In 2015, Microsoft has released its first laptop effort in the form of the Surface Book, a hybrid laptop that caught the attention of a pretty sizeable fan base. The fact that now, one year later, we are seeing upgrades to both the Surface Book from Microsoft (its first upgrade), and the MacBook Pro, which is manufactured by Apple, brings us to another Apple vs. Microsoft stand-off, this time on a fresh playing field, as Microsoft’s newcomer faces Apple’s longtime fan favorite.
Design
The MacBook Pro updates brings new visual features, as the device is now slimmer than before, and also lighter. However, when compared to Microsoft’s device, the MacBook Pro is still thicker overall, not to mention heavier. The Surface Book update introduces users to a new aesthetic in the form of a bulge around the keyboard area of the device.
The MacBook Pro’s keyboard features the butterfly switch keys that have been previously seen on the MacBook, while the device continues to sport its minimalistic and highly acclaimed design, which remains one of the best ranking looks.
The Surface Book keyboard isn’t as attractive in contrast, but differentiates itself through the fact that it is removable, giving Surface Book users an edge in comfort and maneuverability that MacBook Pro users can’t get. Also, the high quality touchscreen packed on the Surface Book tends to help a lot as well.
Performance
The MacBook Pro upgrade will feature the same processors, to the disappointment of those hoping for the newest processor option to make its way into the Apple machine. The reason for which Apple hasn’t made the jump from Skylake chips to Kaby Lake CPU’s is because there were no options for powerful enough graphics processors that could keep up and be compatible with the Kaby Lake, that could also power the high resolution displayed offered by the MacBook Pro.
In the opposite camp, Surface Book brings processor upgrades in the form of a Core i7 for the Performance Base model, similar to what you might find in the MacBook Pro.
Both devices cap at 16 GB, with the Microsoft device offering 16 GB as a boost option, as the device comes with 8 GB standard.
Displays
While the MacBook line has always prided itself in its great displays, the Surface Book takes the cake, as it features an impressive 3000 x 2000 display using the PixelSende technology, which features over 1000 pressure sensitive levels and support for the device’s own stylus. Not to mention, the display comes off completely and can be used as a tablet.
The MacBook Pro comes with a slightly inferior display, but by no means bad. It is in fact a grand selling point of the device, with a 2880 x 1800 resolution, boasting with its impressive brightness levels and color pallet. It falls a tad behind however, due to Apple not getting with the times and implementing touch functionality on the display.
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