Microsoft gets one on one with Apple with Surface Book

Microsoft is transforming the Surface line today by introducing a Surface laptop called the Surface Book. It's the first laptop ever built by Microsoft. But its more than a laptop, it's a hybrid device. The screen is detachable so that it can be used as a tablet while moving around. If you put the screen back on, you can also choose to flip it all the way around and use it like a convertible.

The Surface Book packs a 13.5-inch display with a pixel density of 267PPIand is bonded to the glass. According to Microsoft the Surface Book is cladded in a machined magnesium body and comes in silver color.  The differentiating design element from MacBook, is the Surface Book's hinge which Microsoft calls a dynamic fulcrum. When viewed from the side, it appears to almost flex as it bends. It leaves a slightly awkward gap when the Surface Book is fully closed, but it also elevates the display at an angle when the screen is flipped around for use as a tablet. A button on the side releases the display, which detaches from the top of the hinge.

Under the hood is the latest Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, from the Skylake family. There's also an Nvidia GeForce GPU with GDDR5 memory and the dock also includes two USB 3.0 ports and an SD card slot.

The screen has been designed to work with Microsoft's Surface Pen stylus as well and  Microsoft is talking about it as a digital clipboard.

The device will last for 12 hours on a single charge. "Ounce-for-ounce, pound-for-pound," Microsoft claims, "this is the fastest 13-inch laptop ever made anywhere on any planet." Microsoft says it'll actually be twice as fast as the MacBook Pro.

The Surface Book will go on sale October 26th with prices beginning at $1,499. Preorders will begin October 7th.