Microsoft Surface Book 2 (Artist Designer Review)

[@NightagainEngineering]

This is the best review I've seen. Hundreds of "reviewers" all over KZbin saying the same damn thing. This guys here who actually uses the device and can really tell you what you want to hear based on his real work experience.

[@kameronaugustine3662]

I realize Im quite randomly asking but do anyone know of a good place to stream new tv shows online ?

[@teohyc]

Time stamps 00:04 - Intro 01:05 - Design & build quality 02:07 - Screen 04:24 - Drawing on the screen 10:01 - Resolution 14:13 - Graphic design performance 15:53 - Battery life 16:38 - Keyboard 17:54 - Ports 20:49 - Price and specs comparison 24:51 - Conclusion

[@vitalijandrijanov8536]

Proud owner of the highest spec 15" surface book 2 here. Costed me lots of money, but the machine is a productivity dream. It's a universal swiss knife, it can do anything you throw at it: Work, image/video editing, Signing documents, Gaming, Reading etc... The best machine I ever owned.

[@mahdy2682]

@Jin amarasinghe the best one Photoshop.. lol which iPad cannot use

[@alexchristensen9537]

Jin Amarasinghe Morpheus is wrong, the best is clip studio paint, it’s made for manga creators

[@Shewrites338]

Me too I have it too but sometimes I find it bit sensitive since it has touch screen mode with soo many luxurious functions still gettin to know it although I got it when it came out in the market

[@benderthefourth3445]

I read many people saying it's laggy with photoshop... Any insight ?

[@faryalzaman2065]

Hi Do u still think its worth it Should i go for it?

[@Lilyium]

Watched this on my surface book 2 15". As a student, digital artist and gamer, I got it for the portability and performance. It's quite a light device with heavy specs but by itself it does have some set backs (nothing major). As I have had my device for quite a long time, I would recommend the following accessories for anyone who is interested in a better experience. Firstly, a BaseQI card reader as these things fit flush into the device and has a great alluminium finish and best of all you get extra storage up to 256GB so you can free up your internal memory, a stand as using it in studio mode can strain your back if you want to draw for hours on end, I have the Xp-Pen Artist10S stand and it fits the 15" screen perfectly and can be adjusted in 1 degree increments, and lastly a bluetooth keyboard and or a Wacom express key remote, this really helps with keyboard shortcuts and makes drawing much more efficient! I hope this helps! Anyway, great review as always Teoh! :)

[@ahmedbhaa]

Lily Vuong Typing all of that for the sake of helping people is just amazing. So, thank you. I have a really important question, how is this machine SB2 15 inch for architectural work? We use a bit heavier software than artists, and i am confused between this machine or the mobile workstation from HP called Zbook 15/17 models.

[@contorta960]

An extra 400GB now, and for half the price of going the internal storage route ;)

[@JJ-pp9rc]

Hey! I've heard a lot of bad stuff about the jitter. So, if you don't mind answering, is it really that bad?

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

Simply the best review anyone looking to buy a Surface Bk2 could hope to find: comprehensive, fascinating and indispensable.

[@teohyc]

Thanks. I try my best 😁

[@penelopehughes-jones5265]

Teoh Yi Chie You are the best!😊👍

[@NotThatBob]

Hi Penelope; I agree. I went from a MacBook pro 15inch to Surface BK2. I almost cried lol. It's SO MUCH BETTER! Apple used to be about innovation, but MS has totally beat them I believe. I love my Surface and will never ever go back to Mac. Also thank you OP for the great review.

[@otorisamson4253]

I was watching this and was just too impressed. Not even about the surface, microsoft nailed it, but about your ability to do a very detailed review on this device. I wanted something potable for graphics design and productivity in general, also coding, then a friend recommended the surface book 2, ever since I've been looking for a detailed review and I've got my mind made up after watching this video. Thanks for the review and I'm definitely gonna sub to your channel 🙂

[@teohyc]

Surface Book 3 is the latest. It’s powerful enough for graphic design work but battery life isn’t as good compared to other laptops. For the price you want want to consider a Surface Laptop 4 plus an iPad

[@rosm6621]

Love your reviews. Companies are smart to request your input as you are respected for your fair and precise reviews. Great Job!

[@truckingpix]

I think the headphone jack is on the screen portion of the computer so that when you are using it as a tablet you can listen to music

[@namaeva]

This gentleman here is the single greatest tech reviewer I have come across. Thank you sir, for actually going the distance of explaining the device in a way that even a non-graphic-designer would understand and still find very useful. In a perfect world I would have you review all the tech products I would ever consider. Thank you and keep being awesome.

[@teohyc]

Thanks :-) How did you find this video? I've been getting new comments for this old video recently.

[@molahi5779]

@@teohyc Your video popped up in my search results today. Great review! 👍🏾

[@RynoDBones]

NO DIAGONAL JITTER! Time to start saving my money..

[@teohyc]

Huge improvement in this area compared to previous generation. They finally did it, after 5 tries on the Surface Pro. lol

[@Origam-I]

can't say it has not improved , but without you zooming on the canvas, the lines are far from straight

[@redfoxcreatives]

It has jitter...

[@RynoDBones]

GompaStyle compared to what I'm using, this is fantastic, though. Heh heh.

[@redfoxcreatives]

Ryno Bones well idk what your using, I was just informing you that he’s wrong and it does have jitter. I draw on my SB2 and at least Photoshop has jitter(haven’t used other programs) it’s pretty bad too. I have to use smoothing to fix it most of the time.

[@choongching]

I brought the screen to job interviews (share my work and do some note taking). I also used it for team discussions and quickly Slack the sketches to my team members. When I'm back home, I just attach it back and watch Netflix and do some normal surfing. I recommend you guys to get a tempered glass (9H grade) and cover the front from scratches.

[@nyuan15]

Does the glass cover affect the pen sensitivity though?

[@o3MTA3o]

Can't you put the screen on backwards and fold it in half to get a "stand"?

[@illyanacloude]

Yay Theo!! I asked for a review from you a long time ago and you did it! I did end up buying it some months ago. The 15-inch version is a lightweight beautiful beast and it has helped me tremendously as a student, artist, gamer and web-surfer. The only thing I wished it could do is allow us to use the keyboard detached from the screen. I bought the Dial and honestly I don't use it - it's way too limited. What was that model of Logitech keyboard you were using? I really need one too for shortcuts.

[@teohyc]

That’s a Logitech K810. It’s out of production so some sellers are selling at higher than usual prices. You can look for other wireless Bluetooth keyboards from Logitech. Could be cheaper. Look for one that has a Ctrl button on the right side. That’s very important.

[@flufflebut8781]

Totally agree. Scrap the superfluous Xbox controller receiver and shove some Bluetooth into the keyboard. Any serious drawer needs their hotkeys Microsoft!

[@auramyst3627]

4:15 can't you just flip the display upside down and angle the laptop the other way?

[@teohyc]

The screen can only fit in two configurations, the normal laptop mode, and the mode that covers the keyboard. It can't flip over like those flip-able laptops where the screen and keyboard are facing opposite direction.

[@abhishekharge6691]

@@teohyc Check out 'View Mode'

[@e.matthews]

@@teohyc It actually has four configurations: the two you mentioned, the tablet mode without the keyboard, and the one you'll be happy to know about, View Mode. You can lock the SB onto the keyboard with the screen facing OUT, like a reverse laptop-mode, and the hinge will offer the control you can't find in the other configurations.

[@jwright7117]

Ewan Matthews he literally said that in his comment. The mode that the SB2 can’t do is having both the screen and keyboard facing out simultaneously like a hybrid laptop

[@e.matthews]

@@jwright7117 I don't believe that's what the (edit: original) comment was about, but indeed Teoh did later mention that a true bluetooth keyboard would have been better. But the comment in the context of the video was on flipping the screen on its vertical axis in order to get a good drawing position.

[@philippe4678]

extremely good review, thank you very very much !

[@DavidHerscher]

A couple of things: 1. Pen jitter is DEFINITELY still present in this device. It is using the same Ntrig tech for the pen. The reason you don't see in it your Medibang demo is because you have "stroke smoothing" turned on. 2. The performance of the device can be dramatically affected when connected to the keyboard/dock if you have the device with a discrete GPU. The GPU is in the keyboard/dock. So depending on the app you're using and/or your settings, this may be something that you want to consider.

[@sarahnoel666]

Every single reviewer should have a table of contents like that.

[@kreeson.]

Definitely the best indepth review of the Surface Book 2, Thank you Teoh

[@teohyc]

Welcome :-)

[@ludwinvart5409]

I just ordered 2 rotring fountain pens

[@eduardsierra5165]

Honestly, the best video review I have ever seen. The most helpful information and nice demo for all the people who have doubts about the performance and usability. Thanks so much for your job!

[@swishtos]

when you reconnect the surface to the keyboard (4:05 on the video)...but still in tablet mode does it let you use the graphic card?

[@teohyc]

As long as the two are attached, you should be able to use the graphics.

[@greyareaRK1]

Great review, Teoh! Comprehensive. I *think* you can use free software like Karabiner to change the menu key into a control key. Quad core is preferable, but still an impressive machine. MS has taken after Apple with their maddeningly slow spec bumps.

[@nikoulph]

Great machine, I just miss the damn Thunderbolt 3 to plug 1 external gpu for renderings

[@DJDelstar]

This review was excellent! I am looking at this computer as a at-home machine to do graphic design work for days I don't go into the office and this covered all my questions. I'm sold!!

[@Shewrites338]

I lost the pen😭

[@yorokiart8571]

Nice review and i think the best review of this surface Book 2, your reviews videos is everytime very good :) I have one question, Do you think the "Acer Switch 3" is good cheap alternative of the surface pro 4 ?

[@teohyc]

I've not used Acer Switch 3 before so I can't say much. The spec looks a little underpowered. If you just want something to draw on, you can consider the iPad 2018 and Apple Pencil

[@lisaying6299]

This is the best review i'm looking for!! How do you feel about the 13 i7 256gb 8gb Ram? Is it smooth enough for you to working on Ai or Ae? :) I'm struggling 8 or 16 Ram because of the price now. I basically using Ai Ps Xd for routine work, Ae, blender 3D few times in a month.

[@teohyc]

8GB is alright but 16GB is preferred if you work a lot

[@Skynet151]

After following your suggestions and watching over and over your review, at the end i decided to buy the SB2 15" 256GB, just one week ago. Great machine, but I have a sort of issue with the batteries which last really too short. I am afraid that I got defective ones. Using Photoshop I can barely hit 3 hours, even disabling the Nvidia GPU and using Photoshop with the Intel Integrated chip. It's weird because doing a video playback test, after 10 hours the battery was around 40%, so basically it could go on for 15-17 hours of video playback, same result claimed by Microsoft. But it seems that as soon as I do some slightly heavier task, even though not that much like retouching some picture in Photoshop, batteries drain immediately. Doing something more heavy like 3D with Maya, Megascans and Substance Suite, batteries last for around 1 and half hour. You said that overall they should last 7-10 hours, so I guess you mean also doing some PS work, right? In my case, 3 hours are way too less.

[@teohyc]

That's very strange, maybe check your task manager and check the processor activity. I'm not sure why this happens. Maybe ask on Adobe forums or Reddit. But using graphic software definitely drains battery much faster. Also try using Google Chrome (resource hog) and see if the battery drains fast too.

[@sarahlou5777]

Did you find out why? Was it broken?

[@peterwilliamson2965]

Great review. When the Surface Book 3 comes out please compare the 2 to the 3!

[@Face_de_rat]

Lags are normal because thé screen is not connected With grafic card When It turned back

[@tom5458]

Well done and very informative! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@parimaldgy8152]

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!!!

[@leanneland]

6:10 is that the fan that I hear running in the background? Also, have you done a video comparing the stylus that comes with the Microsoft Surface Book and the Apple Pencil? I only have used an iPad but I'm really curious about the Surface Book. Thanks! :)

[@teohyc]

Lol. That noise is from a small tram and track outside my place. As for Surface Pen vs Apple Pencil, the closest video is probably this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5DNc6x9fJxqgZo

[@leanneland]

Teoh Yi Chie 🙈 Thank you for the link - I really enjoy all your videos, I will check it out!

[@anniketparate]

I want to know can I use the SB2 in studio mode (with screen on top side) along with NVidia 1060 graphics card to work on Pshop?

[@teohyc]

Yes

[@nathalia5068]

This was incredibly helpful. The best review video I've seen for this. Thank You!!

[@mikemiller1502]

Thank you for a great review! You comprehensive explanation of the details were very much appreciated!

[@Skynet151]

One of the best reviews, Thank you! I am torn about buying the 13.5" and the 15" 16GB RAM. I am not gonna using it as main workstation for 3D content production, but from time to time when I am not at my working place nor home, I would use it for that purpose (Maya, ZBrush, Substance Designer/Painter, Unreal Engine 4, etc). Would you recommend the 13.5 or display size would be definitely too small using such software? Thanks for your opinion :)

[@teohyc]

Depends on how much you value portability. If you get the small model, you can use the money saved to get a large external monitor.

[@poikatiikeri]

You said photo editing is slower than some other, what other computer or tablet do you mean?

[@teohyc]

It's going to be slower compared to desktop of similar specs. Actually there are many factors that affect photo export time. How fast the processor is, whether there is enough cooling for the processor to boost and hold its max speed, and the software you use (lightroom 5.6 is slower than CC when exporting). In terms of photo editing, Surface Book 2 still does a good job for its price.

[@tamasdemjen4242]

You should be able to use the KeyTweak app to remap the context menu key to the right control key. Key #64 is the one you want to change to right control.

[@kerrym5424]

The 15 in is a great size I’ve heard you can’t work on Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop if you detatch the screen from the keyboard. It has to remain as one if you have it with the screen at a 90degree angle, it’s awkward to use the pen to draw. If you flip it, then you lose the keyboard functionality. With both programs, keyboard short cuts are essential. I don’t know why they didn’t add a small detached side keyboard for shortcuts for artists. And not having the control key on the right is extremely awkward. The flatness is also problematic. I would like a lightweight accessory to adjust the tilt of the tablet when using it without the keyboard or flipped so you can use the keyboard. They really should have put another USB port in and the earphone insert should have been bottom right on the touch pad. Lifting the top up and down feels flimsy or delicate. I really think they didn’t run this by graphic arts people enough because these are very obvious issues an computer artist would point out. I’ve also heard they have had issues with the GPU and aren’t responding to them. Other than that, I think it’s the best computer laptop on the market. The price is too high by around $400. I love the keys, the screen and the silver material and design. I wish I didn’t feel it was too delicate to port around, but the slippery material has no rubbery cushion on the sides or top or rubbery footsteps anywhere and the hing might be sturdy but it does wobbly going up or down. And again no adjustable kickstand or Bluetooth graphics shortcut keypad. I also wish they’d had a Wacom brush as well as Wacom pens to use. And maybe some primary programmable click notches shortcut buttons on pen would help like select drag undo and paint. Let’s go product design people!

[@856fatt]

Hello, you seem very knowledgable on this computer. I wonder if you can help me? I need to buy a new laptop to replace my current 15" MacBook Pro. I work primarily with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator doing infographics, for posters, brochures, etc. as well as logos and billboards/pull-up banners using photo files. I am starting a business doing event planning and would like to design invitations with hand-drawn artwork. I was therefore looking to purchase a surface book 2 rather than replacing my MacBook with the newer touch bar model AND buying a separate iPad so i can use procreate. But I have been seeing a lot of forums saying that the Surface Book 2 does not perform well and has a lot of issues with Adobe Illustrator and Indesign. I don't mind using it with the keyboard and trackpad (as i'm doing this with my current laptop anyways). I don't really need the pen for those two. I'll probably get an app thats dedicated to just drawing anyways. Can you please advice if I should get this computer and how well it performs with Illustrator and Indesign? Does it make more sense than a MacBook? Thanks so much. Sorry for the long message.

[@drewvera86]

I would recommend staying with a MacBook when using adobe suite. I'm been using a 15' MacBook pro 2014 for my architecture degree. It's amazing for that. @@856fatt

[@856fatt]

@@drewvera86 thank you for the response.

[@Choice7890]

Do you guys think it’s worth to buy the SB2 at the end of 2019 for a reduced price or should I wait for SB3??

[@teohyc]

Best to wait for SB3

[@Choice7890]

Do you think there will be a SB3?

[@teohyc]

@@Choice7890 I think so. Microsoft seems pretty committed to their Surface line.

[@kukuridess]

Hi, I’m really trying to decide between this and an iPad Pro 12.9 I’m a business student and drawing as a hobby, so I was trying to decide between the two. For a student who likes to draw a lot on his free time, which would you recommend?

[@teohyc]

If you already have a computer, iPad Pro is the better choice, and cheaper.

[@e.matthews]

If you're still shopping, consider the Surface Pro instead. The Surface Book is so expensive because of its discrete GPU in the keyboard, and because of the hinge. These things aren't necessary for some. The Surface Pro has all of the benefits of a tablet, but also runs an actual operating system, not iOS.

[@Michael_Lak]

@McBossBrine I don't trust you because I have never have a problem with windows 10. You are intimating that there are so many problems that it is unusable. Yep you are deliberately lying and therefore totally untrustworthy.

[@drmuntazimlucky]

Very nice presentation, very detailed one.

[@theslimbin]

the key that replaces the control key is standard but shouldn't replace it I use it quite a bit when doing lots of typing but its a bit dumb that there is no L ctrl but for me when looking for a keyboard that key is a must as it helps so much especially on a laptop with a trackpad FYI that key performs a right-click on the position of the cursor/selected

[@kevinisawake]

USB-C WITH THUNDERBOLT IS MISSING - only reason I did not buy this. I WILL WAIT.

[@lalakuma9]

Thanks for this review, I'm getting a Surface Book 2. I guess it's safe to also get Affinity Designer.

[@julianbeatty2909]

I bought a refurbished one on Amazon for 489 dollars. Good value.

[@teohyc]

Surface Book 2? Wow

[@LGeeThomas]

Great review as always! Okay, I do graphic design, digital art, caricatures, some photography work (editing etc) I currently use a 2nd generation iPad Pro 10.5in. I was owing to switch over to a 12.9in iPad Pro for more real estate to work on.... I currently use apps like Affinity Designer/and Photo, Autodesk Sketch, Concepts, and a few other apps only available for a tablet and IOS.... The ones mentioned I can also get in full desktop software.. I have been considering giving up the iPad and going to a full computer and have been looking heavily into getting either the Surface Pro, or SurfaceBook 2. So I could still have the portability, the ability to draw on screen, but still have the full power of a computer for other things, like video creation and editing (i at times create videos for clients using animated software like GoAnimate and animaker) I do NOT do video creation often anymore, but is always an option at times and to be honest I do not like carrying multiple devices (my current laptop is on old 2009 slow as heck MacBook Pro) I do not do enough video creation work to justify switching for only that purpose... I know I am in love with the Surface Studio and have dreams of getting that in the near future, so I am considering the surface pro/book for my portable device to keep it all within the same family and easier to go from one to other when doing design work... So the surface pro i like because it is more of a tablet, thinner and seems easier to work with on the go...BUT the surface book has the dedicated graphics, but would still have to carry a Bluetooth keyboard for short cut access, is the keyboard for the surface pro Bluetooth connectable also when I have that unattached? So in your opinion, switching from an iPad Pro to one of these for the type of work I do, which one would you overall recommend? Keep in mind I will be getting the highest specs machine regardless which one I go with. Or do you recommend simply staying with an iPad Pro and continue using the app versions mentioned above (but switch to the 12.9) Thanks in advance for reading this long comment and you reply

[@teohyc]

You may do better with the Surface Book 2 since it is going to be significantly faster compared to the 2009 MBP you have. And you can do digital art, photography faster on a proper computer. With the SB2, you have a larger screen and faster computer. With the 12.9, you'll just have a larger screen. The SB2 keyboard is not wireless. So you'll probably need another wireless keyboard.

[@cajunomics2.046]

I just can't get over how much reflection shows on the screen. It's ridiculous or else I would justify spending so much on it. I think a matte screen protector would help some here though, but IDK.

[@zoeyk1455]

I am a Graphic Design student in my senior year. I don't think I will ever really be delving much into video or animation. I have a Microsoft Surface Book currently and I've been enjoying it, but eventually, I will need to get a new laptop. Do you have a laptop/tablet that you would reccomend? I will not deny that some of my Adobe Illustrator files can become rather... large and I sometimes feel that my Surface Book struggles with the amount of stuff going on... Random note: Also, I just recently learned that using the Fn button allows the use of keyboard shortcuts. So I'm going to learn those now!

[@teohyc]

If you enjoy your Surface Book, why not get Surface Book 2? But I'm not sure if this new model is significantly better than your current one though

[@zoeyk1455]

@@teohyc well, I only got my Surface Book last year, it's still pretty new, so I'll have at least another few years to see what Microsoft comes up with next. And by then I'll have graduated and hopefully with a decent job as a graphic designer.

[@aleckfedorkiw4005]

Can you tell me where I can adult coloring books paint by numbers I am color blind and I have a surface boo any ideas?

[@teohyc]

Unfortunately I don't know of any colouring books that are paint by numbers

[@IDKggj]

I lost the original pen of MSB2, can anyonw recommend me a cheaper option ? I can not afford the original one

[@teohyc]

renaisser.com

[@oluwatosinolayemi7319]

I just watched this video and I must say I watched till the end. It's an incredible review! Nice efforts 👍

[@Fleur24]

Can I ask, do u had or have any thermal issues with your SB2? My SB2 will underclock itself to 0.4Ghz almost every time when my CPU is used more heavily (about 70% and more). I tried to undervolt it (- 110mV CPU, -80mV GPU), didn´t help, I tried to disable DB PROCHOT sensor, speed shift to 128, totally disable TB, nothing. I tried to set a TDP to 35W from 20W, nothing changed. I monitor my temps and this is happening even when my CPU is under 60C and XTU is showing me that it is not Thermal throttling but power limit throttling... Also, my SB2 is sometimes not able to go to sleep mode or will wake up on its own. Thanks for the answer.

[@teohyc]

I don't have that issue. Maybe ask on Reddit

[@slash6511]

Oh is an good choice is good if we want an pc and an alternative option for draw on the screen. Thanks you

[@gpart]

yes omg im so happy you reviewed this your like my artist go to review

[@yasushitahara]

日本人のみなさん、SURFACE BOOKは買ってはいけません。CPUが低電力で速度が出ません。

[@amies2370]

I'd like to have the back stand feature of Surface Pro. I don't need the key board, I'd rather use the external key board. I need to cover the tablet screen. Well, I hope they make 13.5 inch Surface pro.

[@salmanwap]

Wish I Own This. You're So Lucky.

[@salmanwap]

Hey, thanks for liking my comment. I also want to own this. But currently I am low on budget.

[@streetbuckcrewindia3175]

Can i use corel draw x 6 on this? I need a device only for coreldraw x6

[@teohyc]

You can

[@jairmedinart]

Hi Teoh, I got the 15” model and almost everything seems fine, but the screen after an hour of work gets really hot, to the point that it is not comfortable to draw on it, I check the processors' thermals but they seem ok, not exceeding the 68 c on some complex illustrations. So, I was wondering g if you experience something similar or perhaps is it just a problem with my unit?.

[@teohyc]

It does get warm because they are using powerful processors on the tablet portion.

[@809castro]

that doesnt happen to me .. do you draw with the screen plug in to the keybord?

[@marissar1615]

So hypothetically, even if I got the Surface Book 2 with all the bells and whistles - 15" display, 16gb memory, core i7 processor, 1tb storage... Would Photoshop still experience lag/redraw issues? I really love the look and functionality of the Surface Book 2 but I want it to perform well.

[@teohyc]

Yeah, it's going to have the screen redraw issue with Photoshop for some reason even though the specs are perfectly powerful enough to run Photoshop.

[@ahmedbhaa]

How is this for architectural work? Is this better or the Zbook 15/17 G5?

[@teohyc]

HP Zbook is more powerful. The point of Surface Book 2 is the ability to use it as a tablet.

[@ahmedbhaa]

Teoh Yi Chie Yes, it is more powerful but overall build quality, performance and the lifespan of the device matters for me more. Thus, i want to know which one is better regarding these things, especially build quality and lifespan.

[@marianaurel6355]

Hi, for photoshop and indesign, mainly for layout ang graphic design is an i5 8gb enough or is much better an i7 16gb - surface book 2? Thank you.

[@teohyc]

It is best to get 16gb ram. i7 vs i5 is not as important as getting more ram

[@h.p.734]

Does it have any graphics card disconnection problems? I've heard that the graphics card gets disconnected spontaneously and many ppl have had to return the SB2 because it kept getting that problem.

[@anniketparate]

One more question - My daily routine consists of Rhino, alias, keyshot along with photoshop, illustrator etc. Which SB2 would you recommend? I am having eyes on SB2 with i7, 512 (Or 256) SSD, 16GB Ram and 6gb nvidia 1060 but waiting for december sales. Please let me know which one will be good for me. Thanks for the review and big thumbs up !

[@teohyc]

Do you need the tablet form factor? If not, you can get a normal laptop with better specs for the same money. 512GB storage is good if you have the budget. If not you can get 256GB and get extra storage from Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive. That's 200GB for US$2.99/monthly.

[@desulax6926]

I'm currently an illustration student and I'm currently torn between the intel graphics model and the nvidia model I mainly use Clip Studio Paint to draw, rarely photoshop or indesign unless it's for uni assignments. I'm looking at value for portability as an outdoors alternative to my home desktop (8th gen i5, 16GB, GTX 1060) for when I can't work from home such as being in class or travelling afar. Would the intel graphics model be enough or will I be missing out? EDIT: I'd like to ask if the Surface Pro 6 would be a better budget alternative if I'm not going for the nvidia model

[@teohyc]

If it's just Clip Studio Paint, the Surface Pro is good enough, and performs well with that app for drawing.

[@karaygeoushearts]

Did you compare the 4k video editing rendering times on 13.5" vs 15"? How much does the 4GB upgraded graphics card in the 15" make a difference? I hope Microsoft updates the Surface Book this year to give it a more powerful CPU. It seems like the best all-around 2-in-1 with dedicated graphics, but some components are really out of date. Please add Thunderbolt 3!

[@teohyc]

I did not compared the two for video editing unfortunately

[@becool365]

Honestly speaking this is ridiculous money. You can have this, as a laptop and a tablet and you would get more for 600-700 USD.

[@zillaFCB10]

I'm torn between choosing either this surface book 2 or the wacom studio pro 16. Which one would you recommend? Thank you

[@teknosisglitch2432]

Same! I just got this Surface book 2 and I'm having reservations. I got the 13" with i5 - 8350U processor. MS spec page says it's quad core so there's contradicting info on that. I used Photoshop and Autodesk in tablet mode and the line has a wiggle to it at normal pressure. With heavy pen pressure it's more smooth. There are no settings for the pen pressure like with Wacom. The display can't be adjusted to reduce the warmth so color presentation is a little off. I think the higher processor for the surface book 2 is around the same cost as the Wacom... I am not sure which is better, drawing experience or computing diversity. I too want to know which is a better investment! Also, I barely got 2 hours in tablet mode with Photoshop.

[@shanappp]

Hello Teoh . as someone who work a lot most of the time on the laptop and just doing Lightroom and video editing once in a while and not every day. is it recommend to work on the Microsoft surface pro 7 or you would recommend only on the Book 2? i would go on the i5/8 Giga Ram/ 256 ssd

[@teohyc]

If you're not going to use the pen much, you should go with a normal laptop.

[@shanappp]

@@teohyc Thank you for the information! Your channel is super productive and helpful for me

[@sol13171]

You have excellent ideas for future surface book 3 👍🏻

[@miterball958]

Thank you for a very good review. Your review is the best I have seen.

[@teohyc]

Thanks

[@adnan.saleem]

Wish I could buy it ...😭😭😭

[@Shewrites338]

Can you please show me how can I design my book on this computer I have got Microsoft Surface the previous one

[@teohyc]

You need a page design software. Search for “affinity software” online

[@niklasr3866]

Hi what program do you use for drawing ?

[@teohyc]

On Windows usually Clip Studio Paint, Medibang Paint Pro. For tablets I like Concepts.

[@gpart]

im thinking about either getting this or just a laptop and tablet separately. I will be an animation student soon and I'm unsure if animation will be efficient with a 2 in 1... Any thoughts?

[@teohyc]

I think this should be powerful enough. If you want to save money, consider a normal laptop with a screenless tablet.

[@gpart]

@@teohyc I ended up getting it and its p solid! I'm happy I got it

[@GonzaloPantoja1]

Hello! Since im using powerfull softwares as photoshop and the surface starts to warm up, while im using the surface pen, the palm rejection stop working when the surface book 2 is connected to the power adapter or a usb-c HDMI adapter, but only if it is resting totally horizontal (my desk). do you have any problem like this? I would greatly appreciate your response.

[@teohyc]

I no longer have the review unit so I can't test that anymore.

[@arifpria]

great review Teoh! too bad Microsoft is not present in my country, so even if I bought one, I have to go to Singapore to claim warranty or any of their services :(

[@cloudyeclipsefilms2291]

Marvellous, this is just the insight I needed as an Illustration student. I am seriously considering the 13.5" with 16GB RAM + 512GB storage (or the 15" 256GB), I will be using it solely for the Adobe trio (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). The touchscreen and pen are an extra level which Apple can't offer, hence going for Windows over a MacBook. Do you think the Surface Book 2 is suitable for these conditions? Thank you.

[@teohyc]

Yes, it should be good enough

[@cloudyeclipsefilms2291]

Cheers

[@t_crensh]

Thanks for another great video!

[@asgharkhan430]

Companies will definately Happy with you and definitely they will give u one piece free... Not for drawing artists

[@teohyc]

It's a review unit that I have to return

[@jaswindersinghparmar7914]

hello,i am an architect.I use softwares like auto cad,google sketch up ,some Photoshop and occasional gaming. I personal require a tablet mode for microsoft pen sketching ,photo editing and client presentations.Will 13.5" model be fine for my use so that i can do all those activities smoothly on this device?

[@teohyc]

Yup, the 13.5 should be more than powerful enough for those purposes.

[@jaswindersinghparmar7914]

@@teohyc thank you for your reply.:)

[@Baleiric]

Just found this review. Very informative. I know you mentioned the difference with display clarity between the two sizes is negligible. However, I have heard when running Adobe CC programs on the smaller screen it is hard to see the selection bars.. that the icons are smaller. Is this true??

[@teohyc]

You can increase the size of the user interface to get larger icons, menus, palettes.

[@Baleiric]

Teoh Yi Chie thanks so much! That had been a complaint from some users. Obviously they didn’t know you could increase the interface size. Now I can save some money in buying the smaller display. Cheers! You made my day

[@stutikansal-graphicdesigne5688]

Can anyone please help me in deciding which tablet should I buy 1. Samsung galaxy tab S4 2. Galaxy tab A 3. Galaxy tab S5e 4. Apple ipad pro 12.9 5.new apple ipad mini 6. New apple ipad air 7. Microssoft surface go 8. New Surface pro 6 The tablet should have keyboard and pen with it. It should have expandable memory. It should have enough memory for video editing and photo editing softwares, for taking pictures , for daily use, for watching videos and movies, for listening music, for reading books, on which tablets can i work for more than 10 hours on multiple programs without worrying about tablet getting hanged and with which tablet i can work with external hard disk and pen drives and can be easily carried with us anywhere on any trip .

[@julianbeatty2909]

Whats your budget?

[@stutikansal-graphicdesigne5688]

@@julianbeatty2909 50,000 to 60,000

[@julianbeatty2909]

@@stutikansal-graphicdesigne5688 Wait, what? 50,000 dollars is enough to buy several cars. Did you mean 500 dollars to 600 dollars?

[@stutikansal-graphicdesigne5688]

@@julianbeatty2909 i am in india its Rs not dollars

[@mustaqimabdghani6201]

9:15 can't agree more. I have surface book 1 and once i detached the screen, the keyboard is just useless. Hope to see this feature in surface bk 3.

[@HelloSirob]

useless only if you leave it disconnected, when connected it's a great stand/dock, with ports and battery/GPU.

[@rchallender2493]

Hey! I just spent $1999 on a new Surface Book 2 as a replacement for the old laptop I've been using for college. The new laptop shipped and arrived very quickly and I recieves it yesterday afternoon. I got the 15 inch 256GB, 16GB RAM with Intel i7. After I got the laptop fully updated I powered it off and shut the laptop. I noticed that there was a reasonably subtle sort of crackling/crinkling sound from the hinge when ever I shut or open the laptop screen. Is this normal for the computer and is it something I should worry about while my 90 day warranty from microsoft is still in effect? I just need to figure out if this is a normal thing and if I have to worry about the noise causing damage to the hinge over time? I'd totally appreciate any advice or similar experiences from you guys! Thanks for all your content!!

[@teohyc]

There should not be any sound from the hinge.

[@rchallender2493]

@@teohyc that's sort of what I thought! Luckily microsoft is letting me exchange the unit for a new one 👍🏻! Thanks!

[@rchallender2493]

Hey @@teohyc! I just wanted to thank you again for your help and advice! I wanted to just give you a quick update regarding this whole situation! I was able to exchange my Surface Book 2 for a brand new unit, which was delivered just this friday! Like you had mentioned the hinge noise is totally normal and that the hinge noise won't pose any major structural or manufacturing defects in the future! My new Surface Book 2 does still have some hinge noise when opening and closing the laptop, but I'm both happy and pleased to report that the hinge noise on this new laptop is noticeably quieter and less pronounced than with the laptop I sent back in 😁👍🏻! I'm happy I decided to exchange the laptop for a new one, and I hope that what little hinge noise that still remains will dissipate or go away with age as the laptop hinge gets more "broken in" and loosens up! Thanks again for your help! Cheers!

[@dezziefbby]

If I'm doing occassional photo editing and regular internet browsing, youtube, etc...should I get this or a macbook? I currently have a 2011 macbook pro that is outdated and not compatible with lightroom.

[@teohyc]

Either Windows or Mac would work. If you have no specific reason to use Mac (eg use software that run only on Mac), maybe get Windows laptops. The Microsoft ones are good. The 2016 to 2018 MacBook Pro keyboards are prone to failure to the extend that Apple has a free repair program for them. But once that program ends, you're on you own. I doubt those MBP keyboards would last more than three years.

[@dezziefbby]

Teoh Yi Chie wow. That’s pretty crazy. I’m gonna go check out a surface book today.

[@DB-nl9xw]

Can you please open a textbook A4 size in booth Surface 2 notebooks?

[@TheCaptainCanada]

Great video man! Do you have any tip for when drawing/writing in tablet mode? the notification center, taskbar and taskview keep appearing when my hand is on the edge of the screen

[@teohyc]

Not sure about that. Maybe search online. I’m sure there is a solution.

[@YedijaVanutama]

Hope you can review the upcoming Surface Book 3 also

[@teohyc]

I hope so too.

[@AndresGarcia-rh1fh]

Very helpful Teoh! With this computer, am I able to upgrade the system?

[@teohyc]

This can’t be upgraded

[@HJoo2013]

Have you tried Clip Studio Paint on it?

[@teohyc]

Yes it works fine

[@prakashabraham3136]

Excellent review, thank you

[@teohyc]

Thanks 😁

[@timothy790110]

does the SD card stick out from the reader or not?

[@teohyc]

sticks out. All SD card readers will stick out, otherwise how do you get the card out?

[@timothy790110]

@@teohyc no, some laptops they go all they way in and are either spring loaded or you have to take them out with a fingernail. Thats what I wanted to know. In any case, there are solutions! You can either cut the SD card in half ( NOT all, there are some where the chip covers the entire area, ) or you get an special insert for an Micro SD card thats made specifically for the SB 2. Would you like a link? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZorOoHqIdrtre5I

[@teohyc]

​@@timothy790110 Spring loaded or not, the SD card should NOT go all the way in, otherwise there's no way to take it out. You can't even press it out because there's nothing to press. In the video you linked, that SD card is not considered all the way in even though the back was cut. Yeah the back of the SD card does not protrude that much but it's still protruding.

[@ElizabethSotoAlvarez]

what program are you using for your art work?

[@xvladyx32]

Can you test dell Xps 2 in 1 (2018)?

[@m.a.3322]

I got mine about 20 days ago. Brand new device works like a charm BUT the magnet was defective so the laptop doesn't close/bend back fully. Flops open 3 - 5 inches. I called Microsoft about it, and they offered to replace it with a refurbished surface book 2. Truly disappointed. Thing cost me a fortune...

[@b00shay]

Mehra Ahsan I’m looking to pickup one too. The fact they do refurb ones makes me not want to buy in

[@m.a.3322]

@@b00shay think carefully before buying it. If your device ends up defective your best bet is to just keep your device. Or else you would've played full price for a refurb...

[@Skynet151]

Definitely not a good move by MS.. Within the first 30 days, they should change it with another brand new one.

[@erikskytt7958]

nice review! im a hobby artist, but mostly work in audio engineering but i already have a desktop for that in the studio. if i wanted something nice to draw on while on the go and maybe do some light audio or video editing, and perhaps some light gaming, is the 13 Book 2 worth it or better off with the Pro 6 if not working in the field to motivate big budget purchase of a Book 2?

[@teohyc]

I would probably recommend Surface Book 2 for its larger screen over SP6. For gaming, it's better to get the model with the graphics card. The real question is will you be doing a lot of work on the Surface Book 2 vs your desktop. if not, maybe just get an iPad or iPad Pro for drawing. They are more portable and have longer battery life in tablet mode.

[@erikskytt7958]

@@teohyc thanks for the swift reply! Yeah, drawing is a hobby, as well as video editing and gaming (which i mainly do on a PS4Pro anyway). I love the look and feel of the Book 2 and would prob use it alot in tablet mode too when not for recording. I guess i would use it to be able to edit some songs/projects on the go, remote location recordings and being able to get some, but not final, work results on it. I used the Surface Pro 3 for this and it surprised me it could handle the load. Still in audio i need my hardware converters and gear anyway from the studio to finalize products in audio. I get your point about an ipad for drawing but the rest i would also double it for wouldnt work on iOS for me and feel hard to motivate seeing im a Windows and Android user. Guess more than anything im nerdy lovin for the book 2 and trying to also find the functions to moticate the price tag. Maybe next year it will drop a little?

[@teohyc]

If you need to work on it, get the Surface Book 2. iOS, despite what other people say, is just not a productivity tool. I mean seriously, even something simple like selecting text is a pain. And then there's the non-existent file system.