Michigan Internet Marketing Club: Microsoft Debuts Surface Book, a 13-Inch Laptop

Microsoft Debuts Surface Book, a 13-Inch Laptop

Microsoft today debuted the Surface Book, a 13-inch two-in-one laptop—the first laptop ever built by the company itself. With 12 hours of battery life, the latest Intel Core processors, NVIDIA graphics, and a 3000 x 2000-resolution display, the Surface Book will start at $1,500. It will be available on October 26, but can be pre-ordered on October 7.

Microsoft says it built the 1.6-pound Surface Book to be “pushed” to its max power by gamers, architects, and other demanding users. The company also emphasizes the typing experience, with a backlit keyboard that has 1.6mm of travel, and a glass trackpad.

And there’s also a new version of Microsoft’s two-in-one tablet. The Surface Pro 4 is thinner and more powerful than the prior model. The display’s a bit bigger at 12.3 inches, but the tablet size remains the same. And it incorporates sixth-gen Intel processors. The Surface Pen was updated as well. Its 1,024 levels of pressure should make “ink” flow feel and look more natural.

Look as well for a couple of new Lumia phones from Microsoft. Starting at $550 and available in November, the Lumia 950 and 950XL have 5.2- and 5.7-inch displays. The 20-megapixel camera has a flash that’s optimized to reduce red eye, and its own dedicated button.

There’s also a new version of Microsoft Band activity tracker, which now integrates Cortana and includes a barometer for measuring elevation. The screen uses Gorilla Glass. The new version will be available October 30, and can be pre-ordered today for $250.

Finally, the company talked about updates to Xbox One, which will get a new controller this holiday season, as well as a TV app. And it demonstrated Project XRay, a “mixed-reality” prototype game for Microsoft’s upcoming HoloLens hardware. The game customizes itself to the room you’re in, and includes “wearable” holograms, such as armor you can place on your body.

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