Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024 Laptop Review

AI-Powered Performance in a Sleek Package

Published March 27, 2024 at 10:00 AM
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The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) marks a significant leap forward in the world of Windows laptops, introducing the era of AI-powered computing. This sleek device combines the familiar Surface design with cutting-edge technology, featuring the Snapdragon X Plus processor and Windows 11 with Copilot+ integration. The result is a powerful, versatile machine that promises to transform how users interact with their computers. Building on the success of its predecessors, the Surface Laptop (2024) boasts a stunning 13.8-inch touchscreen display, up to 20 hours of battery life, and a range of AI-enhanced features. From real-time language translation to advanced video call enhancements, this laptop is designed to boost productivity and creativity. However, potential buyers should be aware of the limited port selection and possible app compatibility issues due to the ARM-based processor.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Verdict

Pros

  • Exceptional performance with Snapdragon X Plus processor
  • Impressive battery life up to 20 hours
  • Sleek design with premium build quality
  • Vibrant 13.8-inch touchscreen display
  • Advanced AI capabilities with Windows 11 Copilot+

Cons

  • Limited port selection
  • Potential app compatibility issues with ARM processor
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) emerges as a formidable contender in the ultraportable laptop market, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and innovation. At its core, the Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, outpacing many competitors and even challenging the renowned MacBook Air M3 in certain benchmarks. This powerhouse performance, coupled with an impressive battery life of up to 20 hours, positions the Surface Laptop as an ideal companion for professionals and creatives on the go.

The laptop’s sleek aesthetics and premium build quality continue Microsoft’s tradition of excellence in hardware design. The 13.8-inch touchscreen display, with its vibrant colors and high resolution, provides an immersive visual experience for both work and entertainment. Windows 11 with Copilot+ integration introduces advanced AI capabilities, enhancing productivity and user interaction in innovative ways.

However, the Surface Laptop (2024) is not without its drawbacks. The limited port selection may necessitate the use of adapters for some users, and the ARM-based processor, while powerful, may face compatibility issues with certain legacy applications. Additionally, the higher price point compared to some competitors might give budget-conscious consumers pause.

Despite these considerations, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) stands out as a top-tier option for those seeking a premium, high-performance ultraportable. Its combination of cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and all-day battery life makes it a worthy investment for professionals, creatives, and tech enthusiasts alike. While not perfect, it represents a significant step forward in Microsoft’s laptop lineup and sets a new standard for what users can expect from a Windows-based ultraportable in 2024.

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Color Model Number
Platinum ZGJ-00001
Snapdragon X Elite (12 core) ZHG-00001
32GB ZGQ-00001
512GB ZGM-00001
1TB ZXX-00001
Black ZGM-00037
Dune ZGM-00026
Sapphire ZGM-00062

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Differences Between Variants

Pros

  • Available in multiple colors
  • Two processor options
  • Various storage capacities
  • Different screen sizes available
  • RAM options up to 64GB

Cons

  • Limited color options for 15-inch model
  • Higher-end configurations can be costly

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) offers a range of configurations to suit different needs. It comes in two screen sizes: 13.8-inch and 15-inch, with the smaller model available in Sapphire, Dune, Black, and Platinum colors, while the 15-inch version is limited to Black and Platinum. Processor options include the Snapdragon X Plus (10 core) and the more powerful Snapdragon X Elite (12 core). Memory configurations range from 16GB to 64GB of LPDDR5x RAM, with storage options of 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB SSD. Both models feature high-resolution PixelSense Flow displays with dynamic refresh rates up to 120Hz, offering vibrant visuals and touch functionality.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Compared To Other Laptops

Pros

  • Exceptional AI capabilities with Copilot+
  • Faster performance than MacBook Air M3
  • Long battery life up to 20 hours
  • Versatile touchscreen functionality

Cons

  • Limited port selection compared to competitors
  • Potential app compatibility issues with ARM processor

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) stands out in the competitive laptop market with its innovative AI features and impressive performance. Compared to its main rival, the MacBook Air M3, the Surface Laptop boasts faster processing speeds, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. This advantage, coupled with its Copilot+ AI capabilities, positions it as a frontrunner for users seeking advanced productivity tools and seamless integration with AI applications.

However, when compared to other Windows laptops like the Dell XPS 13 Plus or the HP Spectre x360, the Surface Laptop (2024) faces some challenges. While it excels in battery life, offering up to 20 hours of usage, it falls short in port selection, potentially requiring users to rely more on adapters. Additionally, its ARM-based Snapdragon processor, while efficient, may face compatibility issues with some legacy Windows applications, a concern not present in Intel or AMD-based competitors.

ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED
Core Ultra 7 i7-1355U
The ASUS ZenBook S 13 OLED boasts a vibrant OLED display and Intel processors. It's ultra-lightweight and offers good performance. The Surface Laptop 2024 counters with its Snapdragon processor, potentially better battery life, and more integrated AI capabilities with Copilot+.
Lenovo Yoga 9i
16GB RAM|1TB SSD 16GB RAM|2TB SSD Win 11 Pro
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a 2-in-1 convertible, offering more versatility than the Surface Laptop 2024. It typically comes with Intel processors and has a robust audio system. However, the Surface Laptop 2024 may have an edge in battery life and AI capabilities with its Snapdragon processor.
Apple MacBook Air M3
Midnight
The MacBook Air M3 offers similar performance but with macOS. It has a slightly smaller 13.6-inch display and lacks touchscreen functionality. The Surface Laptop 2024 edges out in AI capabilities with Copilot+ integration, while the MacBook excels in app ecosystem and battery efficiency.
HP Spectre x360
16GB RAM | 1TB SSD 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD 32GB RAM | 2TB SSD 64GB RAM | 1TB SSD Laptop
The HP Spectre x360 is another 2-in-1 competitor with Intel processors. It offers a stylish design and good performance. The Surface Laptop 2024 differentiates itself with the ARM-based Snapdragon processor, potentially offering better battery life and more advanced AI features.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Design and Build Quality

Pros

  • Premium aluminum construction
  • Sleek and lightweight design
  • Vibrant color options
  • Improved thin bezels
  • Durable build quality

Cons

  • Limited port selection
  • No significant design changes from previous models

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) continues the tradition of elegant design and premium build quality that the Surface line is known for. Crafted from durable aluminum, the laptop exudes a sense of sophistication and sturdiness. The sleek profile and lightweight construction make it highly portable, appealing to professionals and students alike who value both style and functionality.

One notable improvement in this iteration is the thinner bezels surrounding the 13.8-inch touchscreen display. This design enhancement not only gives the laptop a more modern appearance but also maximizes the screen real estate without increasing the overall footprint. The Surface Laptop (2024) is available in a range of attractive colors, including Platinum, Black, Sapphire, and Dune, allowing users to choose a device that matches their personal style.

While the overall design remains largely unchanged from previous models, which may disappoint those hoping for a radical redesign, the familiar aesthetic still feels fresh and contemporary. The build quality is exceptional, with no flex in the chassis and a smooth hinge mechanism that allows for easy one-handed opening. However, the port selection remains limited, which might be a drawback for users who require extensive connectivity options without relying on adapters.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Display and Audio

Pros

  • Vibrant 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow display
  • Dynamic refresh rate up to 120Hz
  • Bright HDR technology
  • Clear and loud speakers

Cons

  • Reflective glossy screen surface
  • Limited bass in audio output

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) boasts a stunning 13.8-inch PixelSense Flow display that delivers crisp visuals and vibrant colors. With a resolution of 2304 x 1536 pixels, the screen offers excellent sharpness and detail. The dynamic refresh rate, which can reach up to 120Hz, provides smooth motion and enhanced responsiveness, particularly noticeable when scrolling or during fast-paced content.

One of the standout features is the bright HDR technology, which enhances contrast and color depth, making content more immersive. The 3:2 aspect ratio provides more vertical space, benefiting productivity tasks like document editing and web browsing. However, the glossy screen surface, while enhancing color vibrancy, can be quite reflective in bright environments, potentially causing some visibility issues.

Audio performance on the Surface Laptop (2024) is impressive for its slim profile. The speakers get remarkably loud with minimal distortion at high volumes. They produce clear and natural sound, making them suitable for video calls, music playback, and casual movie watching. However, like many laptop speakers, they lack significant bass response, which may disappoint audiophiles or those seeking a more full-bodied audio experience.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Performance and Battery Life

Pros

  • Exceptional performance with Snapdragon X Plus processor
  • Up to 20 hours of battery life for all-day use
  • Fast charging capability
  • Smooth multitasking and AI-enhanced productivity

Cons

  • Potential app compatibility issues with ARM processor
  • Real-world battery life may vary based on usage

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) showcases impressive performance with its Snapdragon X Plus processor. This ARM-based chip delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, outpacing many competitors in both single and multi-core tasks. Users can expect smooth multitasking, quick app launches, and seamless productivity, especially when using native ARM applications.

Battery life is a standout feature, with Microsoft claiming up to 20 hours of use on a single charge. While real-world usage may vary, many users report getting through a full workday with power to spare. The laptop also supports fast charging, allowing for quick top-ups when needed.

However, it’s worth noting that the ARM architecture may lead to compatibility issues with some legacy Windows applications. While Microsoft has made strides in emulation technology, users heavily reliant on specific x86 software should verify compatibility before purchasing. Despite this limitation, the Surface Laptop (2024) excels in AI-enhanced productivity tasks, leveraging its powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for features like real-time translation and advanced video call enhancements.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Copilot+ Features and AI Integration

Pros

  • Advanced AI capabilities with Copilot+
  • Real-time language translation for video calls
  • AI-powered image and art generation
  • Enhanced video call features with Windows Studio Effects

Cons

  • Some AI features require future updates
  • Potential privacy concerns with AI integration

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) introduces a new era of AI-powered computing with its Copilot+ features. This integration of artificial intelligence aims to enhance productivity and creativity across various tasks. One standout feature is the ability to generate real-time subtitles in 44 languages during video calls or streaming, breaking down language barriers in communication.

Copilot+ also brings advanced video call enhancements through Windows Studio Effects. Users can improve lighting, cancel background noise, and blur distractions, ensuring professional-quality video conferences. The AI capabilities extend to creative tasks as well, with the Cocreator feature allowing users to generate art from text or image prompts, opening up new possibilities for digital content creation.

While the AI integration is impressive, it’s worth noting that some features, like Recall, which allows users to retrieve documents, emails, or web pages through an explorable timeline of PC history, are still upcoming and will be available through future updates. Additionally, as with any AI-powered system, there may be privacy considerations that users should be aware of when utilizing these advanced features.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Connectivity and Ports

Pros

  • Two USB-C ports with USB4/Thunderbolt 4 support
  • Versatile Surface Connect port for charging and docking
  • Includes a USB-A 3.1 port for legacy devices
  • 3.5 mm headphone jack for audio connectivity

Cons

  • Limited number of ports compared to some competitors
  • No built-in HDMI or SD card reader

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) offers a modest but versatile selection of ports to cater to various connectivity needs. On the left side, users will find two USB-C ports with USB4 and Thunderbolt 4 support, enabling high-speed data transfer, charging, and external display connections. These ports allow for connecting to a wide range of modern peripherals and can support up to two 4K displays when used with the Surface Thunderbolt 4 Dock.

Complementing the USB-C ports, the laptop retains a USB-A 3.1 port, which is crucial for compatibility with older devices and peripherals. This thoughtful inclusion ensures users can still connect their legacy hardware without the need for adapters. Additionally, the device features a 3.5 mm headphone jack, catering to those who prefer wired audio solutions.

On the right side, the Surface Laptop (2024) includes the proprietary Surface Connect port. This versatile port supports fast charging and can be used with Microsoft’s Surface Dock for expanded connectivity options. While the port selection is adequate for most users, some may find it limited compared to competitors offering more extensive I/O options. Notably absent are a built-in HDMI port and SD card reader, which could be inconvenient for certain professionals or content creators.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 2024: Conclusion

The Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) emerges as a compelling option in the ultraportable market, blending cutting-edge AI capabilities with impressive performance. Its Snapdragon X Plus processor delivers exceptional speed and efficiency, rivaling and even surpassing competitors in certain benchmarks. The integration of Copilot+ AI features sets this laptop apart, offering advanced productivity tools and seamless AI application support.

While the Surface Laptop (2024) excels in many areas, including its stunning display, premium build quality, and remarkable battery life, potential buyers should consider the limitations of its ARM-based architecture. App compatibility may be a concern for users relying on specific legacy software. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024) stands as a strong contender for professionals and creatives seeking a powerful, AI-enhanced computing experience in a sleek, portable package.

                                 

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