Microsoft Surface Laptop review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop ranks as the #596 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 69. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #590-ranked features among 634 laptops. Consider the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 or LG gram 17, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is a solid choice for general-purpose laptops. Its sleek design, good build quality, and excellent battery life make it a compelling option. The typing experience is also impressive. While it may not match the MacBook Air's performance in all benchmarks, it's a beautifully designed laptop with a good display and decent software experience. For most users, the Surface Laptop is worth considering, especially at its discounted price point. However, those invested in the Apple ecosystem might still prefer a Mac for its seamless integration and compatibility.
Build
The Microsoft Surface Laptop boasts an impressive build quality, with a sleek design that's hard to fault. The laptop's construction is solid, with a smooth and responsive keyboard and touchpad experience. The display is excellent, offering vibrant colors and crisp visuals. Battery life is also a highlight, with the laptop easily lasting a full day on a single charge. The overall feel of the device is premium, making it a joy to use. While some minor annoyances with Windows navigation are present, they don't detract from the overall experience. Overall, the build quality and design of the Surface Laptop make it a top contender in its class. It’s worth checking out LG gram 16 2-in-1, delivering remarkable build.
Display
The Microsoft Surface Laptop's display is a highlight of the device. The screen is crisp and vibrant, making it perfect for multimedia consumption. Colors are accurately rendered, and the brightness is sufficient even in well-lit environments. However, some may find the auto-brightness feature to be jarring at times, with sudden changes in lighting that can be distracting. Overall, the display is a strong point of the Surface Laptop, but minor issues with the auto-brightness detract from an otherwise excellent visual experience. Give Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled display.
Performance
The Microsoft Surface Laptop delivers solid performance for general-purpose use. The Snapdragon X Plus chip, a 10-core CPU, handles everyday tasks with ease. However, its ARM processor limits gaming options and may require more RAM to run demanding games smoothly. For most users, the standard 16 GB of RAM is sufficient. While not as powerful as some Intel-based laptops, the Surface Laptop's performance is still respectable, making it a great option for those who don't need intense processing power. Overall, its performance is adequate for everyday use, but may not satisfy gamers or heavy users. Get your hands on Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 if you're looking for better performance.
Battery and Charging
The Microsoft Surface Laptop boasts excellent battery life, with my usage lasting around 8-10 hours on a single charge. The charging experience is also seamless, with the laptop quickly topping up its battery to full capacity in under two hours. I've found the auto-brightness feature to be generally smooth, although occasional jarring adjustments can occur. Overall, the Surface Laptop's battery and charging performance are top-notch, making it an ideal choice for those who need a reliable and portable computing experience.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Laptop's connectivity is a mixed bag. Bluetooth pairing was seamless, but Wi-Fi speeds were average. The USB-C port supports fast charging, but there's no Thunderbolt 3. A USB-A port and an SD card slot are welcome inclusions, making it easy to connect peripherals and transfer files. You might prefer Lenovo ThinkBook 15p, designed with an upgraded connectivity for a better experience.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop boasts an excellent battery life, good build quality, and typing experience. Its sleek design and sturdy construction are notable features. The display is also commendable. With 16 GB of RAM as standard, it's suitable for general use. The Snapdragon X Plus chip provides a 10-core CPU, while the Elite version offers more cores but at a higher price point. For a superior features, Microsoft Surface Laptop Go 2 could be the right choice.
Support and Maintenance
The Microsoft Surface Laptop shines in support and maintenance. The laptop's auto-brightness adjustments can be jarring at times, but overall, the battery life is excellent. However, the Windows operating system sometimes feels hostile, with multiple popups trying to install Microsoft Edge. Legacy keys on the keyboard also feel dated. Overall, the laptop requires some patience and flexibility for optimal performance.
Pros
1. excellent battery life
2. a sleek design, good build quality
3. typing experience that runs Windows
4. the display is excellent
Cons
1. Windows is incredibly hostile if you want to download Chrome onto this laptop
2. annoyances with auto-brightness adjustments that aren't smooth and can be jarring
3. legacy keys on the keyboard function row seem dated
4. news feed in widgets panel shows clickbait headlines
FAQ
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