Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 ranks as the #330 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 75. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #153-ranked performance among 640 laptops. Consider the LG gram Pro 16 2-in-1 or Lenovo ThinkPad P17 Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 is a disappointment. Its lack of ports (only one USB-A port) is infuriating, especially with the proprietary charging port. The laptop itself is slow and buggy, freezing frequently even after restarts. App launches are also unpredictable, often requiring multiple reboots throughout the day. The included dock is equally frustrating, with unnecessary ports and no USBC connectivity. Unless absolutely necessary, it's not worth using this laptop for work or personal use due to its numerous flaws.
Build
I'm thoroughly unimpressed with the build quality of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6. The lack of ports is a major drawback, with only one USB port and a proprietary charging port. The absence of HDMI, Ethernet, or even a USB-C port on the laptop itself makes it cumbersome to connect peripherals. The dock, which comes with the laptop, is also underwhelming, with unnecessary features like an Ethernet port and multiple outdated USB-A ports. The use of ancient technology like USB-A in this day and age is frustrating. Overall, the build quality feels cheap and restrictive, making it difficult to use the laptop as a productivity device. A better alternative might be LG gram 17, featuring a next-level build.
Display
I'm extremely disappointed with the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6. The display is one aspect that fails to impress. The laptop's touchscreen is nice, but its usage is often hindered by the device's tendency to freeze and become unresponsive. I've found myself using it when other options aren't available, ironically, because of its touchscreen feature. The battery life is solid, lasting 2-4 hours on a single charge. However, this is not enough to redeem the laptop's numerous flaws, including its slow performance, lack of ports, and buggy nature. You may find Microsoft Surface Pro 8 a better fit, thanks to its superior display.
Performance
I'm extremely disappointed with my experience using the Microsoft Surface Laptop 6. This device is plagued by slow performance, frequent freezing, and annoying bugs. Even basic tasks like opening a folder or launching a web browser are met with hesitation. The laptop's 16GB of RAM should be sufficient for everyday use, but it struggles to deliver. I've lost motivation to work on projects due to its unresponsiveness, and restarting the device often doesn't resolve the issue. Overall, the Surface Laptop 6 is not suitable for productivity or work purposes. Its sluggish performance and constant freezing make it a frustrating device to use. If you’re after a better performance, Lenovo ThinkPad P17 Gen 1 could be the ideal option.
Battery and Charging
While the Surface Laptop 6 is a disappointment overall, its battery life is a redeeming feature. With a single charge, I've gotten at least 2-4 hours of use, which is impressive considering the laptop's slow performance. The charging port, however, is another story. Microsoft's proprietary port feels like an unnecessary inconvenience, especially when most devices have standardized USB ports. Overall, the battery life is a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating device.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 is marred by poor connectivity options. With only one USB port and a proprietary charging port, users are forced to purchase adapters or docks just to have basic functionality. The lack of HDMI, USBC, and Ethernet ports limits versatility, making it difficult to connect peripherals or external displays without additional purchases. For an improved connectivity, Microsoft Surface Pro 10 is worth considering.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 is disappointing. It has limited ports, with only one USB-C port, a headphone jack, and a charging port. No HDMI or extra USB ports are included, making it necessary to purchase adapters. The laptop's performance is also slow and buggy, often freezing even with basic tasks. Additionally, many apps fail to launch without restarting. The dock is similarly underwhelming, lacking USBC and including unnecessary ports. You might want to check out Microsoft Surface Pro 8, featuring an upgraded features for a superior experience.
Support and Maintenance
The lack of ports is frustrating, with only one USB-A port and a proprietary charging port. Additionally, the laptop is slow and buggy, often freezing even after restarting. The dock is equally disappointing, with useless ports and a lack of USBC connections. Restarting the laptop multiple times daily is necessary to launch apps, making it unusable for productivity purposes.
Pros
1. The laptop itself is pretty light, you can carry it in one hand pretty easily.
2. The battery life is actually pretty solid, gets at least 2 to 4 hours on a single charge.
3. It does have touch screen which is nice
4. The laptop's weight and battery life are good, making it easy to take around
Cons
1. It has only one USB port, one USBA port, a headphone jack, and a Microsoft proprietary charging port
2. The lack of ports means you have to add a dock or buy an adapter for extra connectivity
3. The laptop is very slow and buggy to use, even on normal daily tasks
4. Even with 16 GB of RAM, the laptop struggles to open basic apps like folders and web browsers
5. Apps often don't launch properly, requiring a restart to work
6. The dock has too many useless ports, including an Ethernet port that's rarely used
7. The dock lacks USBC, instead using a headphone jack that defeats its purpose
8. It has four ancient USB-A ports, taking up valuable space and offering no advantage over newer USBC
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