Microsoft Surface Book 2 release date, specs news: Surface Book 2 with improved hinge to be unveiled in October?

Jackie Villegas Thursday, September 22, 2016

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is the highly anticipated follow-up to last year's Microsoft Surface Book, which was not without its flaws.

Fans of the original Surface Book have been hoping that its next iteration will offer a better hinge mechanism, an improved display and a new USB port.

Fortunately, rumors about the potential Microsoft Surface Book 2 indicate that the 2-in-1 laptop, which may be announced next month, could be launched with an upgraded high resolution display panel, USB 3.1 and an updated Windows OS. Mobile 'N Apps says that the new Surface Book could be powered by the Intel Kaby Lake processor, which should make its performance better than that of the original. The Microsoft Surface Book 2's chipset will also reportedly allow it to consume less power and give the device a longer life.

It is also said to run on the Windows Redstone 2 update and incorporate new features such as OneClip, Office Hub and Working Sets.

The Verge notes that the hinge on the second Surface Book could be altered to let the screen sit flush with the keyboard, just like in regular laptops. In contrast, the hinge on the original Surface Book was one of the device's most noticeable flaws. In it, the fulcrum hinge allowing the display to detach from the keyboard/base made an unsightly gap. Microsoft is expected to remedy this design issue in the Surface Book 2.

Another complaint about the Surface Book hinge is that it requires electricity. Tech Radar suggests that Microsoft could improve the hinge so that the display can be detached whether the Surface Book is on or off.

Though Microsoft has been keeping quiet about the new Surface Book's rumored features, reports say that the hybrid could be unveiled alongside other Microsoft devices before the year ends. The Verge notes that Microsoft itself has hinted at a new Surface device coming this year. If this is true, the outlet expects the launch event to be held in October.