Surface Pro 4 Surface Pro 4 The recently released Surface Pro 4 and particularly the Surface Book were instant powerhouses, with ...
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Surface Pro 4 |
The recently released Surface Pro 4 and particularly the Surface Book were instant powerhouses, with more capability than we’d seen in hybrids and tablets before (and a price tag to match). But if you were somehow still left discontent, Microsoft has a big 2016 surprise for you.
While the original versions of the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 came with several different upgrade options, it just wasn’t enough. Microsoft has now released a new slew of elite tiers for these models, increasing speed, power, and storage…for those who can afford it.
We would discuss the stats separately, but Microsoft has equipped both these high-end computer models with the same specs, so the major difference is rather or not you prefer a more laptop-oriented design or a more flexible tablet option (both use touchscreens). Both versions can be upgraded to a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of hard drive space, which are specs that would look great on any home PC, let alone a tiny Windows tablet.
There are a couple smaller differences between the two models worth pointing out. First, the Surface Book does provide a discrete GPU, while this is beyond the abilities of the Pro 4 – in other words, the Book will still be better at graphics and video that Microsoft tablets. Second, the Book comes with an upgraded stylus, too: It’s gold in color (not in fact – we have to be careful about that these days), and comes with a kit that allows you to adjust the tip until you find a version that works best for you.
These advanced options are probably intended for professionals who need to run more demanding software on their machines but still want portability – or perhaps students or artists who want a computer that can handle their lifestyle from one end to the other. But the devilish details wait in the price. You’ll need to spend $3,200 for a new high-end Surface Book, and $2,700 for the best Surface Pro 4. How many of you are willing to pony up that much for the best of the best?
While the original versions of the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 came with several different upgrade options, it just wasn’t enough. Microsoft has now released a new slew of elite tiers for these models, increasing speed, power, and storage…for those who can afford it.
We would discuss the stats separately, but Microsoft has equipped both these high-end computer models with the same specs, so the major difference is rather or not you prefer a more laptop-oriented design or a more flexible tablet option (both use touchscreens). Both versions can be upgraded to a Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 1TB of hard drive space, which are specs that would look great on any home PC, let alone a tiny Windows tablet.
There are a couple smaller differences between the two models worth pointing out. First, the Surface Book does provide a discrete GPU, while this is beyond the abilities of the Pro 4 – in other words, the Book will still be better at graphics and video that Microsoft tablets. Second, the Book comes with an upgraded stylus, too: It’s gold in color (not in fact – we have to be careful about that these days), and comes with a kit that allows you to adjust the tip until you find a version that works best for you.
These advanced options are probably intended for professionals who need to run more demanding software on their machines but still want portability – or perhaps students or artists who want a computer that can handle their lifestyle from one end to the other. But the devilish details wait in the price. You’ll need to spend $3,200 for a new high-end Surface Book, and $2,700 for the best Surface Pro 4. How many of you are willing to pony up that much for the best of the best?