When Surface Book 2 debuted in late 2017, the base configuration was only offered with a dual-core 7th-generation Intel Core-i5 processor, while the other models all featured more powerful quad-core 8th-genration Core-i7 processors. Now, however, Microsoft is also offering a model with an 8th-generation Core i5. And for a limited time, it’s no more expensive than the base configuration.

Confused? You can see how the Surface Book 2 models originally broke down here. The short version is that most where quite modern, for the day, with quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i7 chips with dedicated graphics which varied between the 13.5- and 15-inch versions of the device. Only the base model came with a previous-generation (and dual-core) i5 chip and integrated graphics.

Today, there’s a new model: At the Microsoft Store, you can order a 13.5-inch Surface Book 2 with a quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 as well. It doesn’t appear to replace the base model, though that could happen over time.

As for pricing, the cheapest version you can get with an 8th-generation Core i5 chipset costs $1500. For that price, you also get 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and integrated graphics.

The cheapest Surface Book still provides that 7th-generation Core i5, and is coupled with 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of storage, and integrated graphics, and costs $1150. A version that matches the new 8th-generation model—that is, with 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage, and integrated graphics—normally costs $1500. But right now, that one is on sale for $1300. So you can save $200 if you do not need those extra cores (and the presumed reliability and security improvements that are also included with the 8th-gen part).

Looking back at Microsoft’s original Surface Book 2 pricing—and seriously, it’s been a year and a half since this computer debuted—I can see that a few things have changed since then. At that time, the 7th-gen i5 with 256 GB was the base model and it cost $1500. Microsoft later added a 128 GB offering to lower the price somewhat, a strategy it used with its other Surface PCs as well.

Still, it’s a great computer. And you could make the argument that finally offering an 8th-generation Core i5 at what was the original base model selling price sort of sets things right. And while Surface Book 2 is also starting to get a bit long in the tooth, I don’t expect to see a Surface Book 3 before late 2019 at the earliest.

Thanks to Neowin for tipping me off to this new model.

Tagged with Surface Book 2