Microsoft's Surface Book laptop has always been known to be a powerful 2-in-1 device that can be both used as a traditional laptop and as a standalone tablet. However, new reports are revealing that Microsoft may be opting to focus the next version of the Microsoft Surface Book device, the Microsoft Surface Book 2, to be just a conventional laptop.

The Microsoft Surface Book's ability to transform into a tablet follows the feature from its less powerful and less expensive sibling, the Microsoft Surface Pro tablet. However, a report from DigiTimes claims that Microsoft may be designing the upcoming Microsoft Surface Book 2 to be just a laptop, which will make it a more focused product.

The same report claims that Microsoft may already be mass producing the Microsoft Surface Book 2 and that it may be unveiled as early as next month. The device has long been rumored to be coming, and several leaks regarding its design and some features have already been published online. If the report's claims turn out to be true, then consumers might be seeing a traditional clamshell design for the Microsoft Surface Book 2.

Microsoft has yet to comment on the latest claims, but The Verge has revealed that DigiTimes does have a good track record when it comes to predicting Microsoft product launches and changes. The publication apparently predicted the Microsoft Studio all-in-one desktop PC before it was officially announced.

The Microsoft Surface Book 2 is expected to come with a 13.5-inch display and will likely be priced a bit lower due to the production savings of having a traditional clamshell form factor. The base models will likely start at around $1,000, with the price going even higher for the high-end hardware equipped models. Microsoft reportedly shipped a total of 500,000 Microsoft Surface Book laptops last year. The relatively minuscule figure was predominantly caused by the hybrid's clash with the company's Surface Pro line, which offered the same 2-in-1 feature.