According to retailer listings, the laptop will get a specific hardware bump. Specifically, the CPU will be improved from the current dual-core i5-7300U to a quad-core i5-8350U. As you can see, the i5-8350U has two extra cores. Elsewhere, it also provides an increased maximum boost clock speed of 3.6GHz, up from 3.5GHz in the i5-7300U. This is all good news for multi-core computing as the 8350U should provider a 50% increase in power. Microsoft is already familiar with this processor as it is the same chipset the company uses in the Surface Pro 6. WinFuture spotted new listings from retailers that has the new 13-inch model priced a $1499. That makes sense as a refreshment as the current device it replaces costs the same with a 256GB configuration. That said, it is worth noting the current entry-level Surface Book is currently discounted to $1,299, furthering the possibility it is about to be replaced.
Specs
Aside from a new processor, the specs appear to be the same. That means 8GB of RAM, a 3000 x 2000 resolution display, a single Type-C port, two USB 3.1 Type-A ports, and a maximum battery life of 17 hours. Listings show the new model as being available over the next few weeks. That launch timeframe will put the refresh in time for the Easter holidays, where Microsoft is likely to discount its Surface hardware during a spring sale.
