Microsoft's most powerful laptop to date had just received a recent update, with the Microsoft Book i7 topping performance charts. However, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is also being anticipated by many fans, and is deemed to be launched early in 2017. With the two devices packing almost similar specs, which one would be a better buy?
Display
The Microsoft Surface Book i7 packs 13.5 inches of screen display on a 3:2 aspect ratio, with a clean cut and precision look that screams premium in every angle. The screen even supports up to 2K and 4K of video output, and weighs only 3.7 pounds even when docked to the keyboard.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will most likely pack a similar screen size as its predecessor, at 12.3 inches. However, it might still get an update, having been predicted to support up to 4K of video output as well.
Performance
For performance, the Microsoft Surface Book i7 offers the best performance in any Microsoft device yet. With the updated powerhouse, the Intel Skylake chipsets ensures that the processing speed and power are consistently top notch. The tech company also claims that the device is capable of video playback of up to sixteen hours, so battery life is long lasting.
However, the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is expected to pack Intel's newer Kaby Lake processors, so performance is predicted to be a lot better. The battery life is also expected to be a lot better than its predecessor, which had a bad battery draining reputation.
Peripherals
The Microsoft Surface Book i7, as per the original form factor of the device, comes with the keyboard dock with a very premium look, housing most of the device's ridiculously powerful specs. The Microsoft Surface Pro 5, on the other hand, will also come with a keyboard cover, along with a new technology that enables recharging of the Surface Pen magnetically.
Price
As of press time, the most basic Microsoft Surface Book i7 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of internal SSD storage costs $2,399. Update a spec and the price goes higher by a tier. As for the Microsoft Surface Pro 5, the expected retail price starts at $899. However, there is no reason to be salty here, as both devices are very much capable for the prices they are offering.
