Surface Book 2 for Gaming and Graphic Design: The Verdict
When it comes to choosing the perfect device for gaming and graphic design, the Surface Book 2 (SMB2) has always been a popular consideration. However, it’s crucial to weigh its strengths and drawbacks carefully. In this article, we will explore whether the Surface Book 2 fits the requirements for gaming and graphic design, considering its unique features and performance.
Overview of the Surface Book 2
The Surface Book 2 is a highly versatile laptop that combines the power of a desktop with the convenience of a laptop. It offers a unique detachable touchscreen display, providing users with the flexibility to work in a tablet or laptop mode. While it includes a 13.5-inch PixelSense display, it falls short in several areas that are crucial for gaming and graphic design enthusiasts.
Performance and Cooling System
One of the main concerns with the Surface Book 2 is its underwhelming performance compared to more dedicated gaming and graphic design machines. The SMB2 is not as powerful as even the smallest ultrabook models like the GPD P2 Max, especially when it comes to cooling. Efforts to optimize the cooling system seem to have fallen short, leading to frequent overheating issues.
The cooling apparatus in the Surface Book 2 is designed for general use, not for intensive tasks that generate significant heat. Gaming and intense graphic design work create a lot of thermal resistance, which can lead to performance issues and even hardware damage if the laptop overheats. While the S Pen and touch screen bring unique functionalities, they do not compensate for the lack of raw processing power and cooling efficiency.
Touchscreen Utilization in Gaming
Many argue that the Surface Book 2's touch screen is a distinguishing feature that could enhance gaming or graphic design experiences. However, fewer games and graphic design applications utilize touch functionality, making this feature largely irrelevant for these specific use cases. Most high-performance games are optimized for mouse and keyboard controls, and while a touch screen could provide additional input methods, it does not offer the precision and control needed for graphic design work.
Additionally, the touch screen on the Surface Book 2 is not as responsive or accurate as those found in dedicated gaming or design devices. The design touch screen is optimized for a different set of tasks, such as note-taking or basic drawing, rather than the demanding requirements of graphic design or intensive gaming.
Support for Major Design Software
For graphic designers, the Surface Book 2 faces another significant drawback: its support for major design software. Many established design applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premier Pro are not as well-supported on the Surface Book 2 as on dedicated hardware or more powerful Windows laptops.
While the Surface Book 2 supports some design software, the experience is often hindered by compatibility issues, lag, and performance bottlenecks. According to user feedback, developers are more likely to provide support and optimizations for more powerful machines, leaving the SMB2 in a less favorable position.
Conclusion
In summary, while the Surface Book 2 offers unique features like a detachable touchscreen and the S Pen, these benefits are largely outweighed by its performance limitations, especially in the context of gaming and graphic design. The cooling system issues and the lackluster support for major design software make it a suboptimal choice for professionals in these fields. For the average user or someone who prefers a more versatile and portable device, the Surface Book 2 might be a viable option, but for those looking for top-tier performance, consider investing in more dedicated gaming or design machines.
Keywords
Surface Book 2, gaming performance, graphic design