What's the difference? |
Surface Laptop 3Clam shell laptop Opens 135 degrees Touch screen with Surface Pen support 13.5 or 15 inch display 3:2 aspect ratio 2256 x 1504 or 2496 x 1664 resolution Gloss IPS wide-viewing-angle-display |
Surface Book 3Clam shell laptop with detachable tablet screen Opens 135 degrees, screen can be reversed Touch screen with Surface Pen support 13.5 or 15 inch display 3:2 aspect ratio 3000 x 2000 or 3240 x 2160 resolution Gloss IPS wide-viewing-angle display |
With a screen that opens up to 135 degrees (not 180 degrees flat or 360 degrees like some competitors), the Surface Laptop is not designed to be used as a tablet, despite supporting the Surface Pen.
By contrast the Surface Book has a detachable display that can be used as a standalone tablet, or reversed and attached to the keyboard. Either way, the Surface Book is preferable for Pen users. The Surface Book also features a higher resolution display - Pen users typically work closer to the screen than laptop users.
By contrast the Surface Book has a detachable display that can be used as a standalone tablet, or reversed and attached to the keyboard. Either way, the Surface Book is preferable for Pen users. The Surface Book also features a higher resolution display - Pen users typically work closer to the screen than laptop users.
Graphics performance
Surface Laptop 3Intel® Iris® Plus graphics AMD Ryzen available in retail models only |
Surface Book 3Surface Book 3 13.5 inch with Intel® Core™ i5: Intel® Iris® Plus Surface Book 3 13.5 inch with Intel® Core™ i7: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB Surface Book 3 15 inch: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB, or NVIDIA Quadro RTX 3000 6GB |
The Surface Laptop 3 and entry-level Surface Book 3 have Intel Iris Plus graphics, which is better than most competing business laptops.
Surface Book 3 graphics options ramp up markedly with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics in the 13.5 inch model and GeForce GTX 1660 graphics or Quadro RTX 3000 graphics in the Surface Book 3 15 inch. The NVIDIA graphics are used when the Book 3 is attached to the keyboard base.
Anyone using modelling software, gaming, VR and even using certain Adobe CS suite features will need NVIDIA graphics for these applications to be usable. The NVIDIA graphics on the 15 model model benchmark around 40% faster than the NVIDIA graphics on the 13 inch model.
The top-end Surface Book 3 15 with NVIDIA Quadro RTX graphics is more powerful again. It's certified for a growing range of professional CAD, simulation, compositing, animation and visualisation software suites.
This makes the top end Surface Book 3 15 inch an excellent choice for engineers, motion picture makers, modellers and creatives that want to use a high quality Pen based screen in a 3D environment.
Surface Book 3 graphics options ramp up markedly with up to NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics in the 13.5 inch model and GeForce GTX 1660 graphics or Quadro RTX 3000 graphics in the Surface Book 3 15 inch. The NVIDIA graphics are used when the Book 3 is attached to the keyboard base.
Anyone using modelling software, gaming, VR and even using certain Adobe CS suite features will need NVIDIA graphics for these applications to be usable. The NVIDIA graphics on the 15 model model benchmark around 40% faster than the NVIDIA graphics on the 13 inch model.
The top-end Surface Book 3 15 with NVIDIA Quadro RTX graphics is more powerful again. It's certified for a growing range of professional CAD, simulation, compositing, animation and visualisation software suites.
This makes the top end Surface Book 3 15 inch an excellent choice for engineers, motion picture makers, modellers and creatives that want to use a high quality Pen based screen in a 3D environment.
The NVIDIA graphics (plus additional ports and battery life in the keyboard base) are not available when the tablet display is detached, however the Book supports removing and reversing the display in Studio mode.
Surface Book 3 usage modes and graphics availability
| NVIDIA graphics available when used in laptop mode. |  NVIDIA graphics available when used in studio mode with screen flipped. | Intel Iris Plus graphics available when used in detached screen mode. |
Other factors
While performance and features favour the Book over the Laptop, many users don't need the extra functionality. Here's a run down of remaining factors:
Surface Laptop 310th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 Lighter - 13.5 inch from 1.265kg 15 inch from 1.542kg Less battery life - 13.5 inch up to 11.5 hours 15 inch up to 11.5 hours Fewer ports 1x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 1x Surface Connect, Audio More colours (depending on screen size) - Platinum, Cobalt, Gold, Black Significantly lower cost - 13.5 inch RRP from $2,049 15 inch RRP from $2,399 |
Surface Book 310th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 Heavier - 13.5 inch from 1.534kg 15 inch from 1.905kg More battery life (with keyboard attached) - 13.5 inch up to 15.5 hours 15 inch up to 17.5 hours More ports (with keyboard attached) - 2x USB 3, 1x USB-C, 2x Surface Connect, Audio, SD Fewer colours - Platinum Significantly higher cost - 13.5 inch RRP from $3,099 15 inch RRP from $4,299 |
What about the Surface Pro
Users who want a tablet device with equivalent performance to the Surface Laptop should opt for the Surface Pro. While the Surface Laptop is primarily a traditional laptop with touch and pen support added, the Surface Pro is primarily a touch and Pen tablet with keyboard added. This makes the Surface Pro a good choice for non-power users who want a lighter and less-expensive device than the Surface Book.
Prices, specs and latest models at The Laptop Company:
(Sign in to get prices and place orders or speak to your account manager)
The events of 2020 have triggered many transformation conversations – including what we believe our workplaces should look like in the future.
Of top of mind right now is where we want our teams to be physically located each day. Although most of the country has returned to the office, the need for a more mobile workforce will likely be big component of the new normal. With the right technology and planning, we’re seeing plenty of organisations use these new arrangements to their advantage.
Collaboration is in - hot desks are out
With a third of all employees in NZ already enjoying some form of flexible work-from-home arrangement as recently as 2019, we can expect even more of our workforce to be working remotely in the future. The good news is, while everyone adjusts at different speeds, your workforce will grow to thrive in these environments.
This year has put business continuity plans to the test and there will logically be questions about the need to rely on only physical workplaces. Particularly when we’ve seen our teams take to online collaboration and actually improve their productivity.
Of top of mind right now is where we want our teams to be physically located each day. Although most of the country has returned to the office, the need for a more mobile workforce will likely be big component of the new normal. With the right technology and planning, we’re seeing plenty of organisations use these new arrangements to their advantage.
Collaboration is in - hot desks are out
With a third of all employees in NZ already enjoying some form of flexible work-from-home arrangement as recently as 2019, we can expect even more of our workforce to be working remotely in the future. The good news is, while everyone adjusts at different speeds, your workforce will grow to thrive in these environments.
This year has put business continuity plans to the test and there will logically be questions about the need to rely on only physical workplaces. Particularly when we’ve seen our teams take to online collaboration and actually improve their productivity.
Many of our clients have adopted Teams and Microsoft Whiteboard, allowing users to collaborate on shared whiteboards using devices including the HP EliteBook x360, powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core i5 and the HP Elite X2, powered by 8th Gen quad-core Intel® Core™ processor.
The move from hot desking and flexible seating arrangements to work from home has been welcomed by many users. Through the course of this year, reports have emerged that organisations in New Zealand are abandoning activity-based workspaces in favour of fixed seating to help reduce the potential for unchecked community spread. Likewise, fashionable co-working desks, booths and huddle spaces have been supplanted by team members’ own sofas as they switch to virtual collaboration spaces – which for many has been a boon for productivity.
From a technology perspective, there are variety of considerations, including:
- How do we keep an increasingly mobile and remote workforce secure and productive?
- How do we ensure that each employee has the tools and technology to perform their role proficiently in any location?
- Are employees able to seamlessly connect between different workstations at their desk at home or back in the office?
- How do you manage all these services seamlessly without creating new costs and complexity for your IT teams?
Accessibility benefits everyone
We see many organisations creating programs to extend opportunities for people with disabilities to join their team. With things like workplace desks becoming less and less essential, we can access the best and brightest minds regardless of where they live or their physical abilities.
In 2020, The Laptop Company has been assisting organisations throughout NZ to achieve flexible workplace transformations that prepare them for the workforce demands of the future. We offer a range of transformation services, including:
- switching teams from desktop workstations to laptops
- replicating work desk setups at home and work
- deploying new applications including Teams and Zoom
We’ve also been making it easier for employers to equip and manage users and their devices with services including
- Remote management services for user devices including software and operating systems
- Web portals for staff members to order work-from-home gear with home delivery
- Active management of HP Security to protect information and privacy when outside workplace and to detect potential threats
- Device health monitoring and remote deactivation capability
- Cloud migration services to allow secure anywhere-access
Are you ready to transform your workplace?
Through our partnership with HP and The Laptop Company’s remote management tools, we help organisations to transform for the future with powerful and secure HP devices powered by Intel® processors. Get in touch with us today to begin optimising your device fleet with HP and The Laptop Company. A complete solution that combines hardware, support, proactive management, and services for every stage of your users’ device lifecycles.
HP Elite Dragonfly convertible
Microsoft has been adding a number of features to Windows 10 Pro and Microsoft 365 that are not available using standard laptop or desktop computers. The HP Elite Dragonfly is one of a new generation of devices that allow users to do more, with greater security than before.
New features for migrating users:
 | Windows Ink |
 | Microsoft TeamsWith the Microsoft Whiteboard app and the HP Active Pen, users can collaborate on the same virtual whiteboard in Teams meetings, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Dragonfly's Bang&Olufsen four-speaker audio and world-facing microphone array provide clarity for connecting and collaborating in Teams. |
 | Windows Hello |
Deploy and manage with The Laptop Company, a Microsoft Gold Partner and Microsoft Endpoint Management provider for enterprise teams.
HP Elite Dragonfly
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Available now at The Laptop Company
Full specifications and model information:
Contact us for pricing and availability.
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
Pictured with keyboard detached.
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.
Competition for monitors and webcams has been fierce for equipping staff for work from home. Whether it’s for immediate needs or for your ongoing Business Continuity Plans for natural disasters and unexpected events, here’s some advice for equipping staff for home:
Find out what each staff member needs
The perfect home office setup resembles your office workstation, but some do not have that luxury. If working from hotel rooms, studio apartments, or crowded households, there may be no room for things like desktop monitors. Some staff may have far superior office setups at home than anything you can offer. You can save money and reduce wastage by sourcing only what your team needs.
The home office owner: Dual Display setups
Dynabook Portege X30 L with Dual Philips docking monitors and Microsoft keyboard and mouse
For staff with a work-issued laptop or tablet and dedicated home office, a dual-display setup with adjustable stands is preferable. A docking station may be the only way to connect dual-displays to their laptop, and it can also connect their peripherals with a single cable to reduce clutter. The user can leave their laptop open as a third display or close it. If closed, the user may need a webcam for meetings and calls, plus a headset with microphone.
The full house: Single monitor setup
Surface Laptop 3 with Lenovo docking monitor
For staff without their own home office, a single monitor setup may suit. Choose a large, higher resolution monitor to allow the user to put multiple documents on screen at the same time. A high-lift stand allows the monitor to sit above the laptop screen for a vertical dual-display setup. These users are less likely to require a docking station or webcam, but a good quality headset with microphone is needed for meetings and calls in noisy homes.
The single urbanite: Portable monitor setup
HP EliteBook 840 14 inch laptop with HP S14 portable 14 inch display
For staff who need a second screen but no desk, consider a 14-inch portable display to work side-by-side with the user’s laptop screen, even on a sofa. Both Lenovo and HP provide models that connect via USB-C. For these users, the laptop webcam is ready for meetings and calls.
Beware the martyr
Employees who ‘do not need anything’ may want to do their employer a favour. If in doubt, check what their role requires. If they are working in a compromised environment or missing the tools they need for their job, this will affect productivity and morale.
Check compatibility with your supplier
When matching laptops or tablets with docking stations and monitors, there will be incompatibilities. The laptop and dock need to be able to connect and output to the preferred monitors at their native resolutions without issues. When we source these, we check the laptop models your staff are using.
Even in new docks and laptops, there are limits on maximum monitor resolution based on display connectors, number of monitors connected, and whether the user is also using their laptop display.
Even in new docks and laptops, there are limits on maximum monitor resolution based on display connectors, number of monitors connected, and whether the user is also using their laptop display.
Reduce complexity for self-setup at home
Devices that require less assembly, fewer plugs and less software will be the easiest for staff to set up at home. We’ve been able to reduce workloads for IT teams and help desks while increasing user satisfaction by delivering equipment direct to employees’ homes, providing self-setup guides and using our software management services team to deploy drivers to the users’ devices remotely.
Get help and advice on Work From Home Solutions
Speak to your account manager or Contact Us for more information and pricing.
We’re seeing teams seeking the right docking stations to suit their users’ computers and monitors. Incompatibilities can range from wake-from-sleep issues, to incorrect monitor resolutions and in some cases, complete incompatibility.
Thunderbolt 3 docks
For laptops or tablets with a USB-C / Thunderbolt 3 port. Greatest support for high resolution displays (QHD, 2K and 4K) without lag or distortion and can typically charge the laptop while connecting peripherals and monitors via a single USB-C Thunderbolt 3 cable.
USB-C docks
Near-universal support for modern laptops and tablets with USB-C to connect peripherals and monitors while typically charging the laptop via a single USB-C cable.
USB-A or USB- 3.0 docks
Near-universal support for older laptops and tablets equipped with rectangular USB ports to connect peripherals and monitors. Support for high resolution monitors and video is reduced relative to Thunderbolt 3. Not able to charge laptop when connected.
Port replicators
Less common due to improvements in dock technology, port replicators that laptops are ‘clicked’ into and vendor-exclusive side-docks have their own custom specifications. We can test to ensure compatibility with your preferred monitor setups and inputs.
USB Hubs
For staff using laptops or tablets with few USB ports who need to connect multiple peripherals, including a mouse, keyboard, printers and scanner but no monitor. In general, hubs do not charge the laptop. If connecting devices that require USB power to run, including portable printers without their own power adapter, a hub with its own power supply is recommended.
What about Docking Monitors?
There are several types of Docking Monitor on the market too. These can have the benefit of further reducing cable clutter through using a single cable to connect your laptop to accessories, power, monitors and network (depending on model).
Want to get advice on choosing the right dock?
Talk to your account manager or Contact Us for more information and pricing.
For staff equipped with a laptop or tablet, replicating the workplace desk setups allow them to complete tasks with the greatest efficiency. This is useful when looking to provide safe workplaces for remote workers.
Dual monitor setups
Typical workplace setups use a dual monitor configuration for maximum productivity. For laptop and tablet users, the user might also use their device’s screen at the same time. We typically recommend the following minimum specification for monitors in a Dual Display setup:
Matching models
Mismatched monitors exhibit different colour and contrast, display content at different sizes and be difficult to position side-by-side at the same angle and height. This can create eye and neck strain and increases the complexity of connecting multiple monitors to one laptop.
IPS or VA display technology
Older TN monitors have poorer viewing angles which distort colour and contrast when viewed off-centre. This is noticeable when used in a dual-display setup with monitors placed at opposing angles. IPS and VA monitors address this, which reduces eyestrain.
Adjustable height and angle
The top of the monitor should match the user’s eye-level to reduce neck strain. Monitors with fixed stands are typically lower than this. The user should be able to tilt the display to account for glare and optimise the viewing angle of the screen.
Resolution and size
For dual display monitors, we typically supply two Full HD 1920x1080 resolution monitors. This is supported by most modern laptops and docking stations while matching the internal display of a modern business laptop to reduce potential scaling issues in Windows 10. The optimum size for this display in a dual screen setup is 24 inches.
Higher resolutions up to QHD 2560x1440 for larger monitors can be supported by new laptops but may require testing. Docking stations should be checked for compatibility with monitors above Full HD resolution.
4K monitors will require performance laptops and docking stations. Monitors larger than 32 inches may cause neck or back strain in a dual-display setup.
Higher resolutions up to QHD 2560x1440 for larger monitors can be supported by new laptops but may require testing. Docking stations should be checked for compatibility with monitors above Full HD resolution.
4K monitors will require performance laptops and docking stations. Monitors larger than 32 inches may cause neck or back strain in a dual-display setup.
Three monitor setups
Check with your supplier for a combination of laptop, dock and monitors for three monitor setups. We recommend a resolution of Full HD for these setups at 24 inches. Higher resolutions and monitor counts may require a laptop with a dedicated dedicated graphics controller.
Single monitor setups
We recommend a 27 inch or larger monitor depending on space available. To display more than one document or app on screen at the same time, consider a 2K / QHD (2560x1440) or higher resolution.
For 4K, check that the laptop can support 4K 60Hz or greater for smoother motion on screen.
For 4K, check that the laptop can support 4K 60Hz or greater for smoother motion on screen.
Get advice about compatibility and availability for your team.
Speak to your Account Manager or Contact Us for advice, pricing and availability.
Selected monitors provide docking capability. Peripherals including keyboard, mouse and sometimes LAN are connected to the monitor. All are connected to the user’s laptop or tablet with a single cable.
USB-C Docking monitors
Can typically charge the user’s laptop and connect the monitor and peripherals via a single USB-C cable. If needed for a dual monitor setup, we check the monitor supports daisy-chaining so both monitors can be connected via the same USB-C cable.
Thunderbolt 3 Docking monitors
These monitors generally provide similar capability to the USB-C monitors with the benefit of greater bandwidth to eliminate lag or distortion for users working with video and high resolution (2K, QHD and 4K) monitors.
USB-A or USB 3.0 Docking monitors
For older laptops without USB-C ports. Allows you to connect the monitor and peripherals using a single USB 3.0 cable. Unlike USB-C docks, a separate charging cable needs to be used to power your laptop. If a second monitor is used, it will typically need to be plugged directly into the laptop.
Get help choosing the right models.
Speak to your Account Manager or Contact Us for information, pricing and availability.
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.
