The Surface Book line continues to break new territory when it comes to Microsoft computers, with the Book 3 the most powerful laptop the company has ever made.
While the lightweight Surface Laptop 4 is perhaps targeted towards everyday consumers, the Book line is unashamedly aimed towards power users. High-end internals, a detachable screen with its own battery and two size options offer the flexibility that so many creators are looking for.
With that in mind, expectations are high for the next generation of Surface Book, widely expected to be known as the Surface Book 4. But will it be more of the same, or is a redesign more likely? Here’s everything we know so far.
Microsoft Surface Book 4 release date
No details have been confirmed, although we can take pointers from previous generations.
Microsoft abandoned its two-year update cycle with the release of the Surface Book 3 to make way for the unveiling of new products in the Surface Pro X, Surface Duo and Surface Neo.
However, we don’t expect the company to make this a habit. With the original Book arriving in 2015, Book 2 in 2017 and Book 3 in June 2020, 2022 looks the most likely release window for the Book 4.
It would make sense for Microsoft to launch it alongside the next generation of Surface Go once more, making the company’s Spring 2022 hardware event a contender. However, it’s worth reiterating that this is pure speculation at this stage.
Microsoft Surface Book 4 price
Again, our best guess on how much the Surface Book 4 will cost comes from the pricing of previous generations.
The price crept up slightly for the Surface Book 3, but remained relatively consistent before that:
- Surface Book (13.5in) – from £1,299/US$1,139
- Surface Book 2 (13.5in) – from £1,149/US$1,199
- Surface Book 2 (15in) – from £2,349/US$2,499
- Surface Book 3 (13.5in) – from £1,599/US$1,599
- Surface Book 3 (15in) – from £2,199/US$2,299.99
We can’t see Microsoft deviating too far from these sorts of figures, although any significant improvements may trigger a price hike.
Microsoft Surface Book 4 rumours
Concrete Surface Book 4 rumours remain relatively thin on the ground, but a recent patent gives some clues as to what Microsoft is working on. As was unearthed by German tech site WindowsUnited, it shows a complex hinge design that allows the screen to be suspended above the keyboard and trackpad:
There’s no getting away from the fact that this looks a lot like Apple’s iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard setup. It would represent a radical redesign for any computer in the current Surface range, especially a new Surface Book. The Book 3’s performance is limited by the processor needing to be within the detachable display. A design like this would allow more flexibility.
Of course, it’s worth reiterating that this is just a patent. Many of these designs never make their way into a final product, but it’s our best look yet at potential upcoming hardware.
Another rumour comes courtesy of Windows Latest, which is reporting that upcoming Surface devices may have an option for AMD Ryzen processors. This comes courtesy of leaked benchmarks which detail an upcoming Microsoft device.
While this doesn’t relate to the Surface Book 4 directly, if other Microsoft PCs make the switch to AMD it’s highly likely that the next Surface Book will follow suit. Ryzen processors are likely to be offered as an additional option, as opposed to replacing Intel altogether.
We’re also expecting Microsoft to stick with the 13.5in and 15in screen sizes, although the bezels may be reduced to reduce the overall size of the device. However, it’s clear that this will not be done without preserving the keyboard in its current form.
There may also be a new black model introduced. An official advert for Microsoft 365 appeared to reveal a new colour option, as was discovered by Twitter user Jason L. Ward:
Anybody interested in a matte black @Microsoft Surface Book? ? @panos_panay @surface @satyanadella #SurfaceBook pic.twitter.com/UaR6rf9ccZ
— Jason L Ward (@JLTechWord)
March 31, 2021
The slightly chunkier build and increased range of ports has lead some people to speculate that this is a Surface Book 4. However, there’s been no indication from Microsoft itself that a device is in the works, let alone the model depicted here. Nonetheless, it would be nice to see alternatives to the existing colour options.
Some have even suggested the device may include swappable lids, with the Microsoft patent not making its way into the Surface Laptop 4. This would allow people to add a touch of customisation to devices that often all look the same.
Microsoft Surface Book 4 wish list
With its release not expected for another two years and rumours relatively thin on the ground, we’ve compiled a list of things we’d love to see on the Surface Book 4:
- Slimmer bezels – The bezels have steadily reduced in size across three generations of Surface Book, but Microsoft could go further. This may enable the company to introduce a new 17in screen size, or reduce the overall footprint of the device
- Include a fingerprint scanner – The lack of any physical sensor is one of the most glaring omissions on the Surface Book 3. While face unlock with Windows Hello works well, we’d love to see an alternative for quickly unlocking the device
- Improved speakers – The audio on the Surface Book 3 wasn’t bad per se, but did lack the definition and bass of many rivals. With the Book line starting at over £1500, we’re hoping for a more high-end audio experience with the fourth-gen model
- USB-C for charging – While Microsoft now includes a USB-C port on the Surface Book, it still persists with the proprietary Surface Connect for charging. Moving to the industry standard would make things more convenient for a lot of people
- Reduce the price – This is a long shot, but we feel Microsoft could reduce the price slightly to make its power accessible for more people. The company will surely be conscious of it competing with the Surface Laptop, but with the two devices having very different target audiences, we don’t feel it would be too much of an issue
We’ll update this article as soon as we know more about the Surface Book 4. In the meantime, check out the best Surface products currently available, while there are also some great deals on Microsoft PCs.
