Surface Book i7: Microsoft’s laptop gets new 16-hour battery life

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NEW YORK—Today, Microsoft announced the newest version of its Surface Book, the Surface Book i7. This new laptop takes some of the most crucial features of the original Surface Book and improves upon them. Most notable is the new battery life: Microsoft is promising up to 16 hours of battery life with the new Surface Book i7.

Panos Panay, Microsoft's head of Windows hardware, debuted the new laptop first by highlighting features the company knew its customers wanted: higher frame rates for gamers and better battery life for everyone. While he didn't announce specific spec information, Panay did say the i7 will have twice the graphics performance than the original hybrid laptop and 30 percent more battery life, which will allow it to last at least 16 hours on a single charge. Thanks to the name, we also know that its powered by Intel's Skylake i7 processor.

The exterior design of the Surface Book i7 looks nearly identical to the original Surface Book, but inside it has a new thermal system with a second fan. You won't be able to see those changes while you use the Surface Book i7, but Microsoft is hoping they make the experience of using the device even better. Otherwise, the laptop itself still sports the 2-in-1 design of the first Surface Book with a detachable PixelSense touchscreen, full keyboard, and compatible Surface Pen.