 Microsoft has announced a major update to the Surface Book range. While appearing fundamentally unchanged from the Surface Book 2 on the outside, there have been some important changes for power users. Surface Book 3 13.5 inch |
Surface Book 2 13.5"13.5" 3K PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 7th gen dual core or 8th gen quad core processor options 8 or 16GB 1866Mhz memory Intel® HD 620 graphics + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1050 2GB graphics in keyboard 15 hour manufacturer-rated battery 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5™ |
Surface Book 3 13.5"13.5" 3K PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 10th gen quad core processor options (no dual core option) 8, 16 or 32GB 3733Mhz memory Intel® Iris™ Plus + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1650 4GB Max-Q Design graphics in keyboard 15.5 hour rated battery 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6™ |
Increases are bolded.
Performance increased for 13.5"
A switch to the new 10th generation Intel Core Quad Core processors and faster memory with higher capacity improves application performance. Network speed is increased, particularly in crowded environments with the switch to Wi-Fi 6.
Switching from the entry-level Surface Book 2 with Intel Core i5 7300U to the new entry level Surface Book 3 provides roughly double the processing power.
Switching from the entry-level Surface Book 2 with Intel Core i5 7300U to the new entry level Surface Book 3 provides roughly double the processing power.
Substantial graphics improvements
The detachable tablet now has Intel Iris Plus graphics - early benchmarks indicate roughly twice the graphics performance of the previous Intel HD 620. Given the high resolution of the display, this is a welcome boost.
NVIDIA graphics is included with Intel Core i7 models. The new GTX-1650 benchmarks as much as 45% faster than the GTX 1050 option in the Surface Book 2.
NVIDIA graphics is included with Intel Core i7 models. The new GTX-1650 benchmarks as much as 45% faster than the GTX 1050 option in the Surface Book 2.
Surface Book 3 15"
Surface Book 2 15"15" 3K+ PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 8th gen quad core processor options 16GB 1866Mhz memory Intel® HD 620 graphics + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 6GB graphics in keyboard 17 hour manufacturer-rated battery 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5™ |
Surface Book 3 15"15" 3K+ PixelSense™ display Intel® Core™ 10th gen quad core processor options 16 or 32GB 3733Mhz memory Intel® Iris™ Plus + optional NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1660 Ti 6GB Max-Q graphics in keyboard 17.5 hour rated battery 802.11AX Wi-Fi 6™ |
Increases are bolded.
As per the 13.5" model, a 10th generation Intel Core i7 Quad Core processor and faster memory with higher capacity options improves application performance. The Surface Book 3 15" also gets Wi-Fi 6 for faster and more reliable connectivity in crowded environments.
More graphics horsepower
The 15" features NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti graphics, which benchmarks around 40% faster than the Surface Book 2 15" and 66% faster than the NVIDIA option in the 13.5" model.
This makes the 15" the device of choice for engineers, film makers and architects as well as gamers.
This makes the 15" the device of choice for engineers, film makers and architects as well as gamers.
Workstation graphics option
An NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 Max-Q option is available for users seeking workstation-class driver certification and ray-tracing support. For professionals seeking ultimate stability in engineering, architecture, VR, game design and motion pictures, the Surface Book 3 allows access to one of the best on-screen Pen experiences in a device that supports 3D work spaces.
Full specifications for the Surface Book 3 are on our web portal:
For pricing and availability, please Contact Us or speak to your account manager at The Laptop Company.
Benchmarks source: https://www.userbenchmark.com/
Microsoft has just announced the new Surface Go 2 tablet. With the new Intel Core M3 CPU option, this is now a viable solution for a greater number of staff. The lightest Surface understands your handwriting, lets you draw on almost anything in Windows 10 and secure by design with S mode. With a larger 10.5" display, the 544 gram tablet features more battery life and a new performance option for workplace applications. The following outlines the differences between the two generations:
Surface Go10" 1800x1200 PixelSense™ display 9 hour rated battery From 522 grams plus Type Cover Intel® Pentium® Gold 4415Y eMMC or SSD storage |
Surface Go 210.5" 1920x1280 PixelSense™ 10 hour rated battery From 544 grams plus Type Cover Intel® Pentium® Gold 4425Y or Intel® Core™ M3 Dual Core eMMC (Gold only) or SSD storage Faster SSD speeds with Core M3 |
Increases are bolded.
New Intel® Core™ M3 option
The entry-level Intel Pentium Gold processor receives a modest performance bump.
The most important change is the new 8th Gen Intel Core M3 option, a dual core ultra-low power processor that increases performance by approximately 64% according to Microsoft. Faster graphics and increased SSD transfer speeds for the M3 also provide more power for teams using enterprise applications and Windows 10 Pro.
Surface Go 2 with Core M3 and 8GB memory should exceed the performance of the entry-level 2018 Surface Pro 6 with 7th Gen Intel Core M3 and just 4GB memory.
The most important change is the new 8th Gen Intel Core M3 option, a dual core ultra-low power processor that increases performance by approximately 64% according to Microsoft. Faster graphics and increased SSD transfer speeds for the M3 also provide more power for teams using enterprise applications and Windows 10 Pro.
Surface Go 2 with Core M3 and 8GB memory should exceed the performance of the entry-level 2018 Surface Pro 6 with 7th Gen Intel Core M3 and just 4GB memory.
Wi-Fi 6™ now standard
All models now support Wi-Fi 6™, which provides more reliable high speed connections in crowded network environments.
The Surface Go 2 can also be optioned with 4G LTE Advanced data for remote teams.
The Surface Go 2 can also be optioned with 4G LTE Advanced data for remote teams.
New display
The high-quality PixelSense™ display has been increased in size to 10.5" without the overall size of the device increasing. An increase in resolution from 1800x1200 to 1920x1280 increases usability for office applications and makes monitor resolution matching easier for users.
More battery life
Manufacturer-rated battery life is increased from 9 to 10 hours, which should be sufficient for field workers and staff who are mobile throughout the day. USB-C charging allows staff more charging options when away from their workplace
Write, draw, share and capture
With exemplary handwriting recognition, drawing and painting, the Surface range provides a superior Pen experience with support in applications including Office 365, Adobe CS and a multitude of Apps. When not in use, the optional Surface Pen can be stowed on the Go 2's frame using strong concealed magnets.
5 megapixel front and 8 megapixel rear cameras are carried over from the first Go and are ready for Skype, Zoom, Teams and Hangouts and Full HD video recording.
5 megapixel front and 8 megapixel rear cameras are carried over from the first Go and are ready for Skype, Zoom, Teams and Hangouts and Full HD video recording.
Mix and MatchChoose an optional backlit Type Cover keyboard cover, Surface Pen and Surface Mouse for the complete experience. Weighs from 789 grams when paired with the Signature Type Cover. Compatible with Surface Go gen one accessories for mixed fleets. |  |
Full specifications for the Surface Go 2 on our web portal:
For pricing and availability, speak to your account manager at The Laptop Company or Contact us.
The new device is considerably sleeker, lighter and more attractive, with more changes under the hood.
New display
With a single model available now, the display has changed from a 55 Full HD or 85 inch 4K display to a 50 inch 4K display in the Hub 2s.
The shape of the screen has changed from the widescreen 16:9 format typically used by TVs to the taller 3:2 aspect ratio used by other Surface devices. For Surface users, that means no more black bars on either side of the image when projecting. For other devices with widescreen displays, expect to see small bars top and bottom.
Unlike the early promo videos, the Surface Hub 2s is designed for landscape use. There will be a further model coming soon that supports the portrait to landscape screen swivel.
The shape of the screen has changed from the widescreen 16:9 format typically used by TVs to the taller 3:2 aspect ratio used by other Surface devices. For Surface users, that means no more black bars on either side of the image when projecting. For other devices with widescreen displays, expect to see small bars top and bottom.
Unlike the early promo videos, the Surface Hub 2s is designed for landscape use. There will be a further model coming soon that supports the portrait to landscape screen swivel.
New camera
The device now uses a single 4K camera in place of the earlier model's twin 1080p camera setup (which switched between cameras based on where the Surface Hub Whiteboard user was standing). Given the camera is used more often for video calling over Whiteboard use, we see a single high quality camera as a useful improvement.
Lighter
The 50 inch Surface Hub 2s (above) weighs 28kg versus the original 55 inch at 48kg (below). This makes installation much easier, while enabling greater mobility with the optional stand. The original 85 inch version weighs in at a fairly staggering 127kg, excluding stand.
New optional stand
A new optional Surface Roam stand has been designed by Steelcase.
Weighing in at a total of 57kg, the Surface Hub 2s + Steelcase Roam is much lighter than the original 100kg 55 inch Surface Hub + Microsoft Rolling Stand. One person should be able to move the Surface Hub 2s without problems where previously a team effort was required.
Weighing in at a total of 57kg, the Surface Hub 2s + Steelcase Roam is much lighter than the original 100kg 55 inch Surface Hub + Microsoft Rolling Stand. One person should be able to move the Surface Hub 2s without problems where previously a team effort was required.
New battery option
If optioned with the APC Charge battery, the Hub 2s can be unplugged and moved between rooms without powering down or closing apps - good for teams and projects in modern workplaces. The APC Charge can power the device for around 100 minutes, so we recommend plugging-in to a wall socket for long sessions.
By comparison, the first generation models required powering off before moving.
By comparison, the first generation models required powering off before moving.
How does it measure up?
We regard these changes, along with the lower price as significant improvements.
More information
Go to www.laptop.co.nz/surface-hub-2s where we have assembled a library of Introduction and How-To videos, plus device specifications.
For enquiries, speak to an account manager at The Laptop Company or Contact Us.
For enquiries, speak to an account manager at The Laptop Company or Contact Us.
The Laptop Company is a Surface Hub user and Surface Hub partner supplying to government, higher education, healthcare and business. We share our experiences with the Hub and talk about the new Surface Hub 2s.
Getting started
In general we recommend your systems team work with us to set up the device. Some functions can be rendered unavailable in certain setups, which will cause teething issues for users. The aim to is enable all functionality, allow users to seamlessly log in, connect devices to display and interact with, and ensure your network and data remain locked-down.
Start with the Whiteboard
The easiest place to get users started with the Surface Hub is the Microsoft Whiteboard app. It's versatile, can understand your writing, and lets you place all types of content on the board. Everything can be saved in perpetuity and shared with teams. We're seeing a lot of problem-solving and strategy being conducted internally using this app.
Better with Teams
While the device does work with Skype for Business, this service is nearing end-of-life. Microsoft Teams replaces Skype for Business while providing improved collaboration tools and interfaces. Both applications can be installed on user devices and the Surface Hub. Users can create shared whiteboards that can be edited by Hub users at the same time as users of devices that are equipped with pens (on or off-site).
Working on and off-site
Teams meetings can be conducted seamlessly - video attendees can be tiled full-screen or on the side of the screen to allow for a shared whiteboard or projection space. User screen-sharing is also supported for projecting documents and apps to the team. The Surface Hub supports multiple users interacting with the Surface Hub screen using different Surface Hub Pens. We use this for meetings with staff in different cities, as well as clients and partners.
Call quality
Video call quality is generally excellent. The new Surface Hub 2s has a 4K display and camera. Users based overseas on slow connections or rural users will have reduced call quality to manage lag. New Zealand's generally excellent internet connections make this a non-issue for us.
Sign-in
Signing in with their Office 365 account allows users to share files, whiteboards, access and edit documents on their OneDrive, and connect to Teams meetings with full video conferencing capabilities. The Surface Hub can be booked for users through Outlook to reserve for meetings and to enable staff to see when the Hub is available.
Connect and project
The Hub supports WiDi and Miracast for connecting and project from Windows 10 laptops and tablets and allows the option of the Hub controlling the laptop - essentially creating a giant Tablet. We recommend user devices have wireless projection capability enabled for this - they will need Miracast/WiDi support too (we haven't seen laptops in quite some time that can't do this). Extended desktop, screen mirroring and presentation modes are supported when projecting wirelessly.
For high security environments, Surface Hub uses additional precautions over the standard WiDi / Miracast standard to lock down the device https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/surface-hub/surface-hub-wifi-direct.
To connect wirelessly from devices including Apple, Android and Chromebook, we recommend installing an app like AirServer Surface Hub edition. The Windows App Store has a number of Apps that can be installed on the Hub.
For high security environments, Surface Hub uses additional precautions over the standard WiDi / Miracast standard to lock down the device https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/surface-hub/surface-hub-wifi-direct.
To connect wirelessly from devices including Apple, Android and Chromebook, we recommend installing an app like AirServer Surface Hub edition. The Windows App Store has a number of Apps that can be installed on the Hub.
Performance computers and workstations
For high-performance computers - for example 3D workstations and editing suites - a cable connection via USB-C or HDMI+USB-C provides the highest quality display with lowest potential lag when interacting. This allows extremely high-demand apps to be displayed and interacted with using the workstation's GPU and CPU at up to 4K quality
User training
A well set up device will reduce the user-training requirements. We created internal heroes who provided guidance to new users, often as a part of joint meetings. We find the ideal group size is somewhere around 6 trainees when training.
We can provide and recommend initial and up-skill training at least twice yearly through the course of ownership. This allows new users to be inducted, updated software features to be used and helps ensure the device is properly utilised by teams. As a new piece of equipment, it might otherwise be a bit daunting to new users.
We can provide and recommend initial and up-skill training at least twice yearly through the course of ownership. This allows new users to be inducted, updated software features to be used and helps ensure the device is properly utilised by teams. As a new piece of equipment, it might otherwise be a bit daunting to new users.
Do we need it?
It would be hard to go back to a whiteboard or laptop-only video conferencing after using the Surface Hub, and it has been a boon for strategy and communications. It fits our needs well, but we can also appreciate the step-change that Microsoft has made with the new second generation models.
Want to know more or arrange a demo unit? Contact us.
Wellington, New Zealand – October 17, 2019 – Microsoft New Zealand has celebrated its outstanding local business partners at the 12th annual Microsoft Partner Awards. The Laptop Company was a winner in the Surface Partner category.
Mark Mayo, CEO of The Laptop Company praised staff and clients saying “We’re proud of the work the team’s been doing with Surface for our fantastic customer partners. To receive this award two years in a row from Microsoft is an honour, and with the great new Surface devices announced this month, we’re looking forward to helping our customers do even more with their technology.”
The Microsoft New Zealand Partner Awards recognise innovative partners who are demonstrating inventive use of digital technology, with the awards open to all Microsoft partners big and small. The streamlined ceremony saw the awards pivot to a greater focus on customers.
Sarah Bowden, Microsoft New Zealand One Commercial Partner Director says, “We congratulate The Laptop Company for winning in the Surface Partner category. It’s been a real pleasure learning about the achievements of this year’s entrants and seeing how they’ve used Microsoft technology to empower their own customers in so many innovative ways. The Laptop Company is an example of the fantastic work being done right here in New Zealand to unlock even greater potential.”
“Most of our 1,200-plus Partners are small and medium businesses creating massive change for Kiwi organisations right across the country. They really are punching well above their weight when it comes to digital transformation and the calibre of the Partner Awards entries this year gives me great confidence that New Zealand is set for a very bright future,” says Bowden.
The Partner Awards took place in a special ceremony at Auckland’s historic St-Matthew-in-the-City last night, with 56 finalists across a range of sectors.
The full list of 2019 winners are:
Winner & Highly commended list
New Zealand Partner of the Year (awarded globally)
Winner - Umbrellar
Azure Innovate Award
Winner - Aware Group – Port Otago
Azure Migrate Award
Winner - The Instillery – Carter Holt Harvey
Business Applications Award
Winner - Datacom
Empowering Employees Award
Winner - Information Leadership Design – Todd Energy
Modern Workplace Award
Winner - Intergen – Te Wananga o Raukawa
Highly Com - DXC Eclipse – Fonterra
Highly Com - Information Leadership Design Services – Todd Energy
Engaging Customers Award
Winner - Intergen – Lumino the Dentists
Optimising Operations Award
Winner - Intergen – Les Mills
Transforming Products Award
Winner - Enlighten Designs – Sitecore on Azure
Highly Com - Datacom – UDC Finance
Surface Partner Award
Winner - The Laptop Company
Channel Development Award
Winner - Exeed Ltd
Cloud for Good Award
Winner - Enlighten Designs – Sustainable Coastlines
Highly Com - Fusion 5 – Barnardos
Highly Com - Spark New Zealand – Oranga Tamariki
ENDS
About The Laptop Company
Founded in 1985, The Laptop Company is New Zealand's leading laptop and mobile device specialist. With locations in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin and headquarters in Wellington, we work with corporate, government and educational institutions throughout New Zealand.
For additional information:
Contact: Mark Mayo, CEO
Email: Mark.Mayo@laptop.co.nz
Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Mark Mayo, CEO of The Laptop Company praised staff and clients saying “We’re proud of the work the team’s been doing with Surface for our fantastic customer partners. To receive this award two years in a row from Microsoft is an honour, and with the great new Surface devices announced this month, we’re looking forward to helping our customers do even more with their technology.”
The Microsoft New Zealand Partner Awards recognise innovative partners who are demonstrating inventive use of digital technology, with the awards open to all Microsoft partners big and small. The streamlined ceremony saw the awards pivot to a greater focus on customers.
Sarah Bowden, Microsoft New Zealand One Commercial Partner Director says, “We congratulate The Laptop Company for winning in the Surface Partner category. It’s been a real pleasure learning about the achievements of this year’s entrants and seeing how they’ve used Microsoft technology to empower their own customers in so many innovative ways. The Laptop Company is an example of the fantastic work being done right here in New Zealand to unlock even greater potential.”
“Most of our 1,200-plus Partners are small and medium businesses creating massive change for Kiwi organisations right across the country. They really are punching well above their weight when it comes to digital transformation and the calibre of the Partner Awards entries this year gives me great confidence that New Zealand is set for a very bright future,” says Bowden.
The Partner Awards took place in a special ceremony at Auckland’s historic St-Matthew-in-the-City last night, with 56 finalists across a range of sectors.
The full list of 2019 winners are:
Winner & Highly commended list
New Zealand Partner of the Year (awarded globally)
Winner - Umbrellar
Azure Innovate Award
Winner - Aware Group – Port Otago
Azure Migrate Award
Winner - The Instillery – Carter Holt Harvey
Business Applications Award
Winner - Datacom
Empowering Employees Award
Winner - Information Leadership Design – Todd Energy
Modern Workplace Award
Winner - Intergen – Te Wananga o Raukawa
Highly Com - DXC Eclipse – Fonterra
Highly Com - Information Leadership Design Services – Todd Energy
Engaging Customers Award
Winner - Intergen – Lumino the Dentists
Optimising Operations Award
Winner - Intergen – Les Mills
Transforming Products Award
Winner - Enlighten Designs – Sitecore on Azure
Highly Com - Datacom – UDC Finance
Surface Partner Award
Winner - The Laptop Company
Channel Development Award
Winner - Exeed Ltd
Cloud for Good Award
Winner - Enlighten Designs – Sustainable Coastlines
Highly Com - Fusion 5 – Barnardos
Highly Com - Spark New Zealand – Oranga Tamariki
ENDS
About The Laptop Company
Founded in 1985, The Laptop Company is New Zealand's leading laptop and mobile device specialist. With locations in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin and headquarters in Wellington, we work with corporate, government and educational institutions throughout New Zealand.
For additional information:
Contact: Mark Mayo, CEO
Email: Mark.Mayo@laptop.co.nz
Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
