Unless Apple re add the soul of the mid 2014 macbook to the current gen, this will be my next laptop purchase , if I have 2k + to spare and in need of a notebook replacement.
Haven't started the video yet, but I gotta say I love how laptops like the Surface book, the HP Spectre, Google Pixelbook, etc all have a nice clean look to them. I wish gaming laptops looked more like those laptops instead of being clad with red accents and over-the-top decorations ^^ Anyways, on to the video! ^_^
TechPassion I would love a gaming laptop that looked like my XPS13, since the looks are what sold me on this beast, but the lack of a good GPU does hurt sometimes (I can still play my favorite games without a problem!)
I considered the SB2 before landing on the HP Spectre 13t. Here is the thing though. I don't begrudge those buying (and spending) to get the best. Whether is it is the SB2, the MBP, or the Pixelbook, if you want the ultimate experience on your platform, go for it. But if you don't game, process video, or rarely use anything other than laptop mode, I might try and talk you out of it just to save you some cash.
Great video Michael! Just one thing... It would have been useful if you reviewers had pointed out that Microsoft didn't included TB3 for a specific reason. If you want a U-series Intel cpu with a GTX 1060 and an NVME drive, there are no pci express lanes left for Thunderbolt. Too geeky maybe to include in the video, but it always looks like Microsoft designers are forgetting to include something just because they can't be bothered to create the "perfect" machine. Are you planning to keep the SB2?
Lovely video as usual. To the last question from your video, I'm sticking to my Lenovo laptop with HD touchscreen, 16gb ram and 256GB SSD which cost me just $750 5 months back. Thanks Microsoft for allowing all companies to build laptops on Windows platform. Gives us so much choice including your own laptops.
I’ve been waiting for this video - although I am only 1 minute in, the quality is excellent. Also, could we see a collab between you and snazzy labs? You know you’re insane when you like the video before watching it.
I just wish people would do reviews months after buying the machine. I really want to know if the surface book 2 is reliable and will likely last me more than a couple of years. How much it will be to repair the battery when it dies, ect... I know it only came out less than 6 months ago but it's something I worry about because I LOVE the look of this laptop. I know that other peoples worries have been about the coil wire sound and the insides of the machine getting a 1/10 for repairability. (both of which are also mine)
If microsoft can make the SB3 with just a sliiightly larger touchpad, two usb-A’s and two USB-C’s, I don’t see anything remotely close that could touch that laptop. Bonus points if they make it matte black like the pro and laptop.
Good review. However what you don't point out is that the Microsoft surface series have had major reliability issues. Several friends and colleagues of mine have had surface books ... And encountered all sorts of hardware problems.
The first generation was indeed pretty rough at release, but it's my understanding that they were largely fixed by the time the Performance Base came out last year. Is that incorrect?
I love the Surface line - I've owned the Surface 3 and I currently own and use as my one-and-only laptop a Surface Pro (2017). They're both great devices, but I'm not going to lie, the screens on both had quality control issues. The Surface 3 had yellowing and severe backlight bleed. The Surface Pro has a brilliant screen but it has an annoying band of backlight bleed across the bottom of the screen. The quality issues are real.
Thanks for the review. I got the Dell XPS15 after my faithful Microsoft Surface Pro 3 died and I didn't see the repair as worth the price. Pretty happy with it.
I was blown away by the front facing camera the quality is pretty good, i could safely say that it is the best camera I've ever seen on a laptop, I still don't understand why expensive laptops have mediocre cameras when phones these days look almost as good as a DSLR.
Wish the screen had a hinge like the pros so when u use it as a tablet u can have it stand up. Otherwise the usability of the tablet mode is less useful
Sometimes I can't see how MrMobile can give such good quality without monetizing all his videos; I get that Sponsors are a big help, But Michael; I'm pretty sure we'd all be damn happy to sit through an ad if we knew that it helped you out 💀💯
I need a good pen to draw and like to game, and I need to render and I also enjoy a good build/design so this machine is quite literally everything I need in one pretty little package. That's a beautiful thing, the Surface Book line to me is the best of MS hardware and I think they're just going to keep fighting to get better
Watching this on my Surface Book 2 15''. I can say cost aside, this is the best laptop that I've ever owned. Coming from HP, Lenovo, Razer before. I do some light gaming on this and I am surprised by how quiet this it.
I agree - the 3:2 aspect ratio is growing on me. I just wish they made a regular laptop version of it. I personally have no need for a removable screen.
I have the Surface Book 1 with the GPU Dock. I low key wish I waited until the Performance Base models appeared. Even now a Refurbished model with performance base is NOT cheap, though some of the lesser models are. The 13" model seems a bit too large as a tablet but just right as a laptop or in presentation mode. The new SB2 15" model looks absolutely beastly, but I can see how it would be desirable if the larger touch screen real estate with the touch pen is needed for design applications and such. If my Surface Book were to go "Pear Shaped" I'd consider another SB as my primary. I've actually considered a lower end Surface Pro as my secondary but I will likely reconsider those plans as the Surface GO seems to be the perfectly sized full featured tablet replacement. The Surface GO should do non graphic intensive Windows functions quite nicely, and if I need it to act like a Tablet, I'll run an Android emulator like Bluestacks and I'm "Good to Go".
Waiting patiently for the Surface Book 3. Hopefully, it will include a thunderbolt 3 and even better battery life. In the meantime, I'm perfectly happy with my Surface Pro 2017 and Surface Studio. 😁
txmoney I really hope they upgrade the Surface Studio with updated components and add Thunderbolt 3 too. I'm with you on Thunderbolt 3 support on the Surface Book 2 especially on the tablet. Next year (2019) Intel will have Thunderbolt tech built-in to their CPUs.
Whoa you actually bought the Surface Studio? Do you like it? What do you usually use it for? I mean I get that it's beautiful, I just figured most desktop users didn't care that much about pen/touch and would just build/buy a tower.
kevinquisition If you listened to the opening and closing lines of this video, you will understand how I feel about my Surface Pro and my Surface Studio. But let me elaborate about my Surface Studio. If you'd asked me a few years ago if I'd ever own an all-in-one desktop, I'd laugh. However, when the Studio was announced, it was love at first sight. I pre-ordered the top of the line model. Is it the most powerful desktop? Nope. Does it provide great value with regards to price to performance? Nope. Am I the target audience for this obviously creative centric device? Nope (although I'm a sketching hobbyist). So why did I spend over 4 grand for an all-in-one? Well, it does everything I need it to do without a hiccup. But more importantly, its that design. It's the gorgeous 28" display combined with that amazing hinge. Touchscreen on a desktop finally makes sense. It's the clean and clutter free form factor. This is the computer I've always wanted.
-to cross words- start and end a sencente with this symbol: - *to bold text* start and end a sencente with this symbol: * _to make italic text_ start and end a sencente with this symbol: _
That classic Tie Fighter game makes me wonder how Wing Commander's spiritual successor, Squadron 42, is going to shape up. So far, it's pre-alpha stage looks great, and I'm really excited to see how it performs in the future. Hopefully, it maintains that frantic space combat simulator that I really like about this genre. Oh, and patronizing the made in USA CH Products joystick! :D Anyways, this looks like a great option for those into the premium laptop market. This PC guy approves, especially as an alternative to the less "Professional" Macbook! XD
Most likely they would not add a thunderbolt 3 in the new version. They removed it intentionally so you can buy the 199$ tool. Even if they added it, they would remove another essential thing, so you can buy it separately. I personally think, this version is the ultimate version for a few years more to come.
1. Power issue means 5hr 3d renders are a no go, even if OK with overtaxing the battery 2. Lack of Bluetooth connection in keyboard when detached means no hotkeys when drawing on the tablet portion. 3. No thunderbolt means future gaming is limited 4. Have to pay hundreds for Microsoft Complete (just 2 yr accidental damage coverage) indicates Microsoft's real lack of confidence in the build quality and longevity of it.
You can connect any wireless Bluetooth keyboard, like i did, small 20$ keyboard, works perfectly and its very small, so no problem here, and you don’t have to pay Microsoft if you don’t want to...
Have you had any problems with it? I'm a college student and I'm considering buying one but I don't want to waste my money if its just going to break down and be unreliable
i buy macbook pro tb, happy with it. but looks amazing the surface book, but i have a really bad experience with microsoft , i return 5 times a surface pro :( and then went to apple.
I will stay with my MacBook Air that has everything I need including USB ports. I just regret not having bought the 256 Go version instead of the 128.. 😭
![MrMobile [Michael Fisher]](http://yt3.ggpht.com/Bf8B_79jyHxP6CVnjV5WKws93l9Vxlk0d7aPmcBygTBDKzgsGrpazdJRFUrfg1sUNlo8YX8rji8=s48-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj)
![Surface Book Review 2016 [Part 1]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ut2ganIK0cY/mqdefault.jpg)
Try out NordVPN and get 77% off a three-year package! Click here: nordvpn.com/mrmobile and use discount code "mrmobile"
Unless Apple re add the soul of the mid 2014 macbook to the current gen, this will be my next laptop purchase , if I have 2k + to spare and in need of a notebook replacement.
ohk
What was the USB A to C cable you used? :)
can I charge the surface book with a Anker PowerCore Speed 20000?
That cable came with the FrontRow Camera I reviewed a while back. Haven't been able to find a standalone version!
"You know, PRO things"
SAVAGE
WisMicYal11 speeders lol
WisMicYal11 that was perfect
Haven't started the video yet, but I gotta say I love how laptops like the Surface book, the HP Spectre, Google Pixelbook, etc all have a nice clean look to them. I wish gaming laptops looked more like those laptops instead of being clad with red accents and over-the-top decorations ^^
Anyways, on to the video! ^_^
TechPassion I would love a gaming laptop that looked like my XPS13, since the looks are what sold me on this beast, but the lack of a good GPU does hurt sometimes (I can still play my favorite games without a problem!)
yeah, aero 15x is perfect for gaming and productivity... and it's cheaper (and more powerful) than the SB2 if you don't need a convertibile
TechPassion this windows laptop is in all technicality a gaming laptop
I definitely agree only the specs would make a gaming laptop and not the looks.
There's a few with this clean look but insanely expensive
That Apple roast was subliminal but savage as the same time, brilliant.
Surface Book 2= surface pro+surface laptop+ xboxonex+ battery pack= beast;")
I considered the SB2 before landing on the HP Spectre 13t. Here is the thing though. I don't begrudge those buying (and spending) to get the best. Whether is it is the SB2, the MBP, or the Pixelbook, if you want the ultimate experience on your platform, go for it. But if you don't game, process video, or rarely use anything other than laptop mode, I might try and talk you out of it just to save you some cash.
Out of all the surface book reviews , this one stands out the most!
The voiceover , filming and the review itself is Everything 👊👌
Great video Michael! Just one thing... It would have been useful if you reviewers had pointed out that Microsoft didn't included TB3 for a specific reason. If you want a U-series Intel cpu with a GTX 1060 and an NVME drive, there are no pci express lanes left for Thunderbolt. Too geeky maybe to include in the video, but it always looks like Microsoft designers are forgetting to include something just because they can't be bothered to create the "perfect" machine. Are you planning to keep the SB2?
Voice and script 🔥
Sanam Madhikarmi yeah! 😍😍😍😍😉
Michel, you could tell me to die with that voice and I'd unconditionally oblige.
Just got mine. 15” 1TB and I absolutely love it.
im going to get one in about 2- 3 years when the price gets down a bit to my price range. My current laptop is the Surface Pro 4 and its pretty good!
Have you had any problems with it???
How this channel doesn’t have at least a million subs is beyond me. Michael you’re excellent, I follow you for years mate 👍🏻
Great machine with little flaws. Amazing work, MS. And amazing video as usual, Mr. Fisher.
Lovely video as usual. To the last question from your video, I'm sticking to my Lenovo laptop with HD touchscreen, 16gb ram and 256GB SSD which cost me just $750 5 months back.
Thanks Microsoft for allowing all companies to build laptops on Windows platform. Gives us so much choice including your own laptops.
I’ve been waiting for this video - although I am only 1 minute in, the quality is excellent. Also, could we see a collab between you and snazzy labs? You know you’re insane when you like the video before watching it.
The quality of your videos and style of delivery are 2nd to none. Well done sir.
I don't think you mentioned in the video that the model you were using cost $3,299!!! Amazing kit though.
Ugh true - 3-video weeks make me miss the basics sometimes.
I got 15 inch with 256 ssd for $2200 with a student discount.
I bought the 15" with the 512 ssd for $2899... the ~$400 difference M$ charges just for storage increases is painful.
Quality in Mr. Mobile's videos never cease to amaze me, even after so many years. Thank you!
I just wish people would do reviews months after buying the machine. I really want to know if the surface book 2 is reliable and will likely last me more than a couple of years. How much it will be to repair the battery when it dies, ect... I know it only came out less than 6 months ago but it's something I worry about because I LOVE the look of this laptop. I know that other peoples worries have been about the coil wire sound and the insides of the machine getting a 1/10 for repairability. (both of which are also mine)
I think for the efficiency, since Surface Book didn't have build in stand as tablet mode, almost no one want to copied it's design.
If microsoft can make the SB3 with just a sliiightly larger touchpad, two usb-A’s and two USB-C’s, I don’t see anything remotely close that could touch that laptop. Bonus points if they make it matte black like the pro and laptop.
Good review. However what you don't point out is that the Microsoft surface series have had major reliability issues. Several friends and colleagues of mine have had surface books ... And encountered all sorts of hardware problems.
The first generation was indeed pretty rough at release, but it's my understanding that they were largely fixed by the time the Performance Base came out last year. Is that incorrect?
MrMobile [Michael Fisher] www.theverge.com/platform/amp/2017/8/14/16142490/microsoft-surface-consumer-reports-memo-return-rates
The flickergate on surface pro 4 is spilling a lot of ink right now.
I love the Surface line - I've owned the Surface 3 and I currently own and use as my one-and-only laptop a Surface Pro (2017). They're both great devices, but I'm not going to lie, the screens on both had quality control issues. The Surface 3 had yellowing and severe backlight bleed. The Surface Pro has a brilliant screen but it has an annoying band of backlight bleed across the bottom of the screen. The quality issues are real.
gyozakeynsianism Hi,Surface 3 or do you mean Surface Pro 3?Because a lot of people refer to the Pro 3 as Surface 3.
Thanks for the review. I got the Dell XPS15 after my faithful Microsoft Surface Pro 3 died and I didn't see the repair as worth the price. Pretty happy with it.
It's a MrMobile Video. No matter what is being reviewed.. I'm always gonna watch it. The best reviewer on UA-cam. Period..
I was blown away by the front facing camera the quality is pretty good, i could safely say that it is the best camera I've ever seen on a laptop, I still don't understand why expensive laptops have mediocre cameras when phones these days look almost as good as a DSLR.
I'm looking at getting the 15 inch variant in the near future. I have the original SB and that 15 inch screen seems to be the sweet spot for me.
I love how Honest Mr Mobile is
Wish the screen had a hinge like the pros so when u use it as a tablet u can have it stand up.
Otherwise the usability of the tablet mode is less useful
Sometimes I can't see how MrMobile can give such good quality without monetizing all his videos; I get that Sponsors are a big help, But Michael; I'm pretty sure we'd all be damn happy to sit through an ad if we knew that it helped you out 💀💯
Damn, that front facing camera is super crisp, considering all the competition.
I need a good pen to draw and like to game, and I need to render and I also enjoy a good build/design so this machine is quite literally everything I need in one pretty little package. That's a beautiful thing, the Surface Book line to me is the best of MS hardware and I think they're just going to keep fighting to get better
Only PCs I'd buy at the point are the HP Spectre X360, ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Surface Book! Great video!
Watching this on my Surface Book 2 15''. I can say cost aside, this is the best laptop that I've ever owned. Coming from HP, Lenovo, Razer before. I do some light gaming on this and I am surprised by how quiet this it.
3:2 screen is really awesome: high enough to work comfortably without frequent vertical scrolling. 16:9 are just too narrow.
I agree - the 3:2 aspect ratio is growing on me. I just wish they made a regular laptop version of it. I personally have no need for a removable screen.
I have the Surface Book 1 with the GPU Dock. I low key wish I waited until the Performance Base models appeared. Even now a Refurbished model with performance base is NOT cheap, though some of the lesser models are.
The 13" model seems a bit too large as a tablet but just right as a laptop or in presentation mode. The new SB2 15" model looks absolutely beastly, but I can see how it would be desirable if the larger touch screen real estate with the touch pen is needed for design applications and such.
If my Surface Book were to go "Pear Shaped" I'd consider another SB as my primary. I've actually considered a lower end Surface Pro as my secondary but I will likely reconsider those plans as the Surface GO seems to be the perfectly sized full featured tablet replacement.
The Surface GO should do non graphic intensive Windows functions quite nicely, and if I need it to act like a Tablet, I'll run an Android emulator like Bluestacks and I'm "Good to Go".
That Star Trek LCARS UI tho!
I want that 'color burst - like' wallpaper from Surface 2 🔥
Waiting patiently for the Surface Book 3. Hopefully, it will include a thunderbolt 3 and even better battery life.
In the meantime, I'm perfectly happy with my Surface Pro 2017 and Surface Studio. 😁
txmoney I really hope they upgrade the Surface Studio with updated components and add Thunderbolt 3 too. I'm with you on Thunderbolt 3 support on the Surface Book 2 especially on the tablet. Next year (2019) Intel will have Thunderbolt tech built-in to their CPUs.
Enoch Gitonga
If the Studio is updated with newer internals and a swivel to the display, I'll definitely upgrade!
And... hopefully they put in better WiFi and ditch Marvell.!
Whoa you actually bought the Surface Studio? Do you like it? What do you usually use it for? I mean I get that it's beautiful, I just figured most desktop users didn't care that much about pen/touch and would just build/buy a tower.
kevinquisition
If you listened to the opening and closing lines of this video, you will understand how I feel about my Surface Pro and my Surface Studio.
But let me elaborate about my Surface Studio.
If you'd asked me a few years ago if I'd ever own an all-in-one desktop, I'd laugh.
However, when the Studio was announced, it was love at first sight.
I pre-ordered the top of the line model.
Is it the most powerful desktop? Nope.
Does it provide great value with regards to price to performance? Nope.
Am I the target audience for this obviously creative centric device? Nope (although I'm a sketching hobbyist).
So why did I spend over 4 grand for an all-in-one?
Well, it does everything I need it to do without a hiccup. But more importantly, its that design.
It's the gorgeous 28" display combined with that amazing hinge. Touchscreen on a desktop finally makes sense.
It's the clean and clutter free form factor. This is the computer I've always wanted.
Didn't even know what a Vpn really was until Michael shouted them out. I have no use, but now low-key want one
Which Surface Dock is compatible with the Surface Book 2? I'm seeing conflicting responses, even from Microsoft. Thanks, Tony.
15 inch version not available in Europe 😭
Three MrMobile videos in a week? Best week ever!
-Also because logan paul got blocked by youtube lol-
Mx Jonson dude that's so cool to cross out those words,how u do that ? And yes that jerk is blocked
-to cross words- start and end a sencente with this symbol: -
*to bold text* start and end a sencente with this symbol: *
_to make italic text_ start and end a sencente with this symbol: _
Mx Jonson let me try sir. : - hi how r u sir : -
Mx Jonson :-how r u sir?:-
Mx Jonson - how r u sir -
i wish that every gaming laptops or notebooks would be look so simplistic like surface book
That classic Tie Fighter game makes me wonder how Wing Commander's spiritual successor, Squadron 42, is going to shape up. So far, it's pre-alpha stage looks great, and I'm really excited to see how it performs in the future. Hopefully, it maintains that frantic space combat simulator that I really like about this genre. Oh, and patronizing the made in USA CH Products joystick! :D
Anyways, this looks like a great option for those into the premium laptop market. This PC guy approves, especially as an alternative to the less "Professional" Macbook! XD
I am actually waiting for Star Citizen to finish updating on my Surface Book 2 right now.
Mr mobile thanks so much to send us "Ramadan Kareem". It was so kind from you
Ramadan kareem for you too. Thanks so much
I'll buy once it supports thunderbolt 3 and egpus for longevitiy
Yes! I been waiting for this review! Thank you MrMobile!
Most likely they would not add a thunderbolt 3 in the new version. They removed it intentionally so you can buy the 199$ tool. Even if they added it, they would remove another essential thing, so you can buy it separately. I personally think, this version is the ultimate version for a few years more to come.
Tie Fighter and X-Wing vs Tie Fighter....They are awesome games ! You got taste in video games Michael :)
Most awesome reviews, period.
What's that laptop that's on your coffee shop scripting?
Are you going to review the Fitbit Ionic you're wearing?
This is a better device than the competition and I would recommend this over a cheap Lenovo. It is worth the extra cost.
This is the kind of contect that I like. Keep it up!🙋🏿
Which is better 13" or 15"? What different
1. Power issue means 5hr 3d renders are a no go, even if OK with overtaxing the battery
2. Lack of Bluetooth connection in keyboard when detached means no hotkeys when drawing on the tablet portion.
3. No thunderbolt means future gaming is limited
4. Have to pay hundreds for Microsoft Complete (just 2 yr accidental damage coverage) indicates Microsoft's real lack of confidence in the build quality and longevity of it.
You can connect any wireless Bluetooth keyboard, like i did, small 20$ keyboard, works perfectly and its very small, so no problem here, and you don’t have to pay Microsoft if you don’t want to...
Can you point me to the ring that you are wearing?
Sticking with my surface book
Have you had any problems with it? I'm a college student and I'm considering buying one but I don't want to waste my money if its just going to break down and be unreliable
can I charge the surface book with a Anker PowerCore Speed 20000?
Needs to be USB-PD (Power Delivery) compliant. And I'd go for a bigger pack than 20,000.
Sticking with my mbp 2016
Not sure if I should get the 1TB 13.5“ Version or the 512GB 15“ version...
i buy macbook pro tb, happy with it. but looks amazing the surface book, but i have a really bad experience with microsoft , i return 5 times a surface pro :( and then went to apple.
Why don't you switch to this and start using Davinci Resolve or Premiere
Could you possibly share a link or method to play Tie Fighter? I really miss that game.
Thank you! I’ve been waiting for this vid!!!! 😁😁
Can you do a review of the Lenovo X1 Yoga 3rd Gen with QHD HDR display please?
has anyone tried putting a version 1 surface book keyboard onto a surface 2 base?
Wow this makes the Macbook Pro look like a rock.
I will stay with my MacBook Air that has everything I need including USB ports. I just regret not having bought the 256 Go version instead of the 128.. 😭
I wonder what will happen if I plug both the chargers 🤔
You are a pro! subscribed.
I loved your review for this. I found more engaging.
Wow wow wowww I don't know the Book 2 has ''Mag Safe''-like charing port! :o
Nice Review, really love your video, Mr.Mobile :)
Nice, Will you make a revie video on dell inspiron 14 5480 i3 laptop
3 days in a row I think we are becoming spoiled
If it had a thunderbolt 3 port I would have gotten it asap. Unfortunately just USBc means I can't power it only through that.. :(
You can power it with USB C.
And microsoft did not ditched 3.5mm jack. XD
wallpaper links?
1:17 huh i own that exact same joystick
Gill Bates lol
wallpaper links please
love it
Sir , which laptop is better within 500$ ?
Waited sooo long for this.
that arch mouse...
4:38😍😍😍
I'm happy with my smart phone and hp laptop lol . Love all your videos
what background is that at 3:04? :)
I speak for all of the long term viewers when I say that we are still holding out for the mouse roundup!
No thunderbolt 3 in 2018? NOPE.
Man if this was 2k aud this would be an easy buy, even for at least the i7 256gb model, sigh just to gd much
Michael your facial expressions are funny I your videos.
LG V30 or Pixel 2 XL?
Innovative product to undock the screen
I am stuck on my surface pro 3
The same here. Still working well though
surface is working fine, but the kickstand and the keyboard is not in very good condition
This or chromebook
Going to get macbook
I always hated microsoft as a company. But I'm really liking the direction they're taking in recent years.
Very nice laptop/tablet.
For the price no thunderbolt? I won't buy it