Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 review
The Microsoft Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 ranks as the #189 laptops globally, achieving a LibraScore of 78. Across all metrics, this product stands out most for its #154-ranked performance among 644 laptops. Consider the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 or Lenovo ThinkPad P16v Gen 2, which offer higher scores while staying in the same price range.
Is it Worth it?
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is an impressive device with exceptional performance, but its hefty price tag may deter some buyers. With a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX A5500 GPU, it's perfect for graphics designers, video editors, and gamers. However, battery life is disappointing, lasting only around 5-6 hours in typical use. The device's weight and size also make it less portable than other options. Ultimately, the decision to buy this laptop comes down to one's budget and specific needs. For those willing to splurge on top-tier performance, the Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a solid choice.
Build
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2's build is a highlight of the device. The aluminum and magnesium alloy chassis exudes a premium feel, with a sleek and sturdy design that inspires confidence. Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it's remarkably portable without sacrificing durability. The laptop's dimensions are well-balanced, making it easy to use on a lap or at a desk. Overall, the build quality is exceptional, reflecting Microsoft's commitment to crafting devices that feel as solid as they perform. You might want to check out Microsoft Surface Book 3, featuring an upgraded build for a superior experience.
Display
The display on the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a mixed bag. While it's bright and vibrant, it falls short in some key areas. The resolution is decent at 1920x1200, but the OLED option is noticeably better. However, the lack of an OLED standard across all models is disappointing. The screen also struggles with brightness outdoors, making it difficult to use in direct sunlight. Additionally, the webcam's 1080p resolution and 30fps frame rate are not impressive. Overall, while the display is adequate, it doesn't quite live up to expectations for a premium laptop like this. Take a look at Microsoft Surface Book 3 - its improved display sets a new standard.
Performance
The performance of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is its strong suit. Equipped with a 4060 GPU, it delivers excellent results in video editing and gaming. The laptop handled demanding tasks with ease, making it an ideal choice for graphic designers and content creators. However, its battery life suffered as a result, lasting only 5-6 hours in my tests. This may be a concern for those who need all-day battery life, but the Surface Laptop Studio 2's performance makes up for it. The Intel CPU provides solid processing power, and the laptop's overall performance is on par with other high-end Windows laptops. If you're after top-notch performance, consider Microsoft Surface Laptop 6.
Battery and Charging
The battery life is disappointing, lasting around 5-6 hours in full-screen video tests. Light use for photo and video work yielded similar results, which is underwhelming considering the price point. A MacBook Pro 14 can easily last twice as long, making it a notable drawback in an otherwise capable device. The charging time is not mentioned, but it's likely to be typical of laptops in this class.
Connectivity
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts a robust connectivity setup, featuring Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.0. Two USB-A ports, an SD card reader, and a headphone jack are included, while the USB-C port supports Power Delivery and DisplayPort. A 3.5mm combo audio jack is also present. Give Microsoft Surface Laptop 6 a try—it’s designed to provide an unparalleled connectivity.
Features
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 boasts a sleek design, featuring a large touchscreen display that doubles as a drawing canvas. It also includes a high-performance Intel CPU, a 4060 GPU for gaming and video editing, and up to 32GB of RAM. The laptop runs on Windows 11, with AI-powered co-pilot features like Microsoft Co-Pilot, which streamlines tasks through natural speech. Get your hands on Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 if you're looking for better features.
Support and Maintenance
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 excels in performance and features, but its battery life falls short, lasting around 5-6 hours in testing. Additionally, the webcam's quality is average, with some background distortion. Overall, it's a powerful device that requires regular maintenance to keep running smoothly.
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