The Microsoft Surface Book is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device that has been designed to cater to the needs of various users, from students and professionals to gamers and creatives. One of the most significant advantages of the Surface Book is its ability to transform from a laptop into a tablet, offering users the flexibility to work, play, and create in different modes. In this article, we will delve into the details of using the Surface Book as a tablet, exploring its features, benefits, and limitations.
Design and Display
The Surface Book features a stunning PixelSense touchscreen display that is designed to provide an immersive and engaging user experience. The display is available in various sizes, including 13.5 inches and 15 inches, and offers a high resolution of up to 3240 x 2160 pixels. The screen is also protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, making it durable and resistant to scratches.
One of the most significant advantages of the Surface Book’s display is its ability to detach from the keyboard, allowing users to transform the device into a tablet. The tablet mode is perfect for reading, browsing, and streaming content, and the display’s high resolution and vibrant colors make it an ideal choice for watching movies and TV shows.
Detaching the Display
Detaching the display from the keyboard is a straightforward process that requires users to press and hold the detach button located on the top right side of the keyboard. Once the display is detached, users can hold it in their hands like a tablet, using the touchscreen interface to navigate and interact with apps and content.
The detached display is surprisingly lightweight, weighing in at just 1.6 pounds for the 13.5-inch model. This makes it easy to hold and carry around, perfect for reading, browsing, or streaming content on the go.
Performance and Productivity
The Surface Book is powered by a range of Intel Core processors, including the i5 and i7, which provide fast and efficient performance. The device also features up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, making it an ideal choice for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
In tablet mode, the Surface Book’s performance is just as impressive, with the device able to handle demanding tasks such as photo editing and gaming. The touchscreen interface is responsive and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and interact with apps and content.
Using the Surface Pen
The Surface Book is compatible with the Surface Pen, a stylus that provides users with a range of creative and productivity tools. The Surface Pen is perfect for taking notes, drawing, and annotating documents, and its 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity make it an ideal choice for artists and designers.
In tablet mode, the Surface Pen is a game-changer, providing users with a range of creative and productivity tools that are not available on traditional laptops. The pen is also battery-powered, providing up to 12 months of battery life on a single charge.
Benefits of Using the Surface Book as a Tablet
Using the Surface Book as a tablet offers a range of benefits, including:
- Portability: The Surface Book is surprisingly lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around and use on the go.
- Flexibility: The device’s ability to transform from a laptop into a tablet makes it an ideal choice for users who need to work, play, and create in different modes.
- Creativity: The Surface Pen provides users with a range of creative tools, making it an ideal choice for artists, designers, and writers.
- Productivity: The Surface Book’s performance and productivity features make it an ideal choice for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D modeling, and software development.
Limitations of Using the Surface Book as a Tablet
While the Surface Book is an excellent device, there are some limitations to using it as a tablet, including:
- Size: The Surface Book’s display is larger and heavier than traditional tablets, making it more difficult to hold and carry around.
- Battery Life: The device’s battery life is shorter in tablet mode, lasting around 4-5 hours on a single charge.
- Cost: The Surface Book is a premium device, and its price may be out of reach for some users.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Book is a powerful and versatile 2-in-1 device that can be used as a tablet, offering users the flexibility to work, play, and create in different modes. While there are some limitations to using the device as a tablet, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it an ideal choice for users who need a device that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or creative, the Surface Book is an excellent choice, offering a range of features and tools that are not available on traditional laptops or tablets. So why not give it a try? Detach the display, grab the Surface Pen, and experience the versatility and power of the Surface Book for yourself.
Comparison with Other Devices
The Surface Book is not the only 2-in-1 device on the market, and users may be wondering how it compares to other devices such as the iPad Pro and the Lenovo Yoga. Here’s a brief comparison:
| Device | Display Size | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price |
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Surface Book | 13.5 inches | Intel Core i5/i7 | up to 16GB | up to 1TB | $1,299-$2,399 |
| iPad Pro | 11 inches | Apple A12X Bionic | up to 6GB | up to 1TB | $899-$1,099 |
| Lenovo Yoga | 14 inches | Intel Core i5/i7 | up to 16GB | up to 1TB | $999-$1,499 |
As you can see, the Surface Book is a premium device that offers a range of features and tools that are not available on other devices. While it may be more expensive than some of its competitors, its versatility and power make it an ideal choice for users who need a device that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
The Surface Book is an excellent device that can be used as a tablet, offering users the flexibility to work, play, and create in different modes. While there are some limitations to using the device as a tablet, its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks, making it an ideal choice for users who need a device that can keep up with their demanding lifestyle.
Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or creative, the Surface Book is an excellent choice, offering a range of features and tools that are not available on traditional laptops or tablets. So why not give it a try? Detach the display, grab the Surface Pen, and experience the versatility and power of the Surface Book for yourself.
Can the Surface Book be used as a tablet?
The Surface Book can indeed be used as a tablet, thanks to its innovative 2-in-1 design. The device features a detachable keyboard, allowing users to seamlessly transition between laptop and tablet modes. This versatility makes the Surface Book an excellent choice for those who want the flexibility to work, create, or relax in different environments and scenarios.
In tablet mode, the Surface Book offers a responsive and intuitive touch experience, complete with support for the Surface Pen and other styluses. The device’s high-resolution PixelSense display ensures vibrant colors and crisp text, making it ideal for reading, browsing, and streaming content on the go. Whether you’re a student, artist, or simply someone who wants a more portable computing experience, the Surface Book’s tablet mode is sure to impress.
How does the Surface Book’s detachable keyboard work?
The Surface Book’s detachable keyboard is made possible by a clever hinge mechanism that allows the keyboard to be easily attached and detached from the tablet portion of the device. This hinge, known as the “Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge,” is designed to provide a smooth and stable typing experience, even when the keyboard is detached and used in tablet mode.
When you’re ready to switch to laptop mode, simply attach the keyboard to the tablet, and the Surface Book will automatically recognize the connection and adjust its settings accordingly. The keyboard itself is also designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go. With its comfortable typing experience and convenient detachability, the Surface Book’s keyboard is an essential part of its 2-in-1 design.
What are the benefits of using the Surface Book as a tablet?
Using the Surface Book as a tablet offers a range of benefits, including increased portability and flexibility. Without the keyboard, the device is significantly lighter and easier to carry, making it perfect for reading, browsing, or streaming content on the go. The tablet mode also allows for more intuitive touch interactions, making it ideal for creative tasks, such as drawing or note-taking.
Another benefit of using the Surface Book as a tablet is its ability to run tablet-specific apps and games. The Microsoft Store offers a wide range of touch-optimized apps, including popular titles like Netflix, Facebook, and Instagram. With the Surface Book, you can enjoy these apps in a more immersive and interactive way, thanks to the device’s high-resolution display and responsive touch interface.
Can I use the Surface Pen with the Surface Book in tablet mode?
Yes, the Surface Pen is fully compatible with the Surface Book in tablet mode. In fact, the Surface Pen is designed to work seamlessly with the Surface Book’s PixelSense display, offering a responsive and precise writing and drawing experience. With 1,024 levels of pressure sensitivity, the Surface Pen is ideal for creative tasks, such as sketching, painting, or taking notes.
The Surface Pen also supports a range of gestures and shortcuts, making it easy to navigate and interact with the Surface Book in tablet mode. For example, you can use the pen to scroll through documents, select text, or even create custom shortcuts. With the Surface Pen, you can unlock the full potential of the Surface Book’s tablet mode and enjoy a more intuitive and creative computing experience.
How does the Surface Book’s battery life compare in laptop and tablet modes?
The Surface Book’s battery life is impressive in both laptop and tablet modes. According to Microsoft, the device can last up to 12 hours in laptop mode, making it perfect for long workdays or study sessions. In tablet mode, the battery life is slightly shorter, but still impressive, at up to 10 hours.
It’s worth noting that the Surface Book’s battery life will vary depending on your usage patterns and settings. For example, if you’re using the device for resource-intensive tasks, such as video editing or gaming, the battery life will be shorter. However, for general use, such as browsing, emailing, or streaming content, the Surface Book’s battery life is more than sufficient, even in tablet mode.
Can I use the Surface Book as a tablet with a keyboard attached?
Yes, you can use the Surface Book as a tablet with the keyboard attached, although it may not be the most practical or comfortable experience. The device’s hinge allows for a range of angles and positions, making it possible to use the Surface Book as a tablet with the keyboard attached.
However, it’s worth noting that using the Surface Book as a tablet with the keyboard attached may not be the most ergonomic or intuitive experience. The device is designed to be used in either laptop or tablet mode, and using it in a hybrid mode may not be the most comfortable or practical. Nevertheless, the option is there if you need it, and the Surface Book’s versatility is one of its key strengths.
Is the Surface Book’s tablet mode suitable for gaming?
The Surface Book’s tablet mode is suitable for casual gaming, but it may not be the best option for more demanding games. The device’s PixelSense display and responsive touch interface make it perfect for touch-optimized games, such as puzzle games, strategy games, or casual action games.
However, for more demanding games that require a keyboard and mouse, the Surface Book’s laptop mode may be a better option. The device’s Intel Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce graphics card provide a more powerful gaming experience, making it suitable for more resource-intensive games. Nevertheless, the Surface Book’s tablet mode is still a great option for casual gaming on the go.