But the big news at the event was the release of Microsoft’s new 13.5-inch Surface Book, which pairs the large tablet with a high-end keyboard that sports its own NVIDIA graphics processor. The display supports the use of a stylus as well as touch input. Upgrading the Surface Book replaces the i5 with an i7 processor, and adds 16GB of RAM and an excellent graphics card.
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Microsoft is hoping for a further boost from the summer launch of Windows 10, which had favorable reviews.
It will also feature a new Surface Pro 4 Type Cover which is a redesigned version of the previous Type Cover and will feature keyboard backlighting and new scissor design for smoother typing.
Though Microsoft says that the Surface Book is twice as fast as the MacBook Pro, data and statistics have yet to be presented to back up the claim In the demo, however, the Surface Book snapped to heavy tasks and switched apps easily. Thus, the new device has the portability of a tablet and the functionality of a laptop.
Panay said that Surface Book is the most advanced laptop in the world. As many may have guessed this high-end device will be wearing a hefty price tag and it reads out to be $2299. How long the rollout process takes will depend on Microsoft as well as carriers.
While the new Microsoft laptop was the star of its show, officials also demonstrated a range of exciting additions to its device lineup. But Microsoft’s Lumia devices could be the first infrared iris scanning smartphones in the U.S. when they launch this November.
It’s display even detaches for those who are after a tablet experience – although you can always buy the new Surface Pro 4 for that.
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To the eye, the laptop closely resembles Apple’s MacBook Pro, and Microsoft has made it clear it is directly challenging Apple. The easily attaches itself to the top of the surface with magnetic clip which makes it easier to hold and use, reports venture beat. He added that the device’s battery life will impress potential customers.
