Mar 07, 2017 10:50 PM EST By Jordan Pine, UniversityHerald Reporter

Yes, Microsoft thinks that there are consumers who do not need a powerful graphics card for 3D applications and is now selling one without a discrete GPU (dGPU) on its product page. The high-end model fetches a hefty price of $2,999 and is expected to be lighter, thinner and with a longer-running battery.

Microsoft recently posted the no-dGPU Surface Book on its official website with powerful specs like the Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM and with 1TB of solid-state storage. These are the same features in the Surface Book with Performance Base but with the dGPU and $300 more for a price of $3,299. Strange as it may be that Microsoft opted to ditch the dGPU, the folks at Redmond most likely believe that there may be particular consumers out there looking for just this kind of device. However, the product is not yet available but logic says that it will be in the coming weeks, according to Neowin.

Just last October, Microsoft has made major tweaks in the graphics performance of the Surface Book with the advent of the Surface Book with Performance Base. Microsoft created varying keyboard base using the GeForce GTX 965M, which was a big spec bump from the original derivative the GeForce GTX 940M, Tech Report has learned. It came as a surprise then that Microsoft is removing the option of including a GeForce GPU. Incidentally, the software giant also removed the Surface Pen from entry-level Surface Pro 4 with the Core m3 model.

Also included in Microsoft's product page are discounted models with solid $200 price cuts. As of writing, the Surface Book with Performance Base is currently sold out. It is too early to tell whether the new addition minus the dGPU gets good reception, but another product option for consumers will be good for the market as a broader spectrum of users will most likely be reached. Now is a good time for the 2-in-1 hybrid market as revealed in MWC particularly with the entry of newcomer Porsche design with its Book One.

The new product was unveiled last February featuring a detachable screen to be used as a tablet that comes complete with the Wacom-powered digital pen. The Porsche design Book One also has a hinge that is far more flexible than the Surface Book since it can both close flat with no noticeable gaps as seen in the Microsoft hybrid. It can also rotate a full 360 degrees allowing the notebook to be used as a tablet even without removing the keyboard, Slash Gear reported.

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