The Microsoft Surface Laptop has established itself as one of the most elegant and versatile devices in the premium laptop market. Designed with aesthetics, portability, and seamless Windows integration in mind, it appeals to a wide variety of users, from students to professionals and creative individuals. Microsoft’s decision to focus on the Surface Laptop’s sleek design, lightweight build, and high-quality display makes it a competitive choice for those looking for a laptop that offers both style and performance.
Launched as part of the Surface family, the laptop is available in several configurations, offering users flexibility in terms of performance levels and pricing. The combination of an attractive design, strong build quality, and impressive battery life makes it a popular choice for people who are always on the go. Moreover, the laptop integrates well with other Microsoft products and services, making it ideal for those who work within the Windows ecosystem.
However, despite its many strengths, the Surface Laptop is not without its drawbacks. From a relatively limited selection of ports to non-upgradeable components, it has certain limitations that may be deal-breakers for more tech-savvy users. Additionally, the lack of advanced customization options and high price point are factors to consider before making a purchase.
In this article, we will dive into 13 key pros and 10 cons of the Microsoft Surface Laptop, offering a comprehensive analysis to help you decide whether this device is the right fit for your needs.
Pros Of Microsoft Surface Laptop
1. Sleek And Premium Design
The Microsoft Surface Laptop is known for its elegant, minimalist design that appeals to both professionals and casual users. Its aluminum casing not only looks sleek but also adds durability to the laptop. The clean, simple lines give it a premium aesthetic that is both modern and timeless. Available in a variety of colors like Platinum, Matte Black, and Cobalt Blue, it offers users a chance to personalize their devices according to their style preferences.
Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, making it ideal for people who need a portable, stylish device for work, study, or leisure.
2. High-Quality Display
The Surface Laptop features a high-resolution PixelSense display that delivers vibrant colors and sharp details. With a resolution of 2256 x 1504 or higher, depending on the model, it offers stunning visual clarity, making it ideal for watching videos, editing photos, or working on detailed documents. The 3:2 aspect ratio is particularly beneficial for productivity tasks, as it gives more vertical space for documents, web browsing, and coding.
The touchscreen feature adds to the versatility of the display, allowing users to interact with the laptop in more intuitive ways, whether through touch gestures or with a stylus.
3. Touchscreen And Pen Support
The Microsoft Surface Laptop comes with a responsive touchscreen that supports the Surface Pen, making it a great option for artists, designers, and anyone who likes to use their laptop for creative tasks. The Surface Pen (sold separately) allows users to draw, write, or take notes directly on the screen, providing a seamless experience for digital sketching, design work, or annotating documents.
This feature sets the Surface Laptop apart from many other laptops that do not offer such interactive functionality, making it a versatile tool for a variety of tasks.
4. Excellent Build Quality
The Surface Laptop is known for its high-quality build, which feels both sturdy and premium. The aluminum body gives the device a robust feel without adding too much weight. The attention to detail in the construction is evident, with tight seams, a solid hinge, and a keyboard deck that feels durable. The Alcantara fabric on some models adds an extra touch of luxury, giving users a soft, comfortable surface to rest their hands on while typing.
This level of craftsmanship ensures that the Surface Laptop not only looks good but is also built to last, making it a solid long-term investment.
5. Great Battery Life
The Surface Laptop is designed to last through a full day of work or study without needing to be plugged in. With a battery life that can last up to 11-14.5 hours, depending on usage, it provides users with the flexibility to work from anywhere without constantly worrying about finding an outlet. Whether you’re attending meetings, traveling, or studying, the Surface Laptop’s battery life ensures that it can keep up with your needs.
The long battery life is particularly advantageous for students and professionals who need a reliable device for long working hours without interruptions.
6. Seamless Windows Integration
As a Microsoft product, the Surface Laptop offers seamless integration with the Windows operating system, which leads to a smooth, efficient user experience. The hardware and software work in harmony, optimizing the performance of Windows 10 or Windows 11. Features like Windows Hello allow users to log in quickly and securely using facial recognition, while other Windows-specific tools like OneDrive and Microsoft Office are deeply integrated into the system.
For users who rely heavily on Microsoft’s suite of products and services, the Surface Laptop provides a cohesive, well-optimized experience.
7. Impressive Performance
With options for Intel Core i5, i7, and AMD Ryzen processors, the Surface Laptop offers impressive performance for a range of tasks. Whether you’re working on multiple applications simultaneously, editing photos or videos, or browsing the web, the Surface Laptop handles everyday tasks with ease. The higher-end models, in particular, provide the power needed for more intensive tasks like graphic design, video editing, and programming.
The performance capabilities make the Surface Laptop suitable for both light users and power users who need a reliable, fast machine for their work.
8. Fast SSD Storage
The Surface Laptop uses SSD storage, which significantly improves the overall speed of the device. SSDs provide faster boot times, quicker file transfers, and reduced loading times for applications. The absence of moving parts in an SSD also means that the device runs more quietly and is less prone to mechanical failure compared to traditional hard drives.
For users who value fast performance and reliable storage, the SSD in the Surface Laptop is a strong advantage, particularly when working with large files or resource-heavy applications.
9. Quiet Operation
One of the less discussed benefits of the Surface Laptop is its quiet operation. Thanks to its efficient thermal management and fanless cooling in certain models, the laptop runs silently during regular use. This is especially beneficial for users working in quiet environments like libraries, offices, or study areas where noisy fans can be a distraction.
Even when handling more demanding tasks, the laptop’s noise levels remain low, providing a peaceful working experience.
10. Lightweight And Highly Portable
Weighing between 2.8 and 3.4 pounds, the Surface Laptop is extremely portable. Its slim and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re heading to a meeting, a lecture, or traveling for business. Despite its portability, the laptop doesn’t compromise on build quality, offering users the best of both worlds—a durable yet portable device.
For professionals or students who need to carry their laptop throughout the day, the Surface Laptop’s portability is a major plus.
11. High-Quality Audio
The Surface Laptop is equipped with Omnisonic speakers, providing clear and immersive sound quality without the need for external speakers. The speakers are hidden under the keyboard, offering a sleek design while delivering good sound projection. Whether you’re watching movies, listening to music, or participating in video calls, the Surface Laptop’s audio performance is impressive for its size.
For users who frequently engage in video conferences or media consumption, the audio quality on the Surface Laptop enhances the overall experience.
12. Comfortable Typing Experience
The keyboard on the Surface Laptop is widely praised for its excellent typing experience. The keys offer a good amount of travel and tactile feedback, making them comfortable for long typing sessions. Whether you’re drafting documents, coding, or writing emails, the keyboard feels responsive and satisfying to use. The Alcantara fabric adds a level of comfort to the wrist area, which further enhances the typing experience.
For users who spend a lot of time typing, the Surface Laptop’s keyboard is one of the best in its category.
13. Security Features
The Surface Laptop includes several security features to protect your data and privacy. Windows Hello provides facial recognition for secure logins, eliminating the need for passwords. The laptop also supports BitLocker encryption, adding an extra layer of security for sensitive files. These features ensure that users can keep their data safe, whether they’re working on personal projects or handling confidential work documents.
In a time where digital security is critical, the Surface Laptop’s built-in security features are a valuable asset for users who prioritize privacy and protection.
Cons Of Microsoft Surface Laptop
1. Limited Port Selection
One of the most common complaints about the Surface Laptop is its limited selection of ports. It includes a USB-A port, a USB-C port (without Thunderbolt support), a Surface Connect port, and a headphone jack. However, the lack of an HDMI port, SD card reader, and Thunderbolt support can be limiting for users who need extensive connectivity options. As a result, users may need to rely on external adapters or dongles to connect multiple devices.
For those who frequently connect external monitors, cameras, or storage devices, the limited port selection can be a frustrating limitation.
2. No Dedicated Graphics Card In Most Models
While the Surface Laptop offers solid overall performance, most models lack a dedicated graphics card, which limits the device’s capabilities when handling graphically intensive tasks such as gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing. The integrated Intel or AMD graphics are suitable for everyday use, but users requiring high-end graphical performance may find the Surface Laptop lacking.
For professionals in creative fields who need powerful graphics performance, the lack of a dedicated GPU may be a dealbreaker.
3. High Price Point
The Surface Laptop is a premium product, and its pricing reflects that. While the base model may be affordable for some, higher-end configurations with more powerful processors, additional RAM, and larger SSDs can become quite expensive. In comparison to other laptops in its class, some users may find the Surface Laptop to be priced higher without offering significantly more features.
For budget-conscious buyers, the high price point may be a deterrent, especially when considering other options in the market that offer better value for money.
4. Non-Upgradeable Components
One of the major downsides of the Surface Laptop is the lack of upgradeability. Unlike other laptops where users can easily upgrade components like RAM or storage, the Surface Laptop’s internal components are sealed and cannot be modified after purchase. This limits the device’s lifespan, particularly for users who may need more RAM or storage as their needs evolve over time.
For users who prefer the flexibility of upgrading their laptop components in the future, the Surface Laptop’s non-upgradeable design is a significant drawback.
5. No Thunderbolt 3/4 Support
Despite its modern design and premium pricing, the Surface Laptop does not offer Thunderbolt 3 or 4 support. Thunderbolt technology allows for faster data transfer speeds, higher-resolution display output, and better compatibility with external devices like eGPUs or docking stations. Its absence in the Surface Laptop can be a dealbreaker for users who rely on Thunderbolt for their workflows.
For professionals who need high-speed data transfers or advanced connectivity, the lack of Thunderbolt support is a notable limitation.
6. Limited Customization Options
Unlike other laptops in the premium market, the Surface Laptop offers limited customization options when purchasing. While users can choose between different processor, RAM, and storage configurations, there are fewer options for customizing the device’s overall build, such as keyboard layouts or port configurations. This lack of flexibility means that users may need to compromise on certain features when selecting their preferred model.
For users who want a more personalized device with specific configurations, the limited customization options of the Surface Laptop may be disappointing.
7. Surface Pen Sold Separately
While the Surface Laptop is compatible with the Surface Pen, the pen is not included with the laptop purchase, which adds to the overall cost. Given the premium price of the device, some users may feel that the pen should be included in the package, especially since touch and pen input are key selling points of the Surface Laptop.
For those who need the Surface Pen for creative tasks or note-taking, the additional cost can be frustrating.
8. Fabric Keyboard Prone To Staining
The Alcantara fabric surrounding the keyboard, while soft and luxurious, is prone to staining and wear over time. Users who frequently eat or drink near their laptop may find that the fabric picks up stains more easily than traditional plastic or metal surfaces. Maintaining the appearance of the keyboard may require extra care, and cleaning the fabric can be difficult.
For users concerned with the longevity of the keyboard’s appearance, the fabric material may be a downside.
9. Limited Repairability
Due to its sealed design and lack of upgradeability, the Surface Laptop is difficult to repair. If any internal components, such as the battery or screen, malfunction, users often need to send the laptop to Microsoft for repair. This can be costly and time-consuming, especially if the device is out of warranty.
For users who prioritize repairability and long-term use, the Surface Laptop’s limited serviceability may be a significant drawback.
10. Not Ideal For Gaming
While the Surface Laptop is capable of handling general tasks and some light gaming, it is not designed for high-end gaming experiences. The lack of a dedicated GPU in most models limits the laptop’s ability to run graphically demanding games or applications at high settings. For serious gamers, other laptops with better graphics capabilities would be a more suitable option.
If gaming is a priority, the Surface Laptop may not be the best choice for users looking for optimal performance.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Surface Laptop offers a blend of style, performance, and portability, making it an attractive choice for students, professionals, and casual users alike. Its premium design, high-quality display, and strong integration with Windows make it a reliable and elegant option for everyday use. With great battery life, a comfortable typing experience, and solid overall performance, the Surface Laptop excels in many areas that users value.
However, it is essential to recognize its limitations, such as the lack of ports, non-upgradeable components, and relatively high price point. Additionally, users who require advanced customization or high-end graphics performance may find the Surface Laptop lacking in these aspects.
Ultimately, whether the Surface Laptop is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision about whether this device aligns with your work, study, or personal requirements.