Reddit reviews BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book, Surface Book 2, Surface Book 3 13.5" (Model-350A)

Buy one of those Surface Book Micro-SD to SD adapters that sit flush in the Book. If you are going to use it as "permanent" storage.

Like this one https://www.amazon.com/BASEQI-Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft/dp/B01AT7ECA2/

No trimming needed for this and it sits completely flush to the side. Just add a micro-sd card.

BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book

You can get an adapter to make a micro sd flush BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_crTtzbD72VRPS

From a technical standpoint, it is fine to leave the SD card in. However, it is advisable to remove the SD card prior to applying major windows updates (to avoid installation errors, and failed installs.). If you are interested, there are flush fit aluminum SD adapters that can be used with micro SD cards so that the card mounts flush and does not protrude from the SD card slot on the Surface Book.

Here is an example:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01AT7ECA2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A2EPGHYCUTGVR6&psc=1

And if you have the SB, get this adapter:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AT7ECA2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

You may be right, but virtually no laptops are designed that way. And I suspect the "permanent expanded storage" crowd is much smaller than you think, relative to all laptop buyers.

Fortunately, there is an easy fix if you want permanent expanded storage, at least if you own a popular high end device like a Surface Book or MacBook Pro:

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01AT7ECA2/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A2EPGHYCUTGVR6&psc=1

Not a Mac, but my set up is a Surface Book with dGPU, 256GB SSD, 8GB of RAM with an i5 processor.

Then I use a 200GB Micro SD for extra storage when the slot is free, with this nifty little adapter. The adapter is also available for earlier Macbooks too.

Really just depends what you're going for. At the end of the day, software is software. Pick whatever suits your tastes in terms of hardware, as long as it's a bit of a powerhouse when you need it to be.

I chose the Surface Book for it's incredibly well calibrated display, and 1700:1 contrast ratio.

Also, it's pretty.

Sounds like you've thought through every aspect! Now, I'm guessing you're not considering the Core m3 model? Because I believe that with all the accessories is still cheaper than the SB and it is a TERRIFIC device! The processor speed on an m3 is equivalent of i5's just a couple years ago, it's stout.

With what you've described, I'd go for the Entry Level 128GB SB and buy a 64/128GB mSD Card here which will sit flush with the body of the device!

I can totally get by with 128GB though, I was completely fine with the 64GB in my base-level SP3!

As far as SB accessories, you shouldn't need a battery pack. I get between 8-10 hours depending on usage and I can't imagine you have anywhere near 8 hours of classes in one day?

It works great for me. The biggest advantages over the SP4 are the battery life, screen size, and form factor. The 128gb can feel limiting sometimes, but I got this for external memory (since I never use SD cards). It fits fine on small college desks. The battery is about 10 hours with 50-75% brightness and light use, plenty for a full day of classes.

I should mention that MS advertises a 1 year battery life for the pen. This might be true (I haven't had it for a year), but the included battery only had enough charge for a month. It uses an AAAA battery too, which isn't generally sold in stores. So I recommend ordering a few AAAA batteries (I think I got a 4-pack for $5-10) just in case.

hmmm how about ebay, you can use a debit card with PayPal, just don't buy the sd card off ebay because it will be fake but an adapter should be safe to buy on ebay, you should be able to buy the sdcard locally, just buy from a reputable dealer in greece. Hello from a Greek living in Canada.

You can also go to a small computer shop in Greece and ask if they can order one for you, might cost more for their effort, but if you don't have a debit card/credit card then that's your only choice. Do you have any friends with a credit card/debit card/paypal? if so then ask them if they can order it for you.

https://www.amazon.com/BASEQI-Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506319683&sr=8-2&keywords=surface+book+sd+card+adapter

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDXC-Standard-Packaging-SDSQUNC-128G-GN6MA/dp/B010Q57S62/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506319743&sr=1-1&keywords=sANDISK+128GB

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-microSDXC-Standard-Packaging-SDSQUNC-128G-GN6MA/dp/B010Q57S62/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1506319743&sr=1-1&keywords=sANDISK+128GB

EDIT EBAY LISTINGS - http://www.ebay.com/itm/Baseqi-Ninja-Stealth-Drive-for-Microsoft-Surface-Book-13inch-/182776184628?epid=1070302585&hash=item2a8e4f3f34:g:VAMAAOSwv9hW5Pjf

I've had the SB2 i5 128GB for 6 months (love it) and am still sitting pretty with 70GB left. I use it mostly as a netbook that I can draw on and take handwritten notes so storage is either in the cloud or when I run out I'll buy the flushmount SD adapter (https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft-Model-350A/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ ) and an SD card at significantly cheaper than OEM storage.

Okay, so if you're going to video edit on Final Cut Pro, then go with the MacBook. FCP just works much better and is only on Mac. However, if you want to edit on Adobe Premiere, then go with this model. It has a 940M dGPU which helps with video editing.


Microsoft Surface Book (256 GB, 8 GB RAM, Intel Core i5, NVIDIA GeForce graphics) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0163GS05Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_J5.Azb0SJ326H


If you want more storage, try to look for a different configuration with 512GB on other retailers. Or, you can use an SD card to hold documents and movies with BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KgaBzbQDD4KX3 which allows it to not stick out of the laptop.

I personally got a 256gb SD card and mater to it to the Base QI adapter. It works for my needs and is far more mobile than an external SSD. The drawback to any external storage on the surface book though, is that it becomes inaccessible when removing the screen, so the other alternatives are to look at cloud storage options such as One Drive, which will cost more long-term due to subscription costs. So, I'd suggest weighing up what suits you best.

As for the contacts, use a Q-tip and LIGHTLY go over them with specialised contact cleaner.

I think you would be safe playing non AAA titles off your sd card. With that being said, it’s only a guess. What I came here to do was to show you this adapter

I use a USB 3 dock from Plugable (<$100) and it works great. They make a USB C model, too, for about $130.

Also, check out this microSD reader that sits flush in the slot for permanent-ish storage expansion: BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book & Surface Book 2 13.5" (Model-350A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_EbsHAb85BYTBR

I don't really play games on my computer, mostly just Civ, so it's one of the few games I have installed on the SSD. I actually just ordered the BaseQi microSD card adapter so the memory card will sit flush in the SB for more semi-permanent capacity. I'll just be using my memory card for regular files like documents and photos.

Programs that depend on fast read/writes, like games or photo/video editors or whatever, I plan to put right on the main SSD.

edit: Scratch that, I'll probably also put some emulators on the SSD, but I can put the games on the memory card, even if the read speed is slower than the SSD. It'll be easier that way to balance storage and performance, and it'll still be way faster than if I were using the original CDs/DVDs games would have come on.

I've got the 256gb one but I found it not to be big enough so I got one of these:

BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01AT7ECA2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It sits flush with the side of the base and I've put a 400gb micro SD in it. It's great and I've had no issues with it.

Something like this?: BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book & Surface Book 2 13.5" (Model-350A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/

I have the surface book and have had it for over a year.

I have the first generation i7, 256gb 8gb ram, iGPU

Lightroom + Smartpreviews works beautifully.


There are few quirks which might be addressed in the new generation. The USB3 ports can cause interference with the Wifi if the dongle/flashdrive is unshielded. The USB ports are also underpowered and struggle to run some portable hard-drives (in my case an SSD in a 3rd party enclosure) Both of these problems can be fixed using a hub and a USB3 y cable.

The internal storage was the biggest problem for me initially but has been mostly solved by using this a MicroSD Adaptor that sits flush in the base also sometimes the screen detachs if I sneeze or jar it in a similar way and takes a second before I can use the keyboard again.

Despite the above issues I am very happy with the device. The dock works great and computer is a pleasure to use as both a laptop and a tablet. I work on it, play games on it, read comics on it and if it broke today I would go out and buy it again.



MicroSD Adaptor - https://www.amazon.com/BASEQI-Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1481048056&sr=1-7&keywords=surface+book

I use this -> https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft-Model-350A/dp/B01AT7ECA2 together with a Samsung 128gb card as Steam Lib on my surface book2 now for over 18 months no problem, on the Surface pro nothing will stick out so you will not have any trouble

of course as always since its no raid or such don't use it for super important data you can't afford to lose without some kind of backup solution

Here is a microSD converter that has reviews that say it doesn't protrude that much.

The Ars Technica review provides a more detailed overview, and I agree with their findings: http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/11/surface-book-with-performance-base-a-lot-more-graphics-in-a-little-more-weight/ . The 965m is a massive step up from the original ~940m.

In short: The tablet portion is identical, battery life improved, no throttling, improved cooling to accommodate the 965m, fan noise slightly louder (but nothing unusual for ultrabooks).

One observation that I had is that the slightly heavier (and thicker) base also improves on the balance of the whole system. It doesn't feel like it wants to topple backwards as often when its in my lap.


Also: If you had a flush mount microSD adapter, I can confirm that it fits in the new base.

Definitely this: BASEQI Aluminum MicroSD Adapter for Microsoft Surface Book & Surface Book 2 13.5" (Model-350A) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_TieJBb6V3SQ2Q


This sleeve is nice, especially for only $20: tomtoc 360° Protective 13-13.5 Inch Laptop Sleeve Compatible with Microsoft 13.5" Surface Book | 13.5" Surface Laptop, with CornerArmor Patent & Accessory Pocket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079ZP2R8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_vjeJBb1973D3C


Optional - for protecting the Surface Pen tip: Surface Pen Tip Cover Case,Teyomi Protective Shockproof Replacement Surface Pen Tip Cover Case Skin For Microsoft Surface Pen (Surface Pen Tip Cover) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FGD9CZ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_7jeJBbG2B4QQX


Annnnnd this. I recommend this. Cheap... and it works well: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-type-c-wall-charger-black/5880500.p?skuId=5880500

Lucky you! Mine is currently being held hostage at my local post office, because of course it arrives in town on a holiday! For the screen protector I’d recommend a Zagg. That’s what I’ve had on my surface pro 4 for the last few years and it’s great. I’ve got one sitting at home waiting to be put on my surface book 2 once it gets here. And if you’re wantinf to get a Micro sd card I’ve heard really good things about these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_KGvJBbPK46YDP

They’re nice because they sit flush with the side of the surface book and they match the silver aesthetic. The one I linked to is for the 13.5 inch though, so just change it over to the 15 inch model

BASEQI makes one here. I have bought one and the flush mount looks perfect.

http://www.amazon.com/BASEQI-Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft/dp/B01AT7ECA2

One could also buy this really nice micro SD to SD adapter made specifically for the SB and fit it with the card of choice:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_20V9BbMMXGJF7

Full size SD cards don't fit flush with the chassis, but this adapter does.

micro SD adapter that sits flush with the edge of the base.

It is important to note that a full size sd card will stick out so if you are going to leave it in at all times you might want to look into getting this and a micro SD card https://www.amazon.com/BASEQI-Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft/dp/B01AT7ECA2

https://www.amazon.com/Aluminum-MicroSD-Adapter-Microsoft-Model-350A/dp/B01AT7ECA2/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524737457&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=baseqi+surface+book+2

I'd go with the i7. It is nearly twice as fast, because it is an 8th gen CPU. (5000 benchmark v. 9000 benchmark) and I think you'll encounter better battery life on it as well.

You can always opt for a 128gb microSD and the adapter it needs to expand storage for about $70.