Microsoft Surface Book 2 Review - Good for Architecture? VR?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 28 вер 2024
- I have been finding Surface Book 2, 15" model to be really well suited for architecture, design, and 3D modeling. I wanted to share my experience along with a couple of things that I have noticed about this laptop. Will it be able to handle VR?
Surface Book 2 15"
US: amzn.to/34LDC3M
CA: amzn.to/2Zfznvi
UK: amzn.to/2Lr2o18
Surface Book 2 13.5"
US: amzn.to/37ZXLVG
CA: amzn.to/34T2rtA
UK: amzn.to/34VNt6S
Screen Protector
amzn.to/387LWvE
#surfacebook #laptop #architecture
*Affiliate Links:
SketchUp Extensions - rebrand.ly/jks...
My VR Hardware - rebrand.ly/jkv...
My Everyday Tech - rebrand.ly/jke...
My Video and Camera Gears - rebrand.ly/jky...
My Custom PC for Architecture - rebrand.ly/jkc...
Reviewed Products - rebrand.ly/jkr...
*Social Media:
Patreon: / josephkim
Facebook: / blujk
Twitter: / josephkim626
Instagram: / josephkim626
*Music by Joakim Karud / joakimkarud
*Music by MBB / mbbmusic
Sometimes with this laptop you need to go into the NVIDIA control centre and force a program to use the GPU. By default it avoids doing this so that you can detach the screen without an issue.
Yep. That was apperant on OBS.
I always wondered about these.... great review.
I'm glad you found it useful!
Thanks man, I just purchased my SB 2 today. As a mechanical engineer being able to run some of my software on this is awesome. Great review too.
Thank you! Enjoy your machine!
How are you liking it 8 months later? Still have it!?
@@TellurdogIsayhi it's great, I didn't end up upgrading as I use this more for travel and at home I have a surface studio 2. Great device.
I’m also a mechanical engineer student and have it for 1,5 year… love it
Thank you so much for this review. Wanted to get a vr headset for half life and really wanted this to work since I already have the laptop. Was wondering if the Samsung Odyssey would be better but looks like it won't matter.
Yep!
I want to get into floor plan design and learn cad to do 3d models of the houses i want to design (just as a hobby, not a job.) do you have any favorite resources/tutorials you’d recommend? I think I’m going to pick up the new SB3 here soon...I would assume the SB3 would handle it just as well.
Yes. I think it would be an overkill for a hobby though :) UA-cam is a fine way to pick up new skills.
Great review. Does autodesk softwares and sketchup work with touch input?
It does work. But they are not really well incorporated.
love your informative videos Joseph! I wanted to get a ipad pro 12.9 for wife since our xps took an L after 4 years and i have apple devices. it would be mostly schoolwork, zoom class, notetaking etc
i would want your opinion if thats a good idea. also considering microsoft surface laptop 3.
would like to see you review those products
thank you
for those light tasks, you probably don't need Surface Book. Laptop might be your better bet :)
Hey Joseph great video! I was wondering, would the screen protector you bought work with the 13.5”? Or is there another I can purchase. Thanks!
The one I used will not work for 13.5". I think there should be same brand in different size available.
Hey, do you have issues with the dGPU? A bit worried about that as I will be frequently using the gpu but don’t want to lose access to tablet mode.
Specifically about it not registering in the device, other feedback is also obviously welcome. Great vid btw.
Thanks for your feedback! I do have some issues when trying to detach the tablet from the unit as if the GPU is being used for any software, it just won't detach. Which is quite often as many of the softwares that I use is GPU related.
Ah, I see. Thanks!
What app did you use to take handwritten notes? Is there any specific apps that you would recommend?
I prefer OneNote :)
@@JosephKim Thank you so much!
Hi Joseph! I love your review. It's great.
I'm currently a student studying interior design. I usually use software like AutoCAD, SketchUp and 3dsmax for rendering. I'm struggling not knowing if I should purchase Microsoft surface book 2 or Microsoft surface pro 7. Can I have your advice?
If you have money, I would recommend surface book 2 as it would have dedicated GPU, where as pro 7 wouldn't. Make sure to get 13 or 15 model that has dedicated GPU
@@JosephKim Thank you for your prompt and genuine reply. As you mentioned in the video, 15inch comes with the best GPU (GTX 1060), right? :)
@@crystalchan134 yes.
@@JosephKim I have bought the Surface Book 2 15 inches, however when I use AutoCAD, it shut down automatically from time to time. Do you have the same problem? :/ Anyway to fix it?
@@crystalchan134 not sure. I have not experienced it. Do you have the right gpu driver?
Hi Sir Joseph, for autocad software is it possible to run to this surface book 2. I'm looking to buy for this for some projects on autocad. Thank you
Yes, absolutely. CAD work isn't all that intensive for modern devices to handle.
@@JosephKimI'm ME. The computers in my computer lab were often crashing as we did 3D assembly in solidworks.
Hey joseph! Would you say that the 13" model would be good for using sketchup, revit, archicad, and renderings using lumion? :3
Hi, I think 13 model with GTX 1050 should be able to handle those things, except Lumion as it will struggle at time. It also depends on your task's complexity
Hello im a b.arch student and was planning to buy the latest surface book 3 .but i have a doubt regarding whether it would support lumion 10 rendering in it as im in grear confusion in whether I should be buying surface book 3 now.can you please write back to me
I feel since you are an architect you would be able to help in this
@@annaleo7510 I can't say for sure as I never tested Surface Book 3, but it really was incremental upgrade, so I am basing my answer on SB2. You can do Lumion. Just don't expect it to do well. But also the fact that you are a student, you should consider more budget machines than SB3 unless money is not your concern.
Hi I am radiology doctor can you advice this Surface book2 16 GB RAM with ded gpu Nvidia 1060 for my used as reading medical books the price her in meddle east about 850 USD
I can't say for certain, but you don't need as good of hardware for just reading and consuming content.
@@JosephKim whate about the price in these days for dedicated gpu 15 inch surface book2 1060 Nvidia ram 512 , price 900 usd
@@لورانسالحميد if you are just consuming content, I wouldn't think you need dedicated GPU. Also, this is quite an old model. I'd rather have more recent model even if it is less spec.
Hi, can you tell me if sb3 13,5 with i7 and 1650 max-q could be fine for a civil engineering student? Thank you so much.
What task that you do are GPU requiring?
First of all thank you for answering me. The programs I have to use for university are 2D-3D autocad, civil design, rhinoceros, revit and sap2000 for structural calculation.I really like this machine also for its portability. Thanks again, I follow your channel from Italy !!
Hey sir great review I m a student of architecture . Currently I m in 3rd year can u please suggest me some good laptop . I m thinking of buying microsoft surface 3 laptop is it okie?
Please tell
I'd think it would be quite expensive for the student purposes. But if you cna afford it, why not?
Hi Joseph, thank you for your review - it was really informative. Looking at the SB3 for Revit and CAD use. I just love the flexibility of these PC as it looks really promising as I'm doing architectural works. But the thing is - do you think can it handle large projects in Revit as we normally do large scale multi-use developments (hotels and retails) as well as links and coordination of Revit files with all disciplines. And have you experienced compatibility issues with Autodesk softwares as I see a lot of threads pertaining to this as well? Your answer will be a great help as I'm looking to purchase one. Thanks.
The CPU in this laptop isn't desktop grade, but it should be able to handle complex and multi-linked Revit models although I have not tested this. As far as I am aware, those require large drive space along with large memory. I don't perceive any issues with other softwares in general as laptops became more powerful and optimized these days.
Is AutoCAD possible too along with those apps?
Yep! Autocad is much easier to run :)
What the...I just came from the Microsoft Store in NYC -- the 15-inch screen is *not* "heavy" at all! You can't lift two loaves of bread, man?? 'Cause that's what the screen (tablet) weighs...technically a bit less at, what, 1.67 lbs. or something....
Anyway, thanks for doing this review!
I think it is just a bit too big as tablet. You are right. It is heavy enough to feel solid and quality. Not heavy enough to give you a hunch back.
Please don’t buy any surface products, software has many issues, they update it regularly, whenever new updates comes the system fails in many other hardware things...for me in last update and the keyboard and mouse stopped working...customer service is worst. Doesn’t worth the money we pay to those people!!!!
Thanks for the feedback
you're very round ...
What a piece of junk...2300$ of pure sh....
Hey, great video! I am stuck between the Surface Pro 7 and the SB 3. I noticed that you said the SB 3 had a dedicated GPU unlike the Pro 7. I was wondering how much the GPU would affect the graphic performance. Would it be a noticeable difference?
Yes it does. dedicated GPU makes a huge difference in performance.
I'm looking to purchase SB3 for university and will be using it heavily for data processing. Will it survive in 4-6 years horizon with little issues? Would appreciate any advice from SB2 users...
It's hard to say if it will last 4-6 years as I haven't had it that long. I usually consider laptops to be recycled within 2-4 years. I think it may be better to invest a bit less and by another down the road?
What do you think about the recently announced Surface Book 3.
I have to get back to you on this later as this is on my list to have a look!
The GPU seems to be a bit bummer. I was hoping that it would at least be able to go up to RTX 2060, not Max-Q. Not quadro... .
Is the Microsoft Surface good for rendering apps like lumion ? And architecture apps like revit , cad , 3dmax
No, Lumion will require better GPUs. I recommend better laptops that may not be as thin.
Great review! I'm considering buying a 13 model with a GTX 1050, 16 GB RAM and 512 GB SSD.
I'm a user of Revit 2024, Enscape, and eventually VR. I already have a Dell Precision desktop unit, it's a mighty PC. But I need a mobile machine to show my projects and VR at business meetings. What do you think about it?
I'd say GTX 1050 at this time is really old and will struggle. You can buy much better spec laptops at similar price.
Thank you so much for this. You have answered all my questions about this laptop because I study architecture as well. I'm very looking forward to get it. Hopefully one day i'll lay my hands on it. Great review.
Thank you so much for watching!
Hi! Is there an update on this? Are there any low budget alternatives for an architecture student? I'm using vectorworks & I'll be doing the main drawing and rendering on my tower. But I do need a more portable device too (13" or less would be great) that should at least be able to handle small projects and 2D. Thanks!
I personally use XPS 13 2in1 now.
Hello.
Love your channel.
Could you give me your opinion on the Oculus Rift S and if you think it is the best for enscape vr presentations.
Thanks!!
Thanks for watching my videos! I have heard really good things about Rift S, and it has been quite a popular VR choice. I just need to get enough money on my hands for this :)
Rift S doesn't work on Surface Book devices.
Great reviews Joseph! Didn't expect detailed and experimental explanations, especially the VR part. Keep it up!
Thank you!
you probably dont give a shit but does any of you know a way to get back into an Instagram account??
I somehow lost the account password. I would love any tips you can give me.
@Hayden Dominic instablaster ;)
Thanks Joseph, great review!
Thank you for the great comment :)
Thank you sir ❤️ helpful video .. I'm in last year in b.arch and I have been looking graphic intensive work laptop. New lunch microsoft surface book 3 is lil more powerful and dedicated GPU.. can we use sketch up and lumion 6/8 on sb3 .. please help me I have very less knowledge abt sb3 laptops .. love from India🇮🇳❤️
I did not like the SB3 as much since the upgrade is very minor.
I am looking into purchasing either the Surface Pro 7 or the Surface Book 2 due to price and was wondering which one you would recommend. I am a construction management student at University and am leaning towards the surface book 13" i5 but am concerned that it is over 2 years old. what would your recommendation be?
As a construction management student, do you need a lot of horsepower? I think whichever you can get within your budget is better. SP7 and SB2 13" doesn't have much horsepower anyways.
Great video! Would you mind sharing how you installed Revit on your computer? I keep getting issues with mine for installation, even after I download the software and try toninstall it manually it shows red Xs next to the software items. I would really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
I would not think that is the laptop specific! Did you try contacting Autodesk?
Hiii can u have a review on ASUS Pro art STUDIO BOOKS for Architecture:))
I'd love to. I will keep that in my radar! Thanks for the suggestion.
Have you tried the Win+G shortcut that brings up the Xbox Game Bar for screen recording? I found it to work very nicely as I believe it is the default option for screen recording in Windows.
I personally prefer OBS as I am more familiar. Some machines I use do not have Nvidia card in them.
Unfortunately Rift S doesn't work on any Surface Book.
USB is incompatible and displayport as well because isn't directly chained to the Nvidia GPU but to the Intel iGPU.
That's what I also have noticed too. Thanks for clarifying this.
Isn’t it capable to do that even if you install Nvidia Game Ready Driver for your SB?
Love your video! Just a question, which software are you using for mark ups on drawings?
A good question. I have not settled just yet. It is somewhere between Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam Revu, Drawboard Project.
@@JosephKim thanks! Will look up on these softwares. Have always been looking for something easy to use.
@@soulfire0101 there isn't the best one. Hence why I have not settled for one.
Hey Joe, thanks for the informative review! Leaning towards the 13” model at the moment (as I value portability), but am concerned the 2gb Gtx1050 won’t cut it for the BIM software I’m currently using. Your feedback would be much appreciated, thanks!!
Can I ask which BIM you will be using? GTX 1050 is usually enough for all architecture purpose except rendering. It is capable of some rendering, but not frequent or complex model rendering.
Joseph Kim Plumbing pipe design in Revit! Project scale may vary and will often have mechanical, electrical, and arch models loaded in for coordination. I guess some 3D rendering for riser diagrams
@@bryguy401 my gut says that 1050 should handle those fine. Sounds like it isn't too graphics intensive.
Joseph Kim Awesome, thanks for your input!
How does it perform when using revit for long hours?
Are you concerned about heat? Or battery? I used Revit all day, didn't notice anything different as long as I am connected to power.
@@JosephKim not concerned about heat nor battery. More concern on the performance when using revit. is it smooth or with lag when is medium large project
Hi Joseph, great review thank you! Just one question - how is the writing on screen experience? I mean how close it gets to pen and paper from 1 to 10? Thanks, Yerney
I'd say it is about halfway. And I don't use the rubber tip the pen comes with, I use the plastic. The biggest upside in my opinion is the reduction of reflection and fingerprint. And less slipping of the pen tip is the bonus.
@@JosephKim thank you for your quick and elaborate response! :-)
@@JosephKim Have you ever used Apples Ipad pro? if so do you have a comparison to that as its said to be pretty impressive.
@@qub3studios86 I know iPad Pro has quite amazing drawing / commenting functions. But i also have to do Revit, SketchUp and perhaps even comment directly. I would rather carry one device. :)
Joseph Kim Makes sense. I guess since I had a Surface Pro 4 and had a bad experience with it, I wasn’t excited to put that on my radar again.
would i be able to do sketchup vray render? or just rhino render? without any issues?
Vray can either CPU or GPU render. In either case you can do it, but may have issues when doing really complex scenes.
What VR device would you recommend for SB2 13.5"?
Great question. I still recommend Windows Mixed Reality for SB2 as it is quite easy to run. Otherwise, Quest is good either case since it is standalone. (especially for leisure purpose)
@@JosephKim Thanks for answering. Also, what type of screen protector are you using, since I could't find the link? And do you think these (new and old) demanding architecture applications can be handle by the SB2 16gb ram 13" ?
@@theinvasionking1987
Old: amzn.to/387LWvE
New: amzn.to/2FQoV4k
As I lack personal experience with 13", I have to speak based on spec. But 13" with 16GB should be fine for architectural applications.
Can this laptop can handle 3 softwares running at a time ?
Yeah? But I guess it depends on the software ;)
even with 3:2 you still put the taskbar vertically
Yeah, because I waana enjoy more of the screen at the bottom :)
Hi Mr Joseph, may I ask is this laptop suitable for Arcchitecture student? And what is your SB2 spec?
That was the top end spec. If you are a student, you probably do not need to pay such premium
So is it good and smooth on Lumion Rendering?
hello kim! do you have laptop recommendation for architecture under $2k?
My current recommendation is MSI P65. Creator 15 might be good as well, but I haven't had chance to try myself.
@@JosephKim thanks man u'r the best!
Is it possible to run Lumion on this?
Yep!
Is it suitable for rendering like Lumion ,Enscape?
Yep! Not too complex ones though.
What would you suggest for all the required software,I especially use sketchup,Lumion,v_ray and enscape.i am in my final year Architecture student
How is the performance when you are running revit on it
It will handle just fine!
@@JosephKim thank you
I will just start the architecture career. And I want to buy a new computer. I would recommend the Microsoft surface pro 7 with core i7 and 16 gb of ram?
Probably not. Because, in this day and age, you need a laptop with a dedicated GPU for Architecture school.
@@JosephKim Which one would you currently recommend? Aside from the features of the pro 7. I would like something practical that you can carry with ease. Can you help me....?
@@eeuudisney5889 it's hard to find the right one that's 2 in 1. Unless you are paying top dollars for devices such as SB3. I have been recommending MSI Creator 15 as I have reviewed it.
@@JosephKim SB3? do you have any other recommendations?
@@eeuudisney5889 surface book 3, SB3. Very expensive device. What's not to like about Creator 15?
GREAT REVIEW!
thank you!
Is this particular model compatible with Revit?
They should all do Revit. Revit isn't as demanding software unless your model is really complex.
@@JosephKim I know this is off topic, but I'm looking at the Intel Core i5, 8GB. All models should include that one, right?
@@nrm3962 I think so.
@@JosephKim thank you
Architecture budgeted laptop plss
I have one! Prestige.
Can u send laptop list
@@ysh9973you can search!
Should I buy this for 1200? or something with a 2060 for $350 more?(asus g14) I’m using it for graphic design, 3D motion for my design, and some video editing
Is your 3D motion CPU or GPU production?
Joseph Kim I don’t know how I do check it’s usually stuff like on cinema 4d
@@RareMade I think cinema 4d is CPU based. idk the specs of the Asus G14, but you might want to compare the CPU thread speed and count.
Joseph Kim it uses a ryzen 9
@@RareMade you might be better off with g14 because of the extra threads. I don't really know ins and outs of cinema 4D, so that's all I can say.
hi, i don’t know if you’re gonna see this but i’m thinking of buying a new laptop that is touch screen and allows me to take notes/draw. i’m going to (hopefully!) take architecture as an undergrad course in october. i use my laptop to both edit videos/pictures aswell as CAD software, would you recommend the microsoft book over the surface bro or any laptop?
I think for student usage both are very good of your budget allows. They have by far the best drawing/touch experience. I would say Surface Pro is slightly better as it folds flat easily whilst book has to be detached, and it often is cumbersome.
Both Dell XPS 13 all in one and HP Spectre x360 are good option for that too.
Joseph Kim thank you very much for your response! i will definitely have a look, i would definitely choose the book over pro after the research i did only cause of the intensive graphics and things. thank you i’ll have a look at the dell and hp:)
This is a good review! But I was wondering is the surface pro 7 good for the architecture students as well?
I would think with extra premium on the SP series, it would be really good for Architecture.
Does it work with lumion?
Yes!