The Surface Book, a powerful and versatile laptop designed by Microsoft, has been a popular choice among professionals and students alike. With its impressive specs, sleek design, and long battery life, it’s no wonder why many people consider it their go-to device for work and play. However, one question that often arises when considering purchasing a Surface Book is: does it come with Office?
Understanding the Surface Book’s Software Package
The Surface Book comes with a range of software pre-installed, including Windows 10, Microsoft Edge, and a suite of other Microsoft apps. However, when it comes to Microsoft Office, the answer is a bit more complicated.
What’s Included: Office Mobile Apps
The Surface Book does come with Office mobile apps, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These apps are designed to provide a more streamlined and touch-friendly experience, making it easy to create and edit documents on the go. However, these apps are not the full desktop versions of Office, and they may not offer all the features and functionality that you’re used to.
Limitations of Office Mobile Apps
While the Office mobile apps are convenient and easy to use, they do have some limitations. For example:
- They may not support all the advanced features and formatting options available in the desktop versions of Office.
- They may not be compatible with all file types, particularly older or more obscure formats.
- They may not offer the same level of collaboration and sharing features as the desktop versions.
Upgrading to Full Office: Options and Costs
If you need the full desktop version of Office, you have a few options:
Purchasing a Standalone Office License
You can purchase a standalone license for Office, which will give you access to the full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps. This can be a one-time purchase, or you can opt for a subscription-based model.
Office 365: A Subscription-Based Solution
Office 365 is a subscription-based service that offers access to the full desktop versions of Office, as well as a range of other benefits, including:
- 1TB of cloud storage
- 60 minutes of Skype calling per month
- Access to the latest Office features and updates
- Ability to install Office on up to 5 devices
Office 365 is available in a range of plans, including Personal, Home, and Business. Prices vary depending on the plan and the number of users.
Free Alternatives: Office Online and Open-Source Options
If you don’t need the full desktop version of Office, you may be able to get by with free alternatives. Office Online, for example, offers web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint that you can access from any device with a web browser.
There are also a range of open-source office suites available, including LibreOffice and OpenOffice. These suites offer many of the same features and functionality as Office, but are completely free to download and use.
Conclusion: Weighing Your Options
So, does the Surface Book come with Office? The answer is a bit complicated. While it does come with Office mobile apps, these apps may not offer all the features and functionality that you need. If you need the full desktop version of Office, you’ll need to purchase a standalone license or subscribe to Office 365.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, you may be able to get by with free alternatives like Office Online or open-source office suites. Ultimately, the choice will depend on your specific needs and budget.
Option | Cost | Features |
---|---|---|
Office Mobile Apps | Free | Streamlined, touch-friendly versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint |
Standalone Office License | $149.99 (one-time purchase) | Full desktop versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps |
Office 365 | $6.99/month (Personal plan) | Full desktop versions of Office, plus 1TB of cloud storage, 60 minutes of Skype calling, and more |
Office Online | Free | Web-based versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint |
Open-Source Office Suites | Free | Full-featured office suites, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software |
By weighing your options and considering your specific needs and budget, you can make an informed decision about whether the Surface Book is the right device for you.
Does the Surface Book come with Microsoft Office?
The Surface Book does not come with a full version of Microsoft Office pre-installed. However, it does come with a trial version of Microsoft Office, which allows users to try out the software for a limited time. This trial version includes popular Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
If you want to continue using Microsoft Office after the trial period ends, you will need to purchase a subscription to Office 365 or buy a standalone version of the software. Office 365 is a cloud-based subscription service that provides access to the latest version of Office, as well as other benefits such as cloud storage and online collaboration tools.
What Office applications are included with the Surface Book?
The Surface Book comes with a trial version of Microsoft Office, which includes several popular applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These applications allow users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and notes, making it easy to stay productive on the go.
In addition to these applications, the Surface Book also comes with other Microsoft apps such as Mail, Calendar, and People, which provide a comprehensive suite of productivity tools. However, it’s worth noting that the trial version of Office has some limitations, and you may need to purchase a subscription or standalone version to access all the features and functionality.
Can I install Office on my Surface Book if it’s not pre-installed?
Yes, you can install Microsoft Office on your Surface Book even if it’s not pre-installed. You can purchase a subscription to Office 365 or buy a standalone version of the software from the Microsoft website or other authorized retailers. Once you have purchased Office, you can download and install it on your Surface Book.
To install Office on your Surface Book, simply go to the Microsoft website and sign in with your Microsoft account. Then, click on the “Install Office” button and follow the prompts to download and install the software. You will need to enter your product key or sign in with your Office 365 account to activate the software.
What are the system requirements for installing Office on a Surface Book?
To install Microsoft Office on a Surface Book, you will need to meet certain system requirements. These requirements include a 64-bit version of Windows 10, at least 4 GB of RAM, and at least 3 GB of available disk space. You will also need a valid product key or Office 365 subscription to activate the software.
In addition to these requirements, it’s also recommended that your Surface Book have a recent version of Windows 10 installed, as well as the latest updates and security patches. This will help ensure that Office runs smoothly and securely on your device.
Can I use Office Online on my Surface Book?
Yes, you can use Office Online on your Surface Book. Office Online is a web-based version of Microsoft Office that allows you to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations in your web browser. To use Office Online, simply go to the Office website and sign in with your Microsoft account.
Office Online provides many of the same features and functionality as the desktop version of Office, including real-time collaboration and cloud storage. However, it’s worth noting that Office Online has some limitations compared to the desktop version, and you may need to purchase a subscription or standalone version to access all the features and functionality.
How much does Office cost for a Surface Book?
The cost of Microsoft Office for a Surface Book varies depending on the version and subscription plan you choose. Office 365 Personal, which includes the latest version of Office, costs $6.99 per month or $69.99 per year. Office 365 Home, which includes the latest version of Office and allows you to install it on up to five devices, costs $8.25 per month or $99.99 per year.
You can also purchase a standalone version of Office, such as Office Home & Student, which costs $149.99. This version includes the latest version of Office, but does not include any subscription benefits such as cloud storage or online collaboration tools.
Is Office included with the Surface Book warranty?
No, Microsoft Office is not included with the Surface Book warranty. The Surface Book warranty covers repairs and replacements for hardware defects and malfunctions, but it does not include software such as Microsoft Office.
If you need to reinstall Office on your Surface Book, you will need to use your product key or sign in with your Office 365 account to reactivate the software. If you have any issues with Office, you can contact Microsoft support for assistance, but this is not covered under the Surface Book warranty.