Microsoft launched the 15-inch Surface Book 2 last month, which the tech critics touted as the superior laptop over the MacBook Pro 2017. Unfortunately, even a precious gem like the next-gen Surface Book has its flaws. As per the latest reports, the main issue would be the battery drain. The Redmond-based tech company addressed the power problem raised by users, providing some tips on how to avoid the drain.
As reported by The Verge, the Surface Book 2 suffers from a battery-related problem, something that the online publication already identified earlier. It appears that the battery can still be drained even as the laptop is plugged with a charger.
Specifically, the battery drain happens when the user is playing certain video games for several hours, while the power settings are fixed to max performance. Gamers would opt to choose the highest possible power setting to enjoy the full potential of the hardware. Due to this issue, Microsoft issued a statement to the publication to explain what is happening beneath the laptop.
"Surface Book 2 was designed to deliver unmatched power and performance for anyone who needs a powerful machine to work and create, making it a great option for STEM professionals (designers, developers, engineers)," a Microsoft spokesperson said. As for the solution, Microsoft suggests to lower the hardware setting from maximum down to "better performance" or "best battery" options. However, these power settings are not advised if the user wants to utilize the capabilities of the Surface Book 2 GPU.
The Surface Book 2 boasts an extra battery in the keyboard base, which is needed by the laptop's discrete graphics card, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. According to Slash Gear, a dedicated GPU such as GTX 1060 would be required by software such as CAD, 3D rendering, and gaming applications. However, based on Microsoft's recent statement, these intensive apps are not advised for prolonged use in Surface Book 2 due to the laptop's power limit.
There are a few theories explaining the depletable battery power of the Surface Book 2. It is possible that the 95 watt power supplied by the adapter is not enough to charge the laptop, especially since both the Surface Book 2's CPU and GPU are working at maximum speeds that can consume up to 35 and 80 watts of power, respectively.
