Also, having the dGPU in the base gave it much more room for cooling, which improved GPU performance, but since you cannot just disconnect an active GPU from a program without crashing it, it caused some usability quirks with the detach mechanism. Microsoft was able to counter this with a unique hinge design which would roll out when opening the device, which extended the base and made the laptop less prone to tipping backwards. As a notebook, the Surface Book did not have the same balance as a traditional laptop computer thanks to the main components of the laptop being located behind the display, the convertible laptop was top-heavy. That design, unfortunately, had some compromises to contend with. It was a powerful notebook, with a great design.

Utilizing the keyboard base for extra battery and a GPU meant that the Surface Book was not just a tablet with an attachable keyboard. The idea of having a detachable display – which means the main parts of the computer were behind the display – was unique in the high-end PC space.

Microsoft surface slim pen 2