Surface Book 4: what we want to see

Date:
Mon, 20 Sep 2021 17:38:42 +0000

Description:
Will the Surface Book 4 do better in updates than the Surface Book 3? Heres everything we want to see in the next generation Surface book.

FULL STORY ======================================================================

It's been a little while since the Surface Book 3 landed back in May 2020,
and so it's time for Microsoft to finally launch the Surface Book 4. And
we're not predicting an imminent release out of nothing either Microsoft has a big Surface event coming up on September 22.

However, unlike something like the Surface Laptop 4, the Surface Book series usually has a couple years in between releases, so it's entirely possible we won't see the new ultra-premium laptop until 2022. However, we've seen some news that Microsoft is preparing an ultra-premium device, even though it
could be called the Surface Laptop Studio .

But either way, we won't know if the Surface Book 4 is real until Microsoft itself lifts the veil. In the meantime, though, we'll gather up all the
latest news, rumors and leaks right here so you can be ready when Microsoft finally pulls the trigger. Cut to the chase What is it? The next generation Surface Book When is it out? Hopefully Q2 2022 What will it cost? Probably just as much, if not more, than the Surface Book 3 Surface Book 4 release
date

If youve been following the Surface Book since the line initially launched in 2015, you probably already know that Microsoft rolls these 2-in-1 laptops out every two years or so. The original Surface Book debuted in late October 2015 while its successor, Surface Book 2, came out in November 2017.

While 2019 came and went without a Surface Book 3 with Microsoft opting to release three other Surface devices instead ( Surface Pro 7 , Surface Pro X and Surface Laptop 3 ). The device finally saw the light of day in May 2020.

So it would follow that Microsoft would wait until 2022 to launch the Surface Book 4, and that's still totally possible. However, with Microsoft teasing premium Surface devices at its September 22 event , we could see the Redmond tech giant launch it a bit earlier than usual hopefully this time with updated specs. We're crossing our fingers that we'll see the device at the event later this week. (Image credit: Future) Surface Book 4 price

The Surface Book line has been flip flopping in terms of price tag. The original 13-inch device cost a hefty $1,499 (about 1,190, AU$2,140) when it first came out, but the 13-inch Surface Book 2 was even cheaper at $1,199 (1,149, AU$2,199). Then, the Surface Book 3 13-inch kicked off at a hefty $1,599 (1,599, AU$2,649).

Bizarrely enough, while the Surface Book 2 15-inch cost $2,499 (2,349, AU$3,649), the Surface Book 3 15-inch dropped down to $2,299 (2,199, AU$3,699).

So, how much the Surface Book 4 13-inch and 15-inch models are going to cost is anyones guess at this point. If it does come out with a more generational and competitive upgrade, then a higher price tag would somehow be easier to swallow.

Still, were hoping for a bit of a price drop here. After all, $1,599 (1,599, AU$2,649) for Surface Book 3s Intel Core i5, Intel Iris Plus, 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD is pretty steep for most people. (Image credit: Microsoft) What we want to see in a Surface Book 4

Although the Surface Book 3 has a lot going for it namely, beautiful design, a stunning display and a comfortable keyboard, it was pretty underwhelming considering that Microsoft had a little over two years to hone in and work on necessary improvements.

So, for the Surface Book 4, were hoping to see even more upgrades inside and out, starting with a more powerful processor.

More powerful processors
Sadly, the Surface Book 3 was held back by the lack of H-series processors, which is even more disappointing considering that high price tag and the fact that Microsoft touts this as a gaming-ready device. Especially if Microsoft insists on that premium price tag, wed like to see Surface Book 4 actually feature Intels higher-end 12th-generation chips (11th-generation Tiger Lake , if this follow up does come out sometime in 2021).

Either this or drop the price down to something more accessible.

Bigger trackpad
The current trackpad on the Surface Book 3 is smooth, responsive and gets
the job done. However, its also tiny like late 2000ss tiny. Again, if youre paying a premium price for a laptop, youd want things like a trackpad with massive surface space to work with. If the Surface Book 4 were to stay competitive with the likes of the MacBook Pro 13-inch , this is practically non-negotiable.

Better speakers
For a thin, light and tiny laptop, the MacBook Pro 13-inch sure has plenty
of audio power, and the sound quality isnt bad either. Sadly, the speakers on the Surface Book 3 are only adequate. Worse, its lacking bass and low-end, so watching blockbusters or playing games on its otherwise gorgeous display isnt as immersive as it should have been. If the Surface Book 4 were to stay on
top of the game, it needs to have better sounding and more powerful speakers. Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Ryan Smalley) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Ryan Smalley) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Ryan Smalley)

A floating screen, like the new iPad Pro
Ryan Smalley of Modality recently shared his design concept for the next Surface Book , and frankly, were here for it. Inspired by the new iPad Pro, his concept gives the Surface Book 4 a similar floating screen thats anchored to a chassis with two hinges one for the familiar laptop form factor, the other to give it that floating effect. Both hinges in this design are height and angle adjustable for even more viewing and use versatility.

Unlike the iPad Pro, however, theres no removable keyboard and trackpad case here. The Surface Book 4 screen is permanently attached to the rest of the laptop, so that its basically a traditional laptop, only with a bit more flexibility.



======================================================================
Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/news/surface-book-4/


--- Mystic BBS v1.12 A47 (Linux/64)
* Origin: tqwNet Technology News (1337:1/100)