As a Surface Book 2 (SB2) owner I watched the launch of its replacement, the Surface Laptop Studio (SLS), this morning with some interest. Although the specification mostly impressed* the new form factor doesn't really appeal. It looses the iconic Surface Book hinge and ability to detach the display that is, for me, a great feature of the current design. Detaching the display means the SB2 loses access to its graphics card, left in the base with secondary battery, but becomes a light weight high powered large tablet as the i7 chip, integrated Intel Graphics and storage are all in the display portion.
- SB2 Display with Base Keyboard GPU: 1579 g (3.48 lbs)
- SB2 Tablet only: 726 g (1.6 lbs)
This is awesome for CAD use as a site survey device, detach for use in the field, pop it back on the base and you have a CAD workstation. I also prefer it for sketching, with the pen, or just handing around to share photos. I know some people have 'attachment issues' but I have found the mechanism totally reliable.
With Surface Laptop Studio tablet use means lugging the whole device which at 1820 g (4.00 lb) would be quite a workout. So, now I don't have to buy one!
* More than the maximum offered 32GB ram would be useful for handling scan data these days...
