrades to their legacy products we were treated to a new device, the Surface Headphones.
- Microsoft Surface Pro 6
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
Probably the biggest non story of the tech year, is the launch of the Laptop 2. With Microsoft deciding to change hardly anything on their first ever laptop launched just last year.
Features
One change they did make though, was to introduce a new colour. Not exactly earth shattering news I know, but the new Black does transform the Laptop 2 into a very desirable device to look at!
Sadly, the Alcantara fabric keyboard bezel returns. I get why Microsoft have created such a feature, but after a year or two of use that fabric is going to look far from new. And with many now ‘trading in’ their old tech to support the purchase of a newer model; how much value do you think a well-worn fabric keyboard bezel will return?
That said, the original was a very good, pure Windows machine, and Microsoft have just done enough to keep it relevant. Even the pricing structure (depending on configurations) is in line with the original laptop.
The new Intel® Core™️ 8th Gen processors are now powering the Laptop 2 with either the i5 or i7 options.
Microsoft didn’t feel the need to upgrade the PixelSense 13.5″ display and the bezel around it appears at little more prominent this time around. Not necessarily a bad thing, but in a world of bezeless devices this does stand out!
Without a doubt there is one glaring omission from the Laptop 2 though, no USB-C! In a world where consumers, and especially travellers, need a more universal connection/charing option, this is bad news.
On the plus side you will not need as many dongles to use your current tech!
Specifications
If. IF. If all you want is a laptop with a Windows OS then the Laptop 2 is a good device. With so many 2-in-1 options on the market, I think there is more value to be had elsewhere.
Even the new Surface Pro 6 makes more sense to me, but, if you have no interest in a tablet or tablet mode, then this is the one for you!
- Dimensions – 308.1 x 223.3 x 14.5mm
- Weight – From 1.3kg
- Windows 10 Home
- Intel® Core™️ 8th Gen processors
- Colour Options – Black/Platinum/Burgundy/Cobalt Blue
- 8/16GB Memory
- 128/256/512GB or 1 TB Storage Options
How Much does the Microsoft Laptop 2 Cost?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 starts at £779 in any of the 4 colour options. The online configuration tool allows you to spec the laptop 2 to your own requirements with a top model reaching just over £2,300.
Connect with Microsoft
- microsoft.com
- Microsoft on Facebook
- Microsoft on Twitter
- Microsoft on Instagram
- Microsoft on YouTube
2018 NYC Media Event Highlights
Wow, I love that burgundy one! I don’t think it takes an acquired taste at all. It’s certainly a nice break from the black/white/grey everything that 99% of laptops have.
I agree, different is better and a break from the norm is always welcome!