The Surface Book, a 2-in-1 computing device, was warmly welcomed when it was unveiled last October. It was mainly geared to directly compete with the MacBook Pro, but there was more. It has a detachable screen and many computer users love it. However, there was some disappointment when it comes to the Surface Pen -- it needs a battery to work.
It seems, however, that Microsoft may have had a rechargeable pen all along. It comes with its own docking port for charging purposes and so that users don't lose it when it's not in use. For whatever reason, the company did not incorporate it into the current Surface line, although it may have it ready for the next generation.
A patent filed by Microsoft sometime in June 2014 for a stylus pen that comes with a charging dock was unearthed by Patently Mobile last January. The report shows several illustrations of its parts that include an on/off button switch, indicator light, eraser end, and rechargeable battery. It also shows how the rumored Surface Pen will be charged up through its docking port, with the help of ferromagnetic terminals.
The report also stated that with the way the illustrations are drawn, there is a possibility that the docking port can be attached to the dynamic fulcrum hinge of the Surface Book. However, it is not clearly stated if the alleged Surface Pen dock is a standalone device.
Meanwhile, several concerns were raised by a current owner of a Surface Book in the comments section of an article by Slash Gear. He said that unlike his modern Microsoft device, his 6-year Sony VAIO allowed the display screen to be detached any moment, with just a notice that the graphic performance would be downgraded since it would be using a less powerful one. He also pointed out that the Surface Pen buttons cannot be reassigned compared to a Wacom pen. He then added that not a single I/O port is present in the tablet, thus, one needs the keyboard dock for the ports. It would be good if Microsoft can address these when they design the next Surface Book.
Several people do agree that updates, which Microsoft is always working on, can remedy blue screens and software glitches.
In general, many are currently enjoying their Surface Book. The company even took a jab at the MacBook Pro with their latest ads.
There is currently not much talk about the next generation of the Microsoft Surface Book.
